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Hungary National Card
A separate type of Hungarian residence permit for employment or for work in your own company. It is not open to everyone, so we first check whether you are eligible and then handle the application.
Since 2024 Hungary has had a new law on the entry and stay of foreigners. It introduced several types of residence permits, and the Hungary National Card is one of them. It is not tied to remote work like the White Card, and it does not require an investment like the Guest Investor Program. The card is issued for work under an employment contract, or to a company owner or manager who works in the company personally, for up to 2 years, with each renewal for up to 3 years. Only citizens of countries on the Hungarian government's list can get it.
We start with a check: whether you meet the card's conditions and whether a more convenient basis exists for your situation. If you qualify, we collect the documents, arrange translations, file the application and support you until the card is issued. If you don't, we suggest another route to Hungary: through a company, employment, an EU Blue Card or the White Card.
Who it is for
- Citizens of countries on the Hungarian government's list who want to work in Hungary as employees or run their own company there
- People planning to live in Hungary and work or do business there
- Families who need to understand who can move and on what basis
- People comparing several bases for Hungarian residence and choosing the right one
Requirements
- Citizenship of a country on the Hungarian government's list
- Work under an employment contract in Hungary, or a role as an owner or manager who works in the company
- Funds to live on
- Housing in Hungary and health insurance
- A passport with enough remaining validity
- No bans on entering the Schengen Area
What we do
- Check whether you meet the conditions of the National Card
- Compare it with other bases and tell you honestly what works better in your case
- Draw up a document list for your situation
- Arrange translations, certification and certificates
- Prepare and file the application and answer requests from the immigration office
- Support you through collecting the card and registering your address
Key documents
- Passport
- Application form in the immigration office's format
- Documents confirming the purpose of your stay
- Proof of funds to live on
- Lease agreement or ownership documents for housing in Hungary
- Health insurance policy
- Marriage and birth certificates, if your family is involved
How it works
- Eligibility checkwe look at your citizenship, the purpose of your stay and your situation
- Choosing the basisif the card does not fit, we suggest another route to Hungary
- Documentscertificates, translations, certification, housing and insurance
- Filingthe application to the Hungarian immigration office
- Decision and cardthe review usually takes at least several weeks, then you collect the card
Timeline
The review usually takes at least several weeks, plus time to collect certificates and translations; timing depends on the immigration office's workload.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- If your country is not on the government's list, the card is not available and another basis is needed
- Hungary's immigration rules changed recently and are still being clarified
- A vague description of what you will do in Hungary is a common cause of questions and refusals
- Translations with errors in names and dates send the file back for corrections
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $6,700. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
What is the Hungary National Card?
It is a type of residence permit under Hungary's law on foreigners, in force since 2024. The card is issued for paid employment, or to a company owner or manager who works in the company personally. It is valid for up to 2 years, and each renewal is for up to 3 years. Its conditions differ from those of the White Card, company-based residence and the golden visa.
Which citizens can get the National Card?
Only citizens of countries on the Hungarian government's list. Since 9 July 2024 the list has included 8 countries, among them Russia and Belarus. If your country is not on the list, we will suggest another basis: a company, employment, an EU Blue Card or the White Card. In every case we start by checking the purpose of your stay and your documents.
How is the National Card different from the White Card?
The White Card is issued to people who work remotely for a foreign company, and it does not lead to permanent residence. The National Card is a different basis with different conditions. Which one is better for you depends on your citizenship, your work and your plans. We compare the options during the consultation.
Can the whole family get cards?
Whether your family can move depends on the basis and your status. Sometimes relatives apply together with the main applicant, sometimes later through family reunification. Each family member needs their own documents: marriage and birth certificates, insurance and proof of funds.
How long does the process take?
Timing depends on the immigration office's workload and how complete your documents are. The review usually takes at least several weeks, plus the time needed to collect certificates and translations. We can be more precise after checking your case. Nobody can promise a specific decision date, because the authority sets it.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Related programs
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
