Expert Hungarian Business Immigration Services
Hungarian Business Residence Permits Made Simple
We help international founders, executives and skilled professionals live and work in Hungary, and help businesses bring their people to Budapest. From residence permits for business owners and the EU Blue Card to intra-corporate transfers and the Guest Investor Programme, we support you from company setup and documents through to your residence card, working with Hungarian immigration lawyers at every step.
01
Residence Permit for Business Owners (Guest Self-Employed)
For non-EU founders who will run their own business in Hungary, typically as owner and managing director of a Hungarian Kft. We set up the company and prepare the business plan, proof of funds and accommodation evidence for the application. Family members can join after the first year. Time spent on this permit does not currently lead to permanent residence, so we look at whether another route suits you better in the long term.
02
Hungarian Card and Employment Residence Permits
For qualified professionals employed in Hungary, including by your own Hungarian company. The Hungarian Card is for highly qualified workers in listed fields such as IT, engineering and the natural sciences. It is issued for up to 3 years, can be extended repeatedly, allows family reunification and can lead to a National Residence Card after 3 years.
03
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permits
For international groups sending managers, specialists and trainees to a Hungarian subsidiary or branch, under the EU Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive. Applicants need a period of prior employment with the group, and the permit is time-limited. We also advise on posted workers and short business visits.
04
Employer Immigration Compliance
Hungary has no sponsor licence system, but employers carry real obligations. We support Hungarian employers with permit applications through the Enter Hungary online portal, employment contracts meeting immigration requirements, employee registration with NAV, notifying the authorities of changes, and internal compliance checks.
05
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified professionals with a recognised higher education degree and a job offer meeting the annual salary threshold (around HUF 1 million gross a month in 2026, lower for shortage occupations [verify]). Issued for 2 to 4 years and renewable, with family reunification, the freedom to change employer after 12 months, mobility within the EU, and a route to a National Residence Card after 3 years.
specialization
Guiding founders, executives and businesses through Hungarian immigration
We combine immigration support with business advice, so one team handles your residence permit, your Hungarian company and its ongoing compliance. Because most business routes depend on a properly set up and trading Hungarian company, getting both right together saves time and reduces the risk of refusal.
- Choosing the right permit for your long-term plans
- Employer immigration compliance
- End-to-end company setup in Hungary
This page is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Hungarian immigration rules change often, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Legal representation in immigration matters is provided by our partner Hungarian attorneys.
Why Choose Us
Industry Expertise
Experience across sectors, so we understand what each business and role needs to support a strong application.
Tailored Solutions
Immigration and business plans built around your goals, your family and your timeline in Hungary.
Global Investor Network
Connections with investors, lenders and partners in Hungary, Central and Eastern Europe, the UK, Ireland and beyond.
End-to-End Support
From company formation and your residence permit to banking, accounting and settling in Budapest.
Trusted by Businesses Across Three Continents
From startups to multinationals, we have helped clients in Hungary, the UK, Ireland, the EU, North America and beyond set up, relocate and stay compliant.
- 18+ Years Experience
- 30+ Satisfied Clients
- 25+ Expert Team
- 4 International offices
- Glasgow
- London
- Dublin
- Budapest
Non-EU founders usually apply for a residence permit as a business owner (guest self-employed) to run their own Hungarian company. You will need a registered and properly set up Hungarian company, a credible business plan, proof of funds and accommodation. If you have a qualifying degree and will be employed by your company, the Hungarian Card or EU Blue Card may offer a better long-term route.
Yes, in principle. Your Hungarian company can employ you as managing director or in another role, and you can apply for an employment-based permit, the Hungarian Card or the EU Blue Card if you meet the qualification and salary requirements. The authorities will look at whether the company and the role are genuine.
Through an intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permit for managers, specialists and trainees who have already worked for the group, or through an EU Blue Card or Hungarian Card for longer-term hires. Short business visits of up to 90 days in any 180 do not need a permit, but they cannot involve productive work.
No. Hungary stopped accepting new guest worker residence permit applications from 6 June 2026. Existing permits remain valid until they expire and can be renewed, and applications filed by 5 June 2026 are processed under the old rules. A wider review of the rules for non-EU workers is underway.
The minimum gross salary is set each year. For 2026 it is around HUF 1 million a month, with a lower threshold for shortage occupations [verify current figures]. You also need a recognised higher education degree and a job offer of at least one year.
On most business routes, yes. Holders of the EU Blue Card, Hungarian Card and Guest Investor permit can bring their spouse and minor children. On the business owner (guest self-employed) permit, family reunification is possible after one year. White Card holders and guest workers cannot bring family on their permit.
Company setup usually takes one to five working days. Residence permit decisions usually take several weeks, depending on the route and the authority’s workload, and you then need an entry visa (if required) and your residence card. We give you a tailored timeline at the first consultation. [Add typical timelines from your recent cases.]
Yes, on qualifying routes. After 3 years of legal residence you can apply for a National Residence Card, and after 5 years for an EU long-term residence permit, provided you meet income, accommodation and other requirements and pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge exam. Time spent on some permits, such as guest worker and guest self-employed permits, does not count.
Timelines vary by route. Sponsor licence: 8 weeks. Innovator Founder endorsement: 4-12 weeks depending on the body. Visa decisions: 3-8 weeks. We’ll map out a realistic timeline for your specific case in the initial consultation.
Monday - Thursday : 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
