Hungarian Card: Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits

What is the Hungarian Card?

The Hungarian Card offers several benefits to eligible third-country nationals, allowing them to reside and work in Hungary legally. It is especially beneficial for individuals who aim to pursue professional work, establish a business, or take on roles within certain industries like sports, performing arts, or film production. Specifically, the card provides a residence permit to those who:

• Work under an employment contract with a Hungarian employer.
• Serve as an owner or managing director of a business in Hungary.
• Hold higher professional qualifications and work in specialized fields such as professional sports, performing arts, or film production.

The Hungarian Card allows holders to reside in Hungary for up to three years, with the possibility of extension, making it an attractive option for professionals who are not citizens of the European Economic Area but wish to contribute to Hungary's economy. Additionally, it simplifies the process of applying for a visa and residence permit, enabling seamless legal stay for professionals and business owners.

Who is Eligible for the Hungarian Card?

The Hungarian Card can be obtained by third-country nationals under the following conditions:

Individuals who are employed in Hungary, meaning they perform actual work for another party or under the direction of another party in exchange for compensation.

Owners of business entities, cooperatives, or other legal entities established for income-generating purposes, who also work as executive officers.

In addition, based on the Statement from the Minister Responsible for Culture and Innovation the qualifications must fall into one of the following categories:

• Information technology, engineering, or natural sciences, as defined in Annexes 2 and 3 of Decree 65/2021 (XII. 29.) of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology on the List of Qualifications Available in Higher Education and the Establishment of New Programs;
• Teacher of music or teacher of folk music and folk culture; or
• Teacher of music in the field of musical arts.

Furthermore, the following specific categories may also be eligible for the Hungarian Card:

• Professional athletes or coaches,
• Performing artists,
• Those who work for film production companies or as film producers registered under the Hungarian film law.

What Are The Degrees That Fall Into the Information Technology, Engineering, or Natural Sciences Categories?

The degrees that fall into the Information Technology, Engineering, or Natural Sciences categories are as follows, listed under their respective fields:

Information Technology (Informatika)

• Business Informatics: Business Informatics Engineer
• Computer Science Engineering: Computer Science Engineer
• Computer Science (Programtervező Informatikus): Computer Scientist
• Computer Science Operational Engineering: Computer Science Operational Engineer
• Autonomous Systems: Computer Scientist for Autonomous Systems
• Data Science: Data Scientist

Engineering (Műszaki)

• Materials Engineering: Materials Engineer
• Biochemical Engineering: Biochemical Engineer
• Safety and Security Engineering: Safety and Security Engineer
• Energy Engineering: Energy Engineer
• Architectural Engineering: Architectural Engineer
• Civil Engineering: Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineer
• Vehicle Engineering: Vehicle Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineering: Mechatronics Engineer
• Cyber Security Engineering: Cyber Security Engineer
• Environmental Engineering: Environmental Engineer
• Logistics Engineering: Logistics Engineer
• Fire Safety Engineering: Fire Safety Engineer
• Electrical Engineering: Electrical Engineer
• Earth Sciences Engineering: Earth Sciences Engineer

Natural Sciences (Természettudomány)

• Biology: Biologist
• Biotechnology: Biotechnologist
• Physics: Physicist
• Geography: Geographer
• Geology: Geologist
• Chemistry: Chemist
• Environmental Science: Environmental Scientist
• Mathematics: Mathematician
• Astronomy: Astronomer
• Hydrobiology: Hydrobiologist
• Molecular Biology: Molecular Biologist
• Geoinformatics: Expert in Geoinformatics
• Zoology: Zoology Researcher
• Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience: Computational and Cognitive Neuroscientist

Can Actors, Directors, and Filmmakers Apply?

Yes, actors, directors, filmmakers, and those involved in the film industry can apply for a Hungarian Card under specific conditions. The Hungarian Card may be granted to individuals who work for a filmmaker or a film production company that is registered with the competent authority for cinematography and operates under Hungary's Act on Motion Pictures. Additionally, the card can be issued to performers and individuals with higher professional qualifications who work in the Hungarian film industry. These provisions enable third-country nationals in creative professions to establish residency and legally work in Hungary within the film sector.

How to Apply for the Hungarian Card?

The application process for the Hungarian Card can be initiated either from abroad or within Hungary, depending on your current visa status (similar to the Digital Nomad Visa Program). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to submit your application:

1. Submitting the Application from Outside Hungary

If you are not eligible for visa-free travel to Hungary, you will need to submit your application from outside the country. The application must be filed at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in your home country or country of habitual residence. In some cases, other designated locations, such as honorary consuls or trade representations, may accept applications.

In exceptional cases, if there is no Hungarian consulate in your country of residence, you may be allowed to submit your application in a third country, provided you can justify the need for this arrangement.

2. Submitting the Application from Within Hungary

For those eligible for visa-free travel, or those already residing in Hungary on a different visa, applications can be submitted while you are legally residing in Hungary. This can be done either electronically through the Enter Hungary platform, or in person at the competent regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).

Applications submitted through the Enter Hungary platform are only valid if the administrative service fee has been paid and the applicant's biometric data (facial photograph and fingerprint) are recorded within 15 days.

3. Required Documents for Application

When applying for the Hungarian Card, several mandatory documents must be submitted, including:

• Proof of professional qualifications or a valid work contract.
• Documents verifying means of subsistence, such as bank statements or proof of income.
• Proof of legal accommodation in Hungary, such as a lease or ownership documents.
• Health insurance coverage documentation.

It's essential to ensure all documents are correctly completed and submitted to avoid delays in the processing of your application.

4. Processing Time and Receipt of Residence Permit

Once your application is submitted, the authorities will process it within 21 days, though additional time may be required if further documents are requested. If your application is approved, a residence permit will be issued and sent to the address indicated in your application.

By following these steps and preparing the required documentation, you can successfully apply for the Hungarian Card and take the next steps toward your residence in Hungary.

Why is Hungary a Good Place to Make Movies?

Hungary has become one of the most popular filming destinations in continental Europe, offering an unparalleled variety of locations and incentives for filmmakers. Budapest, the nation's capital, is known for its architectural versatility, where filmmakers can find everything from historical castles to sleek modern structures. This diversity allows the city to double for international locales such as Paris, Moscow, or Berlin, making it an ideal backdrop for a wide range of film genres.

In addition to its visual appeal, Hungary offers significant financial benefits for film productions. The Hungarian Film Incentive provides a 30% rebate on eligible production costs, which can be extended to 37.5% by incorporating non-Hungarian expenses. This makes Hungary not only a visually compelling but also a financially attractive destination for filmmakers.

Certain banks may help companies pre-finance state subsidies and VAT.

Conclusion

The Hungarian Card is a residence permit designed for third-country nationals who have specific professional purposes in Hungary, such as employment, ownership or management of a company, or involvement in creative or specialized professional work. It is aimed at professionals like artists, filmmakers, and athletes.

Want to lear more about other visa options? Learn more about Hungary's residence permit for guest self-employment!