Hungarian card
(Magyar kártya)

Official Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs and Professionals

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    What is Hungarian Card and who is it for?

    Since March 1, 2024, Hungary has been operating under updated immigration legislation. One of the key innovations is the «Hungarian Card» (Magyar Kártya) status. This is not a work visa or a “guest” residence permit, but a full-fledged long-term residence permit developed on the model of the European Blue Card, but with softer requirements for applicants.

    The Hungarian government aims to attract professionals and business leaders capable of creating jobs and developing the country’s economy. Therefore, the Hungarian Card is intended for:

    • owners and co-founders of Hungarian companies;
    • managing directors and top managers;
    • IT specialists and engineers;
    • representatives of creative industries (film, music, theater);
    • professional athletes and coaches who have a contract with a Hungarian club.
    Hungarian card

    Clear legal status instead of uncertainty

    The main difference between the Hungarian Card and most «work» permits is predictability and long-term validity. The applicant receives not 1-2 years, but immediately 3 years of legal residence with the right to renew. This means:

    • no need to annually confirm the purpose of stay;
    • a stable tax regime;
    • the ability to plan relocation, housing purchase, children’s education without the constant fear of «will they renew it or not?»

    Step-by-step advantages

    01
    Residence permit for 3 + 3 years

    The first validity period of the card is 36 months. After this period, you have the right to apply for a 3-year renewal if you continue to run a business or work in Hungary in accordance with your stated qualifications.

    02
    Fast track to permanent residence

    After just 3 years of continuous residence in Hungary, you can apply for permanent residence. This is one of the shortest periods in Europe for transitioning from temporary to permanent residence.

    03
    Family relocation without restrictions

    The Hungarian Card status allows family reunification by law:

    • spouse;
    • minor children (including common and adopted);
    • under certain conditions - children over 18 if they are dependent on you.

    Family members also receive residence permits, access to healthcare and schools.

    04
    Work and business under one status

    The Hungarian Card gives the right to both employment and running your own company. You can:

    • open an LLC (Kft.) and be its manager;
    • become an employee at a Hungarian company;
    • combine both options.
    05
    Free movement within Schengen

    With a valid Hungarian Card and a biometric passport, you can travel without visas to all Schengen countries - for tourism, business meetings or transit.

    06
    Full access to infrastructure

    Hungarian Card holders are entitled to:

    • open accounts at any Hungarian bank (OTP, K&H, Erste, MBH);
    • sign rental agreements and utility contracts;
    • receive medical care under insurance;
    • enroll children in public or private schools.

    Who cannot apply for the Hungarian Card?

    It is important to understand the boundaries: this status is not intended for seasonal workers, unskilled labor, or persons without confirmed income. Hungarian law requires that the applicant:

    • has a valid employment contract or incorporation documents;
    • receives a salary not below the established threshold (current figures are clarified during consultation);
    • has no violations of Hungarian or EU immigration legislation.

    The application process - what awaits you?

    The path to the Hungarian Card includes several stages. The experience of IST Hungary shows that document preparation takes an average of 2-3 weeks, and the decision on the application takes up to 60 days.

    Typical algorithm:

    01

    Initial consultation

    Assessment of your qualifications and business idea.

    02

    Document collection

    Diplomas, proof of work experience, criminal record certificates, bank statements, contract with a Hungarian company (or business plan for opening your own).

    03

    Submission of application

    Through the Hungarian consulate in your country or directly to the Immigration Office in Budapest.

    04

    Biometrics and waiting for a decision

    05

    Receiving the card

    After entering Hungary

    IST Hungary accompanies the entire process from the first call until you have the plastic card in your hands.

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    What happens if you do not renew the card?

    If after 3 years you do not apply for renewal and do not switch to permanent residence, the status is canceled. But the law provides a grace period for legal departure or changing the type of residence permit. Our clients usually do not face this problem, as we remind them of deadlines in advance and prepare the renewal document package.

    Why choose IST Hungary for obtaining the Hungarian Card?

    +
    We are physically located in Hungary

    All consultants are local specialists working directly with Hungarian authorities.

    +
    We have successful cases

    The company's clients have already received the Hungarian Card - we can show real examples (with applicants' consent, of course).

    +
    Individual strategy

    No templates. For an entrepreneur and for an employed top manager - different document packages and different arguments for the immigration service.

    +
    Working without intermediaries

    You do not overpay for a chain of agents.

    +
    Full confidentiality

    Applicant data is not shared with third parties.

    Frequently asked questions from our clients

    Can I get a Hungarian Card without opening a company in Hungary?

    Yes. To do so, you need an employment contract with a Hungarian employer and confirmation of high qualifications.

    Do I need to take a Hungarian language exam to obtain the card?

    No. Language requirements arise only at the citizenship stage (after 5-8 years). No exam is required for temporary or permanent residence.

    What does permanent residence give me after 3 years?

    Permanent residence is not tied to work or business. You can change your activity, close your company, or even live on passive income - the status remains.

    Can I work in another EU country with a Hungarian Card?

    For short-term business trips (up to 90 days) - yes. For permanent work in Germany or Austria, a separate permit is required. The Hungarian residence permit itself does not give the right to work in other EU countries.

    How to contact IST Hungary?

    To find out whether you meet the conditions for the Hungarian Card and assess your chances of approval, leave a request via the form on the website. Our Hungarian experts will contact you within 24 hours, analyze your situation and offer specific steps.

    Note: The Magyar Kártya status is competitive. The number of quotas is not unlimited. The sooner you start preparing, the higher your chance of obtaining a residence permit within your desired timeframe.

    including intermediary services.

    Why should you choose us?

    BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS FAST WITH US, CLEARLY AND TO THE POINT!

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    Our team boasts 30 years of experience.
    Our team includes migration experts, translators with philological education, marketers, and analysts.

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    30 years of work in the consulting business
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    Successful consulting work goes on 30 days a month, always with a positive result with citizens of the any foreign countries.
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