Wizalive

Process of obtaining a long-term work visa for Hungary

Hungary is a very popular EU country among Ukrainians both for vacation and for work and study. The most attractive city for any purpose is, of course, Budapest. To get there, you need to obtain a visa. Depending on the duration and purpose of stay, the following types of Hungarian visas exist:

• Short-term visa (type C) – stay in Hungary up to 90 days. This is the most common type of visa, which is further divided into tourist, visitor, and business visas.
• Transit visa (type A, B) – transit period up to 5 days.
• National visa (type D) – long-term visa for stays in Hungary longer than 90 days. Depending on the purpose, it is divided into temporary residence visa (from 90 days to one year), study visa, medical visa, visitor visa, and work visa.

Let’s focus more on the long-term visa for work and study purposes. It grants the right to multiple entries into Hungary, as well as residence there for more than 90 days and up to 5 years. The processing time for this visa is 5 to 10 working days. For Ukrainian citizens, it is free of charge.

Thus, a foreigner planning to stay in Hungary for a long term must submit an application for a residence permit. If the decision is positive, the applicant receives a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, which allows entry into Hungary to obtain the residence permit. After entry, it is necessary to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to obtain the residence permit. The regional directorate of the Department reviews the application for the residence permit within 30 days of receipt.

The application form for the type D visa is available via the link.

Main types of long-term visas depending on the purpose of stay and the required documents for obtaining them.

Activity for income

General documents:

• Clearly and fully completed visa application form
• Two passport-size photos not older than six months
• Copy of the page of the foreign passport with the applicant’s data
• Foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the desired visa period by 3 months

Other documents:

• Work contract
• Work permit
• Documents confirming accommodation in Hungary (e.g., rental agreement)
• Proof of funds for subsistence abroad until receiving the first salary (bank statement from Hungary, employer’s certificate of advance payment, etc.)

If you have your own company:

• Document about the type of income-generating activity (founding agreement)
• Documents confirming accommodation in Hungary
• Registration court decision (Cégbíróság) on company registration
• Certificate of professional qualification necessary for performing job duties
• Proof of availability of funds usable in Hungary
• Tax office certificate (APEH) about annual income (statement of expected income)
• Simplified balance sheet of the company for the previous year if the company is already operating
• Tax certificate of no debt if the company is already operating
• Copies of employment contracts if Hungarian workers are employed
• Brief business plan if the company is just being established

Study

General documents:

• Clearly and fully completed visa application form
• Two passport-size photos not older than six months
• Copy of the page of the foreign passport with the applicant’s data
• Foreign passport with a validity period exceeding the desired visa period by 3 months

Other documents:

• Certificate of enrollment in an educational institution
• Documents confirming funds for living expenses in Hungary (parents’ declaration of covering living costs, bank statement, scholarship certificate)
• Documents confirming accommodation in Hungary (rental agreement, dormitory place certificate)
• Educational institution’s certificate of tuition payment or proof of free tuition