4 ways to enter

Hungary visas

Hungary work visa

European single market citizens can work in Hungary without a visa. Hungary also permits visa-free nationals to work during their visa-free stay. Other work routes have separate conditions.

Ways to get a Hungary work visa

Work under European free movement
No visa needed
Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in Hungary without a visa.
Passports that qualify (31)
Work during a visa-free short stay
No visa needed
Hungary permits nationals covered by the listed short-stay visa waiver to work during their visa-free stay.
Stay
Within the visa-free allowance of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Passports that qualify (63)
Temporary work for the same employer under the Van Der Elst rule
Other permit
People from outside the European single market who are employed within it may work temporarily in another single market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.
Stay
Temporary; no specific limit is given.
Long-stay visa or residence permit
Other permit
People from outside the European single market generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit to stay beyond 90 days.
Stay
Long-stay visas generally cover less than a year. Residence permits cover longer periods.

Who needs it

Travellers who cannot use a visa-free work route need permission appropriate to their circumstances. Longer stays generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Who doesn't

European single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Hungary permits all nationals covered by the short-stay visa waiver to work during that stay.

Good to know

Any work during a visa-free short stay must fit within that stay's time limit.
Detailed Hungarian work application procedures are not provided here.
The working holiday programme is listed separately.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Hungary?

Travellers who cannot use a visa-free work route need permission appropriate to their circumstances. Longer stays generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit. European single market citizens do not need a visa to work. Hungary permits all nationals covered by the short-stay visa waiver to work during that stay.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Hungary?

There are 4 options: Work under European free movement (no visa at all); Work during a visa-free short stay (no visa at all); Temporary work for the same employer under the Van Der Elst rule (a special permit); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit).

Who can go to Hungary without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland can work in Hungary without a visa. Hungary permits nationals covered by the listed short-stay visa waiver to work during their visa-free stay.

What rules do I have to follow on a Hungary work visa?

Any work during a visa-free short stay must fit within that stay's time limit.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Hungary?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Hungary visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Hungary be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Hungary work visa rules?

On Hungary's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Hungary?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck