Guest Self-Employment Residence Permit

The Guest Self-Employment Residence Permit (vendég-önfoglalkoztatási célú tartózkodási engedély) allows non-EEA nationals to reside in Hungary for the purpose of performing independent work as a self-employed person or serving as the owner or managing director of a Hungarian business entity. Governed by Act XC of 2023, which took effect on 1 January 2024, the program is administered by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). It serves as the primary immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business founders who wish to establish or operate a business in Hungary.

• Non-EEA third-country national
• For self-employed persons: registration as a private entrepreneur (egyéni vállalkozó) with the relevant Government Office and annual income from self-employment exceeding 24 times the monthly minimum wage (HUF 6,979,200 / approximately EUR 17,600 in 2025)
• For company executives: official company registration documents (articles of association, company extract, court registration order) and either a detailed business plan demonstrating viable revenue, or evidence that the business employs at least 5 Hungarian/EEA nationals full-time for 6 consecutive months
• Proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses
• Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the permit
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary
• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the permit's expiry
• Tax authority certificate confirming no outstanding tax or contribution debts
• Must not pose a threat to public order, security, or public health

• Facial photograph
• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond permit expiry)
• Proof of purpose: registration number as a self-employed person, or company registration documents for executives
• Proof of means of subsistence: bank statements, tax authority income certificate, or business revenue evidence
• Proof of accommodation: lease contract, ownership document, or reservation confirmation
• Health insurance documentation
• Tax authority (NAV) certificate confirming no outstanding debts
• Detailed declaration of business activity supported by contracts, agreements, or similar evidence

The initial permit is valid for up to 1 year. It can be extended for up to 2 additional years, giving a maximum total of 3 years from first issuance. Extension applications must be submitted no more than 90 days and no fewer than 40 days before the current permit expires. For renewal, the holder must have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period during the first year and must have fulfilled reporting obligations. After 3 years of cumulative validity, a completely new application must be filed (submitted 40-80 days before the current permit expires).

Family members (spouse and children) may apply for family reunification only after the main permit holder has held the guest self-employment permit for at least 1 year. The sole exception is children born in Hungary during the permit's validity, who automatically receive a family reunification permit. Family reunification applications can be submitted outside Hungary at consulates, within Hungary via the Enter Hungary platform or at a regional directorate, or through the sponsor with written consent. The family member's permit validity cannot exceed 3 years and is tied to the sponsor's permit duration.

Hungary levies a flat 15% personal income tax on nearly all income types. Individuals residing in Hungary for more than 183 days per year or having their centre of vital interests in Hungary are considered tax residents and are taxed on worldwide income. Self-employed individuals may opt for flat-rate taxation (KATA) or standard sole proprietor taxation, while businesses may be subject to the 9% corporate tax rate depending on structure. Hungary has an extensive network of double taxation treaties.

From abroad: First-time applicants from visa-required countries must apply in person at a Hungarian diplomatic mission or consular post. Upon approval, you receive a single-entry D-type visa valid for 3 months, authorising a 30-day stay to enter Hungary and collect the residence permit.

Within Hungary: Visa-free nationals already present in Hungary may apply via the Enter Hungary electronic platform or in person at the competent OIF regional directorate.

Biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, signature) must be collected within 15 days of application submission. The residence permit is delivered by post to the address specified in the application.

Processing time: 21 days (standard, excluding time for additional document requests).

Fees: EUR 110 at a diplomatic mission; HUF 39,000 in person in Hungary; HUF 26,000 via the Enter Hungary platform; HUF 26,000 for extensions.

The permit cannot be converted to another permit type from within Hungary (except for the EU Blue Card). If you wish to switch to a different permit category, you must leave Hungary and reapply as a first-time applicant. The permit does not lead to permanent residency or a national residence card. Holders must submit periodic reporting declarations through the Enter Hungary platform confirming continued business activity. Non-compliance or providing false information may result in permit withdrawal.