Working in Hungary without formal qualifications

22/12/2025

This overview focuses on the legal logic behind working in Hungary as a foreign national.

It is not a list of permits, but an explanation of how Hungarian employment-related immigration rules work in practice.

Four different legal pathways – and why choosing the right one matters

Many people consider working in Hungary without having a university degree, without speaking Hungarian, and without being familiar with the local legal system or administrative culture.

One key point should be clarified from the very beginning:

👉 There is no single, general work permit in Hungary.

Employment-related residence options are divided into several clearly distinct legal categories.
Which option may be relevant in a given case depends not on preference or speed, but on factors such as:

nationality
the purpose and nature of the work
the type and background of the employer
and the rules applicable at the time of the application

Below you will find a high-level overview of the four main options that may be available even without formal qualifications.
This overview is intended as guidance, not as a detailed instruction manual.

1️⃣ National Card – when employment is not considered guest work

The National Card is a residence option linked to employment that allows nationals of certain countries to work in Hungary outside the guest worker framework, in a more stable legal setting.

This option is typically considered when:

the employment is not occasional or project-based
the work is not performed under a guest worker system
and the employment is planned on a longer-term basis

It may be relevant, for example, for citizens of:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Belarus, Russia, Serbia or Ukraine.

It is important to understand that the National Card:

is not a fast-track solution,
is not a "shortcut",
and is not suitable for every employer or situation.

It works best where the employment relationship is based on a clear, structured and compliant framework.

2️⃣ Guest Worker Residence Permit – a strictly regulated system

The Guest Worker Residence Permit follows a completely different logic.

This option is not tailored to individual circumstances, but forms part of a highly regulated employment system.

It typically applies where the applicant is a citizen of countries such as:

Georgia
Armenia
or the Philippines

and where the employer operates specifically within the guest worker framework.

This pathway is:

time-limited
inflexible
and cannot be freely converted into another type of residence status

In certain sectors, however, it is the only legally viable option.

3️⃣ Employment Residence Permit – when corporate structure matters

The Employment Residence Permit is often misunderstood.

This option usually arises where:

the worker is employed by a company established outside Hungary
but performs actual work in Hungary
in cooperation with a Hungarian partner

Here, the decisive factor is not the job title, but how the foreign and Hungarian employment structures are connected.

While this option may appear straightforward on paper, in practice it often requires a strategic decision at an early stage.

4️⃣ Work for the purpose of an investment project – when the project defines the framework

This option is not a matter of individual choice.

It applies where the work performed is linked to:

a large-scale investment
or a construction or commissioning project
carried out under a specific investment framework.

In such cases, the worker is present in Hungary:

strictly in connection with the project
within a clearly defined time frame
and not as a general employee

This pathway is project-based, closed-ended, and does not lead to other types of residence status.

Why choosing "by instinct" is risky

These four options do not replace one another.

In practice, the most common problem is not that no solution exists,
but that the application starts in the wrong legal category.

In such cases:

procedures may become delayed
problems often appear only later
and correction may be difficult or impossible

For this reason, the first step should not be purely administrative, but a carefully considered legal decision.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the legislation in force and publicly available official information as of the date of publication.

Hungarian immigration and employment-related regulations may change over time, in particular due to legislative amendments, EU-level developments or changes in the international regulatory environment.

Accordingly, this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Each individual situation requires a case-by-case legal assessment, taking into account the applicant's nationality, employment structure and the applicable rules at the time of the procedure.

This article does not replace personalised legal consultation, and the author assumes no responsibility for decisions made solely on the basis of its content.

For the most up-to-date official information, please consult the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). 👉 https://oif.gov.hu

Before taking the next step

Whether you are considering this process as a worker or as an employer, it is essential to clarify at an early stage whether the situation can in fact be addressed within the appropriate legal framework.

Choosing the wrong direction may result in lost time, unnecessary effort and avoidable complications on both sides.

The goal is not simply to "submit an application", but to determine whether a given solution is legally workable at all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work in Hungary without formal qualifications?

Yes — in certain cases. Hungarian immigration law allows employment without formal qualifications under specific residence permit categories, depending on your nationality, the type of work, and the structure of the employment. There is no single "general" permit for this. The correct option always depends on individual circumstances.

Does my nationality matter?

Yes, very much. Eligibility for different residence permits is strongly linked to nationality. Some permits are available only to citizens of specific third countries, while others are tied to employer status or investment projects. This is usually the first question that needs to be clarified.

Do I need a job offer before applying?

In most cases, yes. Employment-based residence permits typically require: a confirmed employer, and a clearly defined employment relationship. The structure and timing of the application depend on whether the employer or the worker submits the application.

If you would like guidance in relation to your own situation,
you are welcome to contact me at:

📩 lilla.acs@dunalegal.com