Work visa for Hungary for French people

French citizens do not need a work visa to work in Hungary. Entry is possible without a visa, and you can work legally under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must complete several formalities:

• register your residence with the National Office of Immigration and obtain a Registration Certificate along with an address card (lakcímkártya);
• obtain a tax number (adóazonosító szám) from the tax service NAV;
• take out health insurance — after official employment, your employer will automatically connect you to the healthcare system, but for the time being, it is worth having a private policy or EHIC.

Hungary can be a good choice for employment for foreigners for several reasons:

Growing economy: Hungary has a stable and growing economy that attracts foreign investment and creates employment opportunities. In recent years, the country has seen steady GDP growth, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.

Central location: Hungary's central location in Europe makes it a strategic hub for business and trade. This provides easy access to other European countries, allowing professionals to explore opportunities outside Hungary.

Skilled workforce:Hungary boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce. The country pays considerable attention to education and its universities are known for their quality programs. This qualified talent pool offers advantages for businesses looking for competent employees.

Competitive salaries: Hungary offers competitive salaries, especially in comparison to other Western European countries;

Emerging sectors: Hungary has growing sectors that offer employment prospects for foreigners. These sectors include information technology (IT), engineering, manufacturing, finance, shared services, pharmaceuticals and tourism. Jobs can be found in multinational companies, start-ups, and local businesses.

Favorable business environment: Hungary has implemented various measures to support business and attract foreign investment. The government has introduced tax incentives, grants and financing programs to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;

Language advantage: Although Hungarian is the official language, many international companies and businesses in Hungary operate in English. This can be an advantage for those who do not speak Hungarian, as knowledge of English is in demand in the labor market.

What vacancies are popular in Hungary?

The most popular jobs in Hungary are in retail, food processing, customer service, administrative and operational workers, as well as in hospitality and tourism.

What resources can I use to find a job in Hungary?

To find a job in Hungary, there are several job portals that are aimed at both locals and foreigners:

Profession.hu (https://www.profession.hu):Profession.hu is one of the largest job portals in Hungary, offering a wide range of job opportunities in various industries. It has a user-friendly interface and allows job seekers to search for vacancies by location, industry, and job type. The site is available in Hungarian and English.

CVOnline.hu (https://www.cvonline.hu):CVOnline.hu is a well-known job portal in Hungary that offers a comprehensive job database. It covers a wide range of industries and provides search options by location, industry, job responsibilities, and language requirements. The site is available in Hungarian, but offers a translation function for those who do not speak Hungarian.

Eurograduate (https://www.eurograduate.com):Eurograduate is a European job portal that provides job listings and resources for recent graduates and young professionals. It offers internship opportunities, entry-level jobs and postgraduate programs in Hungary and other European countries.

Starting a business in Hungary for a foreigner involves several key steps:

Business idea and planning:

- Develop a solid business idea and conduct market research to assess the viability of your product or service in Hungary.

- Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections.

Legal structure:

- Choose a suitable legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a branch of a foreign company.

- Consult a lawyer or business advisor to understand the legal requirements and tax implications associated with each structure.

Company registration:

- Register your business with the Hungarian authorities: includes obtaining a tax number, company registration number, and social security registration.

- The registration process can be carried out through the electronic company registration system (Cégkapu) or with the help of a lawyer or notary.

Capital requirements:

- There are no minimum capital requirements for most types of businesses in Hungary, but some industries may have specific capital requirements.

- Prepare the necessary documentation to demonstrate your financial resources, such as bank statements or financial guarantees.

Business permits and licenses:

- Find out if your business needs special permits or licenses to operate legally in Hungary. This may depend on the industry and nature of your business.

- Consult with the relevant authorities or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with any specific regulations or licensing requirements.

Bank account and accounting:

- Open a bank account in Hungary to carry out financial transactions and manage your business finances.

Hiring employees:

- If your business needs employees, familiarize yourself with Hungarian labor laws and employment regulations.

- Register your employees with the relevant authorities, such as the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) and the National Institute of Social Security (NEAK).

Taxation and reporting:

- Learn about the Hungarian tax system and the responsibilities that are imposed on your business. This includes corporate income tax, value added tax (VAT), and social security contributions.

- Meet regular tax reporting and payment deadlines to avoid penalties and maintain a good reputation with the tax authorities.

Business support:

- Seek advice from organizations that support foreign entrepreneurs in Hungary, such as local chambers of commerce or business development agencies.

- Explore available grants, incentives, and business development programs that can help you start and grow your business.

Useful resources

If you are a foreigner looking to start a business in Hungary, here are some useful resources and organizations that can provide you with assistance and guidance:

Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA):HIPA is a government organization that aims to attract and support foreign direct investment in Hungary. It provides information, advice and support to foreign entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in the country. 

European Enterprise Network (EEN):EEN is a network of organizations that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. They offer services such as business matchmaking, market analysis, financing advice and access to business partners. The Hungarian branch of the EEN can provide valuable assistance to foreigners wishing to start a business in Hungary. 

Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK):MKIK is a non-profit organization representing the interests of business in Hungary. It offers support and resources for entrepreneurs, including information on legal regulations, business development programs, and networking opportunities.

Expat Centers and Communities: There are several expat centers and communities in Hungary that provide support and networking opportunities for foreigners. These organizations can help you connect with other expats, navigate the business environment, and provide information about local culture and business practices. For example, Expat Press Hungary (https://expat-press.com/) and InterNations (https://www.internations.org/) offer resources and public forums for expats.

Hungarian National Trade Association (MNKH):MNKH is an organization that helps foreign companies and entrepreneurs expand their business in Hungary. They provide services such as market research, business partner search and investment support. 

Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO):HIPO is responsible for intellectual property rights in Hungary. If your business is related to trademarks, patents or copyrights, HIPO can provide information and assistance on how to protect your intellectual property. 

Business incubators and accelerators: There are various business incubators and accelerators in Hungary that offer support, mentoring, and infrastructure for startups and entrepreneurs. These organizations can provide guidance on business development, funding opportunities, and networking. Examples of such organizations include Design Terminal and Kitchen Budapest.

Business visa to Hungary

In order to conduct business in Hungary, any non-EEA citizen must apply for a business visa. The required type of visa is a short-stay C visa.

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The following documents are required to apply for this visa:

• An invitation letter from the Hungarian company you will visit, indicating the address and date of your visit.
• A certificate from your employer about your business trip.
• A commercial bank statement for the last 6 months.
• Proof of previous trade relations between the two companies (if any)
• An original certified copy of the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association (for joint-stock companies), its trade license (first issue and most recent renewal), and any documents of ownership or partnership.
• Expenses: the employer or partner company must indicate the coverage of expenses in the letter or invitation.

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What is the validity period of a business visa?

The maximum validity of a short-term business visa C is 3 months within a 6-month period and costs 90 euros. However, the validity of this visa may vary depending on what your embassy provides you with.

Hungarian labor law regulates the rights and obligations of employers and employees, ensuring fair and equal treatment in the workplace. Here are some key aspects of the Hungarian labor law:

Employment contracts: Employment contracts in Hungary can be either fixed-term or indefinite. The contract must specify the main details, such as job responsibilities, working hours, salary, vacation rights and termination conditions. It is common practice to have written contracts in both Hungarian and English.

Working hours:The standard working week in Hungary is 40 hours, usually spread over five or six days. Overtime may be required, but it should not exceed 250 hours per year. Employees are entitled to rest breaks and a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of daily rest.

Minimum wage: The current minimum wage in Hungary is HUF 266,800.00 per month in 2024. 

Annual vacation: Employees in Hungary are entitled to paid annual vacation depending on their length of service. The minimum annual leave is 20 working days for employees who have worked for less than 25 years. Additional days are added depending on the length of service.

Sick leave:If an employee is ill, he or she is entitled to sick leave. The duration of sick leave and the payment of sick leave benefits are regulated by law. As a rule, the employer pays for the first 15 days of sick leave, and after that, the payments are covered by the sickness fund.

Maternity and parental leave: Employees are entitled to maternity leave, which is usually 24 weeks, with additional time in case of multiple births or complications. During maternity leave, the employee receives maternity benefits. Both parents are also entitled to parental leave, which allows them to care for their child for an extended period of time.

Termination of employment: Termination of an employment contract in Hungary must be in accordance with the procedures established by law. The termination of an employment contract can be initiated by either the employer or the employee, and there are certain notice periods that must be observed. Unfair dismissal is not permitted and employees have the right to appeal against unfair dismissal.

Employment of foreigners: Foreigners working in Hungary must have a valid work permit or residence permit that allows them to be employed. Employers must comply with the relevant immigration and labor laws when hiring foreign workers.

If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Hungary, here are some tips to help you in your job search:

Study the labor market: Start by researching the labor market in Hungary to understand which industries are thriving and what skills and qualifications are in demand. Identify industries that match your experience and knowledge.

Edit your resume and cover letter: Prepare your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience required for each job. Make sure your documents are clear, concise, and free of errors. If possible, translate them into Hungarian or provide an English version.

Use job portals: Explore popular job portals in Hungary, both general and specialized. Some of the well-known Hungarian job portals include Profession.hu, CVOnline.hu, Workania.hu, and Jobline.hu. Create profiles on these platforms and regularly check for vacancies that match your qualifications.

Network: Networking can be crucial to finding a job in Hungary. Attend industry events, career fairs, and professional meetings to network with professionals in your field. Join online networking platforms and participate in relevant discussions to expand your network.

Online presence: Make sure that your professional online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile, reflects your interest in working in Hungary. Use keywords related to your desired field of work and location to increase your visibility to potential employers.

Language skills: While English is often used in international workplaces, knowing Hungarian can be helpful. Learning basic Hungarian phrases or attending a language course can demonstrate your desire to integrate into the local culture and increase your chances of getting hired.

Company Research: Find companies in Hungary that match your career goals and values. Visit their websites, check out their job listings, and follow their social media for job updates. A proactive approach may be to contact the companies you are interested in directly.

Consider an internship or volunteering:If you are just starting your career or moving into a new industry, consider an internship or volunteering. It can give you valuable experience, help you build local connections, and increase your chances of landing a permanent job in the future.