EU nationals can enter and stay in Hungary visa free for as long as they wish. Nationals of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and some Asian countries do not require a visa to enter and stay in Hungary for up to 90 days, as long as they do not undertake paid employment while there. Details of visa requirements for other nationals are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. A passport with validity of at least 6 months from the date of return from Hungary is required for non-EU nationals, while most EU nationals can enter the country using their ID cards only.

Residence Notification

Any foreigner who stays in Hungary for more than 30 days, and does not lodge in a public lodging facility such as a hotel, is required to provide notification of their place of residence to the local government office or the regional alien policing authority. Those with residence permits are required to notify the authorities of their place of residence within three days of moving in, and to keep them informed of any subsequent change in residence.

Now that Hungary is a member of the EU, citizens of other EU countries are allowed to work in the country without a permit. All other nationals must obtain an employment visa from the Hungarian Embassy or consulate in their home country in order to enter Hungary.

In order for this visa to be issued, the employer offering the person a job must obtain a work permit for them from the Employment Agency in the area of Hungary where the job is located. Before issuing a permit the Employment Office will advertise the position to check whether it can be filled by a Hungarian national. The permit is sent by the employer to the applicant, who must submit it to the Hungarian Embassy along with any other documents they require, which are likely to include a passport photo; proof of travel documents and accommodation in Hungary; bank statement, and confirmation of the job offer, as well as relevant fees.

Applicants for employment visas are also required to submit an official medical certificate issued within the last three months, confirming that they are in good health and do not suffer from any infectious diseases. This health certificate can be issued by a physician in their home country or the competent county (or Budapest) institute of the State Public Health and Medical Administration in Hungary.

Citizenship

Foreigners can apply to the Ministry for Internal Affairs for Hungarian citizenship if they have spent at least eight years living and working in the country, have a clean criminal record and can provide evidence of an assured income in Hungary.