EU Blue Card in Hungary

The job must require high-level skills, and you need a higher education degree or vocational qualification relevant to it. For IT managers and specialists, at least three years of relevant professional experience within the seven years before applying counts as the qualification, if documented.

You need a binding job offer or contract for at least six months. Asylum seekers and protection holders, researchers applying for a research project, EU long-term residents of another state, posted workers and certain trade-agreement entrants are excluded.

For 2026 the minimum is HUF 1,001,048 gross a month, or HUF 800,838 for listed health occupations (general practitioner, pharmacist, optometrist, dietitian, physiotherapist, public health nurse, paramedic, graduate nurse and midwife). The 2026 amount applies to every Blue Card issued in 2026, including applications filed in 2025 but decided in 2026. Salary can be proved by the pre-agreement, an employment certificate, or an employer or tax-authority income statement.

From abroad, book a work-purpose appointment on the consular booking system and lodge the file at the Hungarian mission, paying EUR 110. Alternatively the employer files on Enter Hungary with your written consent, which is possible while you are still abroad. After approval abroad you receive a single-entry D visa valid 3 months and must enter within that time. The legal time limit is 70 days.

Renewals are filed only inside Hungary through Enter Hungary, no earlier than 90 and no later than 30 days before expiry, while the permit is valid and after at least 90 days in every 180 spent in Hungary. A change of employer, job or an added part-time job needs a renewal application regardless of how long you have lived in Hungary. If you lose your job without a new contract, notify the regional directorate before the employment ends and document your job search.

Family members of a Blue Card holder can receive a family reunification permit for up to four years. For EU long-term status, two years in Hungary with a Blue Card immediately before applying plus a total of five years in the EU with a Blue Card, research or study permit are enough; otherwise five years of continuous residence in Hungary are required.

Appeal within 8 days of delivery, to the authority that decided or through the consulate where you applied. The appeal fee abroad is EUR 160; appeals filed late, without reasons or based on facts you knew before the decision are rejected without examination.