Hungary self-employed visa: guest self-employment permit

Two groups can apply: people who carry out independent paid work, such as sole traders, and people who serve as executive officers of a company, cooperative or other profit-making entity. Sole traders show a tax-authority certificate of annual income above 24 times the minimum wage and a certificate that they have no tax or contribution debt.

Executives show either that the company has employed at least five Hungarian or EEA citizens full-time for six continuous months, or that their presence is essential and a detailed business statement shows the company is likely to support itself. The company also needs certificates of no tax debt, no enforcement or liquidation proceedings, and compliance with employee and tax reporting.

Besides the purpose documents, provide evidence of business activity (contracts, a farmer’s ID or other credible proof), means of subsistence (bank or tax certificates, or shareholder meeting minutes), accommodation (lease, free-use deed, ownership deed or paid booking), health coverage and travel proof.

Book a residence-permit appointment on the Hungarian consular booking system under the right purpose of stay, then lodge the OIF form and documents (originals and copies) at the Hungarian mission responsible for your place of residence, or the service provider it uses; an interview may follow. After approval a single-entry D visa valid for 3 months (30 days’ stay) is issued; you must enter within 3 months or the approval lapses.

Priority employers of national economic interest may file through Enter Hungary while the worker is abroad; since a recent change, the worker’s bilingual written consent is enough for the employer to submit, without consular signature authentication, but full representation still needs a power of attorney authenticated at the consulate.

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. Holders must also comply with the regular reporting obligation through Enter Hungary. After 3 years a new permit can be requested in Hungary up to 40 days before expiry.

The permit does not lead to a national residence card, and you cannot apply in Hungary for a permit with a different purpose during or after it. Executives who also do actual work beyond managing the company need a work permit or Hungarian Card instead, and holding this permit blocks applying for those in Hungary.

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.