Residence permits, work permits, EU Blue Cards, citizenship applications and visa advice for foreigners.
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Some countries offer residence permits linked to property investment (Golden Visa). An immigration lawyer can advise on thresholds and eligibility.
Processing times vary by country — typically 1–6 months. Your lawyer can track the application and respond to any requests for additional documentation.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Hungary's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsFee ranges for immigration matters administered by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF — Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság). Permit fees shown separately.
| Permit / Matter | OIF Official Fee | Solo lawyer | Specialist firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit (NEAK card) | HUF 6,000 | HUF 150,000–300,000 | HUF 280,000–600,000 |
| Residence permit (3rd-country national) | HUF 6,000 | HUF 100,000–250,000 | HUF 220,000–500,000 |
| EU family member registration | HUF 1,000 | HUF 60,000–150,000 | HUF 140,000–300,000 |
| National Card (Nemzeti Kártya, White Card) | HUF 6,000 | HUF 180,000–400,000 | HUF 350,000–750,000 |
| Guest Investor Visa (all routes) | €170 | Specialist required | HUF 1,200,000–3,500,000 |
| Permanent residence application | HUF 6,000 | HUF 200,000–450,000 | HUF 400,000–900,000 |
| Citizenship naturalisation | HUF 0 (waived) | HUF 300,000–700,000 | HUF 600,000–1,500,000 |
| Asylum / refugee status | Free | Pro bono / HUF 0 | Specialist NGO or HUF 500,000+ |
⚠ Hungary's "National Card" scheme (Nemzeti Kártya) is a bilateral work permit track for nationals of Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Belarus, North Macedonia, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan — allowing faster access than standard work permits. The White Card scheme for Ukrainian nationals has its own rules under Government Decree 86/2022. Key legislation: Act II of 2007 (third-country nationals); Act I of 2007 (EU nationals); Act LV of 1993 (citizenship).
Most non-EU nationals need both a work permit and a residence permit to live and work in Hungary. The combined process takes 4–12 weeks. EU nationals and their family members only need to register — not apply for a permit. Lawyer representation is not mandatory but significantly reduces rejection risk.
Scenario: Bangalore-based developer offered senior role at Budapest fintech. Employer has EU Blue Card sponsorship capacity.
Route chosen: EU Blue Card (Kék Kártya) — requires minimum annual salary of €20,352 (2025 threshold for ICT sector) and University degree.
Timeline: Employment contract signed → visa application (Indian embassy Budapest) → OIF residence permit → Social Security registration (TAJ number) → Tax ID (adószám): Total: 9 weeks
Lawyer cost (immigration specialist): HUF 380,000
OIF fees: HUF 6,000 (permit) + HUF 3,000 (biometric card)
Family reunification (spouse + 1 child added 6 weeks later): HUF 180,000 additional lawyer fee
Legal basis: Act II of 2007 §§ 20–32 (EU Blue Card); Council Directive 2009/50/EC (EU Blue Card Directive); Act LXXX of 1997 (social insurance); Government Decree 146/2022 (Blue Card salary thresholds).
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