The Hungarian Card Program: In-Depth
Recognition of Special Expertise and Talent
The Hungarian Card is a gap-filling legal institution created by the legislator to cover "grey zones" and attract outstanding talents. From a legal perspective, this permit is a more flexible alternative to the "Highly Qualified" category, linking eligibility not exclusively to a degree but to professional excellence.
Scope of Eligible Persons The law builds this permit type on three main pillars. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for professionals with higher education professional qualifications (who do not choose the EU Blue Card). Secondly – and this is the most significant difference – it opens the door for professional athletes and coaches, as well as performing artists and film industry professionals. In their case, the lack of a degree is substituted by the verification of a sports organization contract or artistic activity.
Extended Validity Period For stability, the Hungarian Card can be requested for an exceptionally long duration. While standard permits are generally valid for 2 years, in the case of the Hungarian Card, the authority – within its discretionary power – may establish a validity of up to 3 years, which can be extended by an additional 3 years on each occasion.
Exemptions Similar to the National Card, holders of the Hungarian Card are exempt from the labor market test. This means the employer does not need to report a workforce demand to the Government Office; submitting documents verifying professional aptitude is sufficient.
Parameters of the Hungarian Card
Profession, Sport, Culture
Those with professional qualifications, professional athletes/coaches, and artists.
Target group
Exempt
No need to check whether there is a Hungarian applicant. Fast-track procedure.
Labor Market Test
Up to 3 + 3 Years
Exceptionally long duration, extendable by 3 years on each occasion.
Validity Period
Secured
Family members (spouse, child) are entitled to residence.
Family reunification
Who is the Hungarian Card ideal for?
The Hungarian Card is a gap-filling permit type targeting talents who perform outstandingly in a specialized field. It is available for three main groups:
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Professional Athletes and Coaches: Who are under contract with a Hungarian sports organization.
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Performing Artists and the Film Industry: Actors, professionals working in film production.
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Those with Higher Professional Qualifications: Professionals possessing a higher education degree but who, for some reason, do not apply for the EU Blue Card (e.g., due to the nature of the job).
The role of First Immigration: Since this category is extremely diverse, official verification is also complex. We help classify your activity precisely, obtain the necessary sports federation or professional certificates, and compile the "labeled" application, guaranteeing swift adjudication.
Strategic Advantages
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Outstanding Validity Period: The Hungarian Card can be issued for up to 3 years, which can be extended by another 3 years on each occasion. (This is more than the average 2 years).
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No Labor Market Test: In most cases, you are exempt from the lengthy labor market examination, making administration weeks faster.
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Family Reunification: Your spouse and children can join you in Hungary.
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Flexible Qualification Requirement: A university degree is not required in every case (e.g., for athletes and artists, professional history counts).
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Free Movement: You are entitled to free movement within the Schengen Area.
How the Process Works
Sport, Culture, or Profession?
As a first step, we identify exactly which legal title you are eligible for. This is critical because the authority expects completely different documents from an athlete than from an engineer.
Proof of Talent
We help obtain special attachments: sports federation certificates, film industry official certificates, or degree authentication. This is the basis of a successful application.
Stabilizing the Legal Background
We verify whether the Hungarian assignment letter or employment contract complies with the Immigration Act in all respects. We compile orderly housing documentation.
Personal Administration with Support
We book an appointment and prepare you for personal submission. Since the Hungarian Card carries prestige, a professional appearance before the authority is important – we assist with this.
Long-term Security
After a positive decision, we assist in collecting the document. Since this card can be valid for up to 3 years, we also help with the administration of long-term settlement in Hungary (proof of accommodation, tax ID).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: I am an athlete, but I don't have a degree. Can I apply? Yes, absolutely. In the case of professional athletes and coaches, it is not the qualification but the contract with the sports organization and the professional federation certificate that are authoritative.
Q2: How does this differ from the EU Blue Card? The main difference lies in the target group and flexibility. While the Blue Card strictly targets degree holders and the high salary bracket, the Hungarian Card is more open to the cultural and sports sectors and offers longer (3-year) validity in certain cases.
Q3: Can I change jobs (or clubs) with the card? Yes, it is possible. The Hungarian Card is tied to a specific employer (or club), but changing is manageable via a simplified procedure without leaving the country. Our experts coordinate the switch with the Immigration Office.
Q4: Can my family come with me? Yes. As a holder of the Hungarian Card, you are entitled to family reunification. Your spouse and minor children can also receive residence permits, provided you can verify the family's subsistence and housing.
Ready to Start the Process?
Don't get lost in the maze of regulations and bureaucracy. Our experts stand ready to shoulder the burden and guarantee a successful application.