The National Card Program: In-Depth
Strategic facilitation for workers from priority partner countries
The National Card is one of the most significant innovations of the Hungarian immigration act, targeting specifically citizens of states maintaining close diplomatic and economic relations with Hungary (Serbia, Ukraine, and other defined countries). In a legal sense, this is a single permit authorizing both residence and employment, but with significant administrative simplifications compared to traditional permits.
Labor Market Exemption The program's greatest legal advantage is the exemption from the labor market examination. While for a general work permit, the employer must lengthily prove they found no Hungarian or EU workforce for the job, in the case of the National Card, this step is skipped. In practice, this shortens the time to start work by weeks.
Constraint and Flexibility Although the National Card is tied to a specific employer, the legal framework is more flexible regarding changes. Should the employee change jobs, it is not necessary to conduct a completely new immigration procedure "starting from zero" from abroad; the permit can be modified domestically based on the contract concluded with the new employer.
Right to Family Cohabitation Unlike seasonal permits restricted to guest worker accommodations, the National Card ensures full residence status. The legislator recognizes the right to family life, so the cardholder may request the joining of their spouse and minor children immediately, without a waiting period.
Key Figures of the National Card
8 Strategic States
Serbia, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Moldova.
1. Eligible Countries
Any Job Role
No need to verify a degree or special vocational qualification.
2. Qualification Level
2 + 3 Years
Granted for 2 years by default, which can be extended by an additional 3 years.
3. Validity Period
Immediately possible
Your spouse and children can join you without a waiting period.
4. Family reunification
What You Need to Know About the National Card?
The National Card is one of the newest and most flexible tools of the Hungarian immigration system, created by the government for strategic reasons for citizens of specific partner countries. This permit type grants the right to both residence and employment in Hungary.
It is important to clarify our role: First Immigration operates as an immigration expert and legal consultancy, not as a recruitment agency. This means that to initiate the administration, you must already possess a specific job offer or preliminary contract from a Hungarian employer.
We help ensure that once you have the job, the legal process is seamless. We take the burden off the employer and the employee: we compile the full official documentation, handle the bureaucracy, and ensure you receive the permit as quickly as possible.
Citizens of eligible countries: Ukraine • Serbia • Russia • Belarus • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Montenegro • North Macedonia • Moldova
Why is the National Card the Best Choice?
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No Labor Market Test: There is no need to examine whether there is a Hungarian applicant for the job. This speeds up the process by weeks.
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Accelerated Authority Procedure: The statutory administrative deadline is only 21 days (compared to 70 days for general permits).
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Independent of Qualification: No university degree or its costly recognition is required. Any position can be filled with it.
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Immediate Family Reunification: Your spouse and minor children can also apply for residence based on your right, without a waiting period.
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Flexible Job Change: Unlike other permits, changing jobs is simpler here; the permit can be extended with another employer.
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Locally Extendable: After the card expires, the extension does not need to be initiated from home; it can be conveniently arranged from Hungary.
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Long-Term Security: The permit is valid for a fixed 2 years, which can be extended by an additional 3 years.
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Free Movement: Possession of the card allows visa-free travel to countries in the Schengen Area (for tourism purposes, up to 90 days).
The Course of Administration
Precise Alignment of Goals and Conditions
In a brief consultation, we verify your citizenship (list of eligible countries) and your existing employment contract. We clarify the conditions and confirm that the National Card is the fastest and safest route for you.
Taking Over the Full Burden of Bureaucracy
You only need to hand over the basic documents, we do the hard part. We compile the complete, flawless application package, fill out the professional forms, and verify the employer certificates for guaranteed legal compliance.
To Avoid Surprises with the Authority
We organize the appointment at the competent Consulate or VFS center. We prepare you in detail for the submission procedure: we discuss the expected questions and the protocol so that you arrive confidently and prepared.
Continuous Expert Availability in the Background
Although under the rules you must submit the application personally, our team stands virtually behind you. We are continuously available during the submission to react immediately should the administrator request any extra clarification on site.
Follow-up Until Start of Work
We proactively monitor the authority process during the 21-day deadline. We notify you immediately of the positive decision, coordinate the collection of the card, and inform you about further tasks for a seamless start in Hungary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Can you help me find a job in Hungary? No. Our company specializes exclusively in immigration and aliens policing procedures. We are not a headhunting or recruitment agency, so we cannot provide job offers. We can start the process once you already have an employer.
Q2: Where do I need to submit the application? As a general rule, the application must be submitted personally at the Hungarian consulate or VFS Global office in your country of citizenship (or habitual residence). In certain cases (e.g., if you are already residing legally in Hungary), there is an option for domestic submission – we clarify this during the pre-qualification.
Q3: Can I bring my family too? Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the National Card is that it allows for family reunification. Your spouse and minor children may also receive residence permits, provided that subsistence and housing conditions are secured.
Q4: How long does the procedure take? The official administrative deadline is usually 21 days following submission. Added to this is the preparation of documents and waiting for the appointment, which may vary by country.
Q5: Do I need to present a degree for the application? No. A higher education degree is not a requirement for the National Card. It is sufficient if you possess the vocational qualification necessary for the position to be filled (if the job requires it) and a valid employment contract.
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