In this article I will explain you many details about the Hungarian freelance residence permit or freelance visa. First, I will explain you in detail what it is, also what are the conditions for you to apply to it, who can apply. That should be simple, but I will also explain it. The documents required, the application process and also its validity as well as some advise. Make sure you are clear in every aspect of the application and you look for expert advise, it can sound simple to submit the application, but it is not, every country has its own specific intricacies. Apart from that, Hungary has its unique language.
Important: this guide is for third-country nationals and I will explain that term later on. If you are an EU citizen or EEA national, I have a guide specific for you here: Work in Hungary: how EU citizens get the registration card.
Hungarian freelance residence permit
This residence permit is for freelancers or entrepreneurs, or self-employed individuals who would like to come to Hungary for a couple of years, but perhaps also would like to stay in the long term. This permit has its own validity, so is not a permanent residence permit, it needs to be extended. However, it is not either temporary, it can be extended and transferred. To apply to this permit you need to be already a freelancer or entrepreneur or self-employed. In case you would like to see all other permit types to consider which one is best for you here is a list: Guide to all types of visas and residence permits in Hungary. After checking, if you are sure this applies to you, come back and continue reading.
Eligibility for the freelance residence permit
In very simple terms, you are able to apply to this permit if you are a third-country national and if you are moving to Hungary as a freelancer. Of course, there are more conditions, but these two are the main ones.
Third-country nationals
As this term is the one used officially in the Hungarian inmigration´s office´s website, I need to explain what it means in this context. It does not have anything to do with the term third world country. Third-country national refers to an individual who is moving to a foreign country and is processing his or her papers to legally work in that foreign country. Another way of calling an individual on that particular situation is foreign national. In the European Union (and in Hungary as a member state) you are a third-country national. Individuals from any EU member state or from the Economic European Area (EEA national) are referred in the official website as EEA national. I am explaining all this to you because it will be helpful when you will be submitting your application. One thing though, the United Kingdom is no longer a member state of the European Union, neither of the EEA, thus UK citizens in this context are third-country nationals.
By the way, the Hungarian inmigration office is not called like that, I use that term to simplify the guide. Their official name is National Directorate for Aliens Policing.
Documents required for the freelance visa
As it is a freelance residence permit or freelance visa, the main requirement is a freelance license or a private entrepreneur registration number or certificate. You will need to submit a business plan, even if you are a freelancer long time ago. If you became a freelancer only recently, the business plan will need to be more robust. If you need help with the business plan, please see this guide: Business plan tips for your Hungarian freelancing visa.
Additionally, you will also need to submit other documents. Documents which prove that you will be financially self-sufficient in Hungary, meaning documents which show your income. Documents which prove you have housing or accomodation in Hungary and documents which prove you have health insurance coverage.
Application process and processing period
The process starts after submitting the completed forms, the documents, a recent photograph and the administrative fee. The application can be submitted in any consulate or embassy of Hungary in your country. In case your application gets approved, your will be provided with a visa to enter Hungary and receive your freelance visa. That temporary visa will be valid for only 30 days. There is also the option of submitting your application online while you are in Hungary but that is only if you are from a visa-free country. In case you are applying in an embassy or consulate, make sure you contact them before submitting anything, because they might have country specific requirements.
They suppose to take 21 days to process the application, but I have seen that is not always the case. They can take much more time if you do not submit the correct documents or if the documents you submit do not comply with their standards, or in case they ask for additional documents.
Freelance visa validity period
The validity period of your permit will depend on your passport as welll, but it could be of a maximum of 3 years. Before the expiry of the permit, it can be extended or changed to other permit type. The period you stay in Hungary with this permit counts and can be transferred when applying to another types of permits.
Other paperwork
You are not over with paperwork after you get the residence permit, that is only the paperwork at the inmigration office. After that, you will need to register yourself as a freelancer so that you are able to pay taxes and also to the local Chamber of Commerce. You will also need to register yourself to an authorized invoicing online system. Everything I have told you in this last section of the article is to be done by an accountant. Without knowing Hungarian language and having tax laws updated in-depth knowledge is impossible for you to do it. You will need to have an accountant.
Do you need help?
I can assist you in different ways!
Have a good day,
Renato
Immigration´s office website: Residence in Hungary (bmbah.hu)
