ARE you thinking about hiring someone from outside the EU to work in Hungary? But before you jump in, there are a few things you absolutely need to know.
1. Check Their Papers—Seriously!
Before your new hire starts, you have to make sure they have a valid residence permit that lets them work for you (not just anyone, but YOU or your company). Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see the actual permit. If they don’t have it yet, you gotta wait. No shortcuts here!
And heads up: the permit will say exactly where and what job they can do. If you want them to do something else, or work somewhere else, you’ll need to update the authorities.
2. Make a Copy and Keep It Safe
Once you’ve seen the permit, make a copy and keep it on file for as long as they work for you. Actually, keep it for a year after the permit expires, just in case the authorities want to check. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without it.
3. Reporting Stuff—Don’t Skip This!
You have to tell the immigration authorities (through EnterHungary, the online portal) about a few things:
When your new hire starts working:
If you applied for their permit, report within 5 days after they get it.
If they enter Hungary later than expected, report within 5 days of their arrival.
If they got the permit on their own, same deal—report within 5 days of them getting it.
If they’re a student with a study permit, report within 5 days of them starting work.
If they DON’T start working:
If you find out they’re not going to show up, let the authorities know ASAP (within 5 days of finding out).
If they disappear or you can’t reach them, report that too.
If they quit or you part ways before their permit expires:
Let the authorities know within 5 days.
Pro tip: If your new hire needs to go to the immigration office for biometrics (like a photo or fingerprints), remind them to do it ASAP. If they don’t, their permit won’t get made, and you’re both stuck.
A Few More Nuggets:
Don’t report stuff before it actually happens. Early or random reports don’t count.
If your employee’s permit changes (like they switch from a student permit to a work permit), you have to follow the new rules for the new permit.
Stay in touch with your future employee during the process. You need to know when they get their permit, when they’re coming to Hungary, and when they’ll start work.
Bottom Line
Hiring someone from outside the EU in Hungary is totally doable, but you’ve got to play by the rules. Check their permit, keep a copy, and report everything on time. Miss a step, and you could be in hot water. But follow these tips, and you’ll be just fine!
Happy hiring!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll find a solution—quickly and efficiently!
This notice does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice is provided on the basis of a specific request and after considering all the particular circumstances of the case.