Executive Summary
We’ve had a lot of folks come to us at the end of their studies asking what their options are if they want to stick around in Hungary. Honestly, we like this permit for what it is. The Hungarian Job-Seeker and Entrepreneurship Residence Permit gives you a short but valuable window to figure out your next move whether that’s landing a job or testing a business idea.
That said, this permit is often misunderstood. It’s not a general work visa. It’s only for non-EU nationals who’ve just finished studying or doing research at a Hungarian institution. It lasts 9 months max, can’t be renewed, and doesn’t let you bring your family. So, yeah, there are limitations. But it gives you just enough time to make something happen, if you’re organized and serious about staying.
Key Details to Keep in Mind
Here’s where people often trip up: permit durations. Employment-based permits typically last as long as your work contract, while business permits start with one year but can be renewed for two more. Missing renewal deadlines? Total nightmare. Set reminders and keep track of expiration dates like your life depends on it—because, in a way, it does.
Takeaway? Whether you’re working for someone else or starting something new, there’s a permit designed for you. Knowing the differences and planning ahead can make all the difference. Got questions about the next steps? Don’t worry, we’re just getting started.
What is the Hungarian Job-Seeker and Entrepreneurship Permit?
We call this a transition permit because that’s what it’s for. If you’ve just finished your degree, PhD, or a formal research project in Hungary, this permit lets you stay in the country temporarily while you either look for work or start a business.
This is not a shortcut to long-term residence. It’s a time-limited permit that gives you breathing room after graduation nothing more, nothing less.
Who Can Apply?
- Non-EU nationals who have recently completed a university degree or research program in Hungary
- People actively seeking employment or preparing to launch a Hungarian-registered business
Who Can’t Apply?
- Anyone who didn’t study or conduct research in Hungary
- Foreign professionals trying to relocate for work
- Entrepreneurs looking for a long-term visa or investment residency
That last one trips people up a lot. This isn’t a pathway to permanent residency, and it’s not for anyone looking to just come in and open a company out of the blue. You need to have already been here as a student or researcher.
Permit Validity and Renewability
How Long is It Valid?
This permit is valid for 9 months. That’s it. No renewals, no second chances.
We’ve had people ask if they can apply for another one after it expires, the answer is no. If you want to stay after those 9 months, you’ll need to switch to a different residence permit before it runs out.
What Happens After the 9 Months?
You’ll need to pick a path:
- Find a job and apply for a Hungarian employment-based residence permit
- Start a business and switch to a business or self-employment permit
- Or, if neither of those is possible, you’ll need to leave Hungary
Don’t wait until month eight to start figuring this out. You’d be surprised how fast that clock runs down.
Entrepreneurship Pathway: What You Need to Start a Business in Hungary
If your goal is to use this permit to launch a business, you’ll need to put in the prep work early. This isn’t a visa for daydreaming about a business, it’s for people who are ready to actually start one.
What You’ll Need:
- A detailed business plan, with financial projections
- Proof of capital investment that could be savings, loans, or existing company funds
- A registered company in Hungary, you’ll need to set this up during the 9-month window
- Evidence that your business will contribute to the Hungarian economy
- Proof that you can support yourself financially while building your company
We’ve seen this path work really well for people who already had clients lined up or were transitioning from a freelance setup. But if you’re just at the idea stage, be careful, 9 months isn’t a lot of time, especially when you factor in paperwork delays.
Employment Pathway: Job-Seeking in Hungary
For most people finishing university, this is the more straightforward path using the 9-month period to land a job.
What You Can Do:
- Stay in Hungary legally while you job hunt
- Apply for an employment residence permit once you have a job offer
- Move smoothly from the student phase to a working professional
What You Can’t Do:
- You can’t work under this permit
- You can’t wait until your permit expires to start the next application
- You can’t apply for this permit without proof that you finished your studies in Hungary
We always tell clients to start applying early. Companies sometimes take weeks, or months, to finalize an offer. If you wait until the end of your permit to get serious, you might run out of time.
Financial Requirements: Can You Support Yourself?
This part gets glossed over, but it’s critical. You’re not allowed to work while holding this permit. So the government needs proof that you’ve got the money to support yourself the entire time.
What They’ll Ask For:
- Bank statements showing enough funds to cover basic living expenses
- If you’re starting a business, additional proof of startup capital
- If you received a scholarship or grant, documentation showing that it continues or has been saved
There’s no official number published, but we usually recommend showing at least €5,000 to €6,000 in personal funds. More, if you’re applying as an entrepreneur.
If you can’t prove you have this cushion, your application can get rejected even if everything else is perfect.
Family Reunification: Can Your Family Join You?
This one’s pretty simple — no.
Your spouse, kids, or other dependents cannot apply under this permit. They’d need to qualify under a different visa type, and in most cases, they won’t be eligible unless you switch to a long-term work or business permit later on.
We’ve seen a lot of confusion about this, especially from couples where one person is finishing school and hoping to bring a partner over during the transition. It’s not possible under this permit. Plan for that in advance.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You’ll need to make sure that:
- You’ve just completed your studies or research in Hungary
- You’re still legally residing in Hungary under your current permit
- You have enough funds to support yourself during the 9-month period
Step 2: Gather Documents
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A valid passport, with at least 12 months of remaining validity
- A certificate of degree completion or proof of finished research
- Bank statements or scholarship letters proving financial self-sufficiency
- A business plan, if you’re applying as an entrepreneur
- Housing documents showing where you’ll live during the permit period
If any of your documents are in a language other than Hungarian or English, they’ll need to be officially translated.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You need to apply at least 15 days before your current residence permit expires. If you miss that deadline, your application will likely be rejected automatically.
You can apply:
- Online, using Hungary’s EnterHungary platform
- In person, at the immigration office if you’re still legally residing in Hungary
Processing Time
We usually see decisions made within 30 to 60 days. But don’t take that for granted. If your paperwork is messy, unclear, or missing anything, things can drag out.
Key Takeaways: Why Consider This Permit?
This permit is a smart option for the right person, but not a long-term fix.
It’s a Good Fit If:
- You’re a non-EU student finishing school in Hungary
- You need a few extra months to find a job
- You want to test a business idea and see if it’s viable
- You’re organized, financially stable, and ready to transition quickly
It’s Not Ideal If:
- You didn’t study or do research in Hungary
- You’re hoping to relocate your family right away
- You want a long-term or renewable residence option
- You’re not sure what you want to do next? 9 months goes fast…
Final Thoughts
We’ve helped a lot of students go from graduation to employment or entrepreneurship without leaving the country. But the ones who succeed with this permit are the ones who start planning early and treat it like a launch window, not a gap year.
If you’ve just finished your studies in Hungary and want to stay: don’t wait! The clock starts ticking the moment your student permit ends. The sooner you plan your transition, the better your odds of staying for the long haul.
Need a hand? That’s what we’re here for. At Aegir Consulting, we’ll help you figure out your next move, prep your paperwork, and stay ahead of deadlines. Let’s make this next step count.
