Working Holiday Residence Permit

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What is a Temporary or Working Holiday Residence Permit?

The Working Holiday Residence Permit is a specific type of residence permit issued under an international mobility programme, the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS). It grants the right to reside in Hungary for more than 90 days for tourism-related purposes, while also allowing temporary employment during the period of stay.

This permit is commonly referred to as a Working Holiday permit, in line with the designation used in the relevant international agreements.

The programme enables young people—typically between the ages of 18 and 30—to stay in another country for an extended period and to take up temporary work, while gaining cultural experience and becoming familiar with the host country. It is not a traditional employment-based programme, but rather a scheme aimed at cultural exchange and personal development. As such, it is supported by an increasing number of countries, as it contributes in the long term to strengthening international relations and enhancing young people’s global experience.

Who may apply for a Working Holiday Residence Permit?

The Working Holiday Residence Permit may be applied for by non-EEA nationals who are citizens of a country with which Hungary has concluded a reciprocal agreement for the operation of the Working Holiday Scheme, and who meet the requirements set out in the relevant bilateral agreement.

As the application conditions may vary by country, it is advisable to review the detailed provisions of the applicable bilateral agreement in advance. In general, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age (in certain cases the upper age limit is 35 years), the maximum permitted period of stay is 12 months, and applicants must not have previously participated in a Working Holiday or “working tourist” programme.

Participating Countries in the Working Holiday Programme and Applicable Eligibility Conditions for Applicants:

Argentina

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 36 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • during the one-year period of stay, the total duration of employment may not exceed 6 months;
  • quota: 200 permits per year.

Australia

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 31 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • a specific restriction on employment applies, according to which the applicant may work for the same employer for a maximum of 6 months;
  • quota: 200 permits per year.

Chile

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 35 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • employment must not be the primary purpose of the stay; apart from this, no further specific restrictions apply;
  • quota: 200 permits per year.

South Korea

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 30 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • employment must not be the primary purpose of the stay; apart from this, no further specific restrictions apply;
  • quota: 100 permits per year.

Ecuador

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 31 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • during the one-year period of stay, the total duration of employment may not exceed 6 months;
  • quota: 100 permits per year.

Hong Kong

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 31 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • employment must not be the primary purpose of the stay; apart from this, no further specific restrictions apply;
  • quota: 200 permits per year.

Japan

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 31 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • employment must not be the primary purpose of the stay; apart from this, no further specific restrictions apply;
  • quota: determined annually.

Colombia

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 30 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • the permit does not allow permanent or long-term employment, and the applicant may work for the same employer for a maximum of 3 months;
  • quota: 100 permits per year.

Taiwan

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 35 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • the permit does not allow permanent or long-term employment, and the applicant may work for the same employer for a maximum of 3 months;
  • quota: 100 permits per year.

New Zealand

  • the applicant must be at least 18 years old but not yet 35 years of age at the time of submitting the application;
  • the permit may be issued for a maximum period of 12 months and may not be extended;
  • the permit does not allow permanent or long-term employment, and the applicant may work for the same employer for a maximum of 3 months;
  • quota: 100 permits per year.

What does the Working Holiday Residence Permit entitle to?

The Working Holiday Residence Permit entitles the holder to reside in Hungary and to engage in employment on a limited basis for the duration of the permit’s validity.

This permit may not be exchanged for another type of permit in Hungary, except from change to EU Blue card.

How long is the Working Holiday Residence Permit valid?

The Working Holiday Residence Permit may be issued for a maximum period of one year. Extension of the permit is not possible.

At the time of submitting the application, the applicant’s passport must be valid for at least one year, calculated from the 30th day following the submission of the application.

When assessing the application, the authority takes into account the applicant’s financial means (savings), accommodation arrangements, and health insurance when determining the period of validity.

Status of Family Members

Family members may not join holders of a Working Holiday Residence Permit in Hungary.

Application Process

If the applicant is not residing in Hungary or is a national of a visa-required country, the application must be submitted in person at the Hungarian consulate located in the applicant’s country of origin or country of residence.

If the applicant has entered Hungary visa-free as a tourist, the application may be submitted online via the immigration authority’s Enter Hungary online platform.

The processing time for a Working Holiday Residence Permit application is 21 days.

Employment under a Working Holiday Residence Permit

As the primary purpose of the programme is not employment, work may be undertaken only on a limited basis, typically not on a full-time basis and only for part of the period of stay in Hungary. In addition, the employment-related conditions set out in the relevant bilateral agreement concluded with the applicant’s country of nationality must also be observed.

Possibility of Long-Term Residence

Holders of a Working Holiday Residence Permit do not acquire eligibility for long-term residence in Hungary.

If you require assistance with the application process, feel free to contact our office using the contact details available on our website.

Official information on the application process and the necessary forms can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing: List of agreements concluded on Working Holiday Scheme

Information on the processing fees for licence applications can be found here.

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