Knowledge Base » Guest self-employment residence permit

What is a Guest self-employment residence permit?

Foreign nationals arriving in Hungary for long-term (more than 90 days) self-employment must hold the appropriate permit. This type of permit is called the Guest self-employment residence permit.

Engaging in entrepreneurial activities is not in itself subject to a permit and may also be carried out while holding another type of residence permit.

This permit was introduced by the Immigration Act effective from 2024, replacing the previously available residence permit for gainful activities.

Who can apply for a Guest self-employment residence permit?

The permit may be applied for by a non-EEA national who intends to conduct business activities in Hungary independently, in their own name, in one of the following forms:

as a private entrepreneur (the entrepreneurship is subject to registration with the authority), or
as a company executive (e.g. managing director, president) of a business association, cooperative or other organisation established for the purpose of generating income.

To apply for a Guest self-employment residence permit, the applicant must provide credible proof of their economic activity in Hungary. The method of proof depends on whether the activity is carried out as an entrepreneur or as a company executive.

In the case of a private entrepreneur: by providing the registration number of the sole entrepreneurship.
In the case of a company executive: by submitting an official company document proving registration (e.g. articles of association, company extract, court registration order).

In addition, the business association must also meet the following conditions:

It has been operating continuously for at least 6 months, and
It either employs at least 5 full-time Hungarian or EEA nationals, or the applicant’s presence in Hungary is essential for the operation of the business association, which must be justified with a detailed statement and supporting documents.

What does the Guest self-employment residence permit entitle its holder to?

The Guest self-employment residence permit entitles its holder to reside in Hungary and carry out independent business activities during the validity period of the permit.

Regular Reporting Obligation

Foreign nationals holding a Guest self-employment residence permit must periodically submit a short declaration to the immigration office confirming that they continue to carry out their business activity and that the purpose of their stay has not changed.

This reporting obligation can be fulfilled online via the immigration authority’s EnterHungary platform.

Failure to submit the declaration, or providing false information regarding the business activity, may negatively affect the extension of the permit and can even lead to its withdrawal. It is therefore essential that all holders of a Guest self-employment residence permit fulfil their reporting obligation accurately and on time.

How long is the Guest self-employment residence permit valid?

The permit may initially be granted for up to 1 year and may subsequently be extended for a maximum of 2 additional years.

After three years, an application for a new Guest self-employment residence permit (instead of an extension) may be submitted in Hungary no earlier than 40 days before the current permit expires.

The immigration authority will only approve the extension or re-issuance of the permit if:

the applicant and their business activities continue to meet all legal requirements, and
the applicant has complied with the regular reporting obligation set by the immigration authority.

The validity of the permit is also affected by the applicant’s passport: it must remain valid for at least three months after the permit expires.

During the assessment of the application, the authority may issue the permit for a shorter period than requested if circumstances justify it (e.g. expected income from the business activity, health insurance, housing).

Situation of Family Members

Family members cannot join the holder of a Guest self-employment residence permit in Hungary for family reunification purposes within one year of the permit’s issuance.

An exception applies if the permit holder has a child born in Hungary. In such cases, the immigration authority issues a residence permit for family reunification purposes based on the parent’s (provider’s) Guest self-employment residence permit.

If the family member has an independent legal basis for residence (e.g. employment, studies), they may apply for the appropriate residence permit.

A family member who held a valid residence permit for family reunification on 1 January 2024 and whose sponsor at that time held a residence permit for gainful activity may continue to extend their permit if:

the sponsor successfully switched from the previous permit for gainful activity to a Guest self-employment residence permit, and
later successfully extended their Guest self-employment residence permit.

Specific Requirements for Applying for a Guest self-employment residence permit

At the time of the first application, the applicant must provide a statement to the immigration authority on the expected income from their business activity, which is likely to cover their living expenses.
When applying for an extension or re-issuance of the permit, the applicant must provide proof of actual income from a completed financial period – presenting only a planned business activity is not sufficient.

For private entrepreneurs:

A tax authority income certificate (issued by the National Tax and Customs Administration – NAV) showing that the annual income from the sole entrepreneurship exceeds 24 times the prevailing minimum wage.

For company executives:

Proof that the company has achieved sufficient revenue to cover the applicant’s living expenses, e.g. by providing the company’s bank account statement, balance sheet, or general ledger extract.

Application Process

An application for a Guest self-employment residence permit can be submitted once the applicant has obtained the documents proving the purpose of stay.

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

If the applicant has entered Hungary as a tourist visa-free, the first application can be submitted online through the immigration authority’s EnterHungary platform.

If the applicant is already in Hungary and wishes to extend their permit, the application for extension must be submitted online no later than 30 days before the permit expires.

If the holder of a Guest self-employment residence permit wishes to apply for a new permit in Hungary after three years, the application can be submitted no earlier than 40 days before the expiry of the current permit.

The processing time for the application is 21 days.

Change of Permit Type

The Guest self-employment residence permit cannot be converted to another type of permit within Hungary. If the holder wishes to switch to another permit type, they must leave Hungary and submit a new application as a first-time applicant (following the rules applicable to the new permit type). The new application can only be submitted after the Guest self-employment residence permit has expired or been withdrawn.

Possibility of Long-Term Residence

The law excludes the possibility of applying for a National Residence Card – a type of long-term (permanent) residence permit – for holders of this permit type.

If you need assistance with your residence permit application, please contact our office using the details 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.

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

Back to Top