FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have multiple citizenships. Which one should I use for my immigration process?
Always use the citizenship that best matches the purpose and the legal basis of your Hungarian immigration process. In some cases, one nationality may allow more favourable immigration conditions or simplified procedures. ARC can help assess before application which passport and legal route are most appropriate. If you hold multiple citizenships and one of them is Hungarian, you are required by law to proceed as a Hungarian citizen here; i.e., you cannot choose another nationality for a Hungarian immigration process. Hungarian nationals are not subject to Hungarian immigration procedures or residence permit requirements.
may my residence permit application be submitted separately as a dependent?
In many cases, dependent family applications may be submitted separately; however, eligibility and timing depend on the principal applicant’s immigration status and the type of residence permit involved. Dependent applications cannot be approved or processed before the sponsor's immigration status or application has been properly established. ARC helps coordinate family applications to ensure proper sequencing and compliance.
May I switch from a National Residence Card to an EU Residence Card?
When may I start working in hungary as a foreign national?
Because the rules vary by permit category and individual circumstances, it is advised to verify the applicable requirements before employment is established. ARC helps review your status and clarify the relevant conditions to ensure compliance before starting work.
may I work while my residence permit renewal is being processed?
For this reason, each case should be assessed individually before any steps are taken. During our consultations, we first review your situation in detail and then outline the available options and next steps tailored to your case.
may I travel while my permit application is pending?
In general, leaving Hungary or the Schengen Area during the processing period may affect your application or your ability to re-enter, especially if you do not hold a valid visa or any other valid residence document. In some cases, applicants may be allowed to legally stay in Hungary while the application is being processed, but travel rights are not automatically guaranteed.
Because the rules vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances, it is strongly recommended to confirm your travel eligibility before leaving the country while your application is pending.
What happens if my residence permit expires?
In the case of visa-free stay, certain conditions must still be met, including compliance with the permitted duration of stay, the purpose of entry, and all applicable Schengen entry requirements.
In many cases, if a renewal application is submitted before the expiry date, you may be allowed to remain in Hungary while the application is being processed, depending on your specific status and the type of permit. However, if no renewal or extension is initiated in time, you may be required to leave the country and could face difficulties re-entering or obtaining future permits.
Because the consequences and available options vary based on permit type and individual circumstances, it is important to carefully monitor expiry dates and begin the renewal process well in advance.
Do I need to notify the Immigration Office if I change employer?
As requirements vary by residence permit category and individual circumstances, the applicable procedure should always be confirmed before changing employment.
What happens if I lose my residence Permit card?
In most cases, you will need to notify the competent immigration authority, provide the required identification details, and submit an application for a replacement card. During the replacement process, you may receive confirmation or temporary documentation proving your legal stay. Because procedures may vary depending on your residence status and circumstances, it is recommended to act promptly to avoid issues when proving your legal status or travelling.
We also assist with this process, including support with reporting the loss and handling the replacement application to ensure everything is completed correctly and efficiently.
What does 'TAJ' mean, and why is it important for my children’s school enrolment?
The 'TAJ' number is the Hungarian social security identification number used for healthcare and several public administrative systems. Many schools may request a TAJ number during enrolment or registration procedures, even though this is not a requirement by law. We can certainly help you if you face difficulties.
What number should I call in case of an emergency in Hungary?
The general emergency number in Hungary is 112, which can be used to reach the police, ambulance, and fire services. The language of communication in emergency calls is available in Hungarian, English, and German.
How long may I use my foreign driving licence in Hungary?
- EU/EEA driving licences can generally be used in Hungary until they expire, with no immediate need to exchange them.
- Non-EU/EEA driving licences are typically valid for up to 1 year after you establish residence in Hungary. After that, you may need to exchange your licence for a Hungarian one, depending on the country of issue.
Where can I register for the Hungarian e-Government Portal? ('ügyfélkapu')
Why is my Hungarian e-Government Portal (ügyfélkapu) account not working properly?
ARC can assist by reviewing the relevant records, identifying inconsistencies between authority databases, coordinating correction requests where necessary, and supporting the alignment of official data so the e-Government Portal account can function properly.
I have moved to a new address. What is the deadline to register it?
We can assist you throughout the entire process by verifying that you have all the required documents and handling the necessary notifications and registrations with the relevant authorities on your behalf, ensuring your address change is completed smoothly and in full compliance with Hungarian regulations.
Can my official documents be sent to an address different from my registered residence in Hungary?
However, certain authorities may still use your registered address as the primary contact, so your registered residence details must be kept up to date and reflect your actual place of living. The applicable options depend on the type of document and the specific authority involved.
In some procedures, such as applications for a Registration Certificate, the mailing address needs to match the registered residence, and no alternative address for correspondence can be used.
How can I change my address at the National Tax and Customs Administration ('NAV')?
Address updates at NAV may be completed electronically or via the relevant authority procedures, depending on your registration status and tax profile. We can assist you throughout the process.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an international authentication certificate that confirms the authenticity of a public document - such as a birth certificate, diploma, marriage certificate, or court document - and verifies that it has been issued by an authorised public authority in an official procedure.
It is used in countries that are state parties to the Hague Apostille Convention (1961) and is intended to simplify the recognition of documents made abroad by removing the need for further diplomatic or consular legalisation.
An Apostille confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on the document, but it does not validate its content. Once an Apostille is attached, the document can generally be used in other participating states without any additional authentication.
When do I need an Apostille?
You will need an Apostille if you are submitting an official document abroad and the host country requests authentication.
Examples include:
- Working abroad - proving qualifications or providing a criminal record certificate
- Higher education - recognition of diplomas or certificates
- Marriage in another country - presenting identification and proof of marital status
- Settlement or citizenship applications - birth certificate, criminal record certificate, and other official documents
- Company formation or legal procedures - using company documents, powers of attorney, notarised statement
Among the most frequently certified documents are (non-exhaustive list):
- Certificates of someone’s civil status (birth, marriage, death)
- Educational documents (certificates, diplomas, degrees)
- Criminal record certificates
- Company documents (certificate of incorporation, articles of association)
- Notarised documents (powers of attorney, declarations)
Can my documents be sworn translated anywhere else than 'OFFI' (national office for translation and authentication)?
In other cases, sworn or certified translations from recognised providers may also be accepted, but this varies depending on the competent authority and the specific process.
We can assist you throughout the procedure and help ensure that the correct type of translation is prepared and submitted in line with the applicable requirements, often helping to streamline and shorten the overall process.
Once we understand your specific situation and requirements, we can provide a tailored solution for your case.
Why opening a bank account as a foreigner is difficult in Hungary?
Opening a bank account in Hungary can be challenging for foreign nationals due to strict compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and customer due diligence (KYC) regulations. Banks are required to verify identity, residence status, source of funds, and tax information in detail, which often involves additional documentation for non-Hungarian clients.
Requirements may also vary significantly between banks, and the process can be more complex for individuals without a Hungarian address, residence permit, or established financial history in the country.
We can assist you throughout the entire process by helping you prepare the required documents and supporting you in navigating the bank’s compliance requirements, making the process smoother and more efficient.
may I open a bank account before receiving my residence card?
In many cases, it is possible to start the bank account opening process before receiving a residence card, but approval is not guaranteed.
Hungarian banks typically require valid identification and proof of legal stay in Hungary. Some banks may accept a pending residence permit application, visa, or other supporting documents on a case-by-case basis, while others require a valid residence card before final account activation.
Because requirements vary between banks and depend on your specific status, the outcome is always decided individually by the financial institution.
Which Hungarian banks are more foreigner-friendly?
Banks with larger branch networks and stronger English-language support are often perceived as more accessible for foreigners, particularly for basic retail banking and account opening. That said, requirements may still vary significantly depending on your residence status, documentation, and individual risk assessment.
In addition, many internal bank policies and compliance guidelines are not publicly available and may change from time to time. This means that requirements and accepted documentation may vary over time and between branches, so it is important to verify the latest conditions before starting the application process.
Because policies differ not only between banks but also between branches and case officers, the most suitable option should be evaluated based on your specific situation.
Why do Hungarian banks ask for a Hungarian address?
It is also an important part of anti-money laundering (AML) and tax compliance procedures, as banks must verify the customer’s residence status and maintain accurate records in line with Hungarian and EU regulations.
Because of these requirements, providing a valid and up-to-date Hungarian address is often a key condition for opening and maintaining a bank account.
Who might be eligible for a loan in Hungary as a foreign citizen?
- Those with the immigration status granting the right of permanent residence (e.g. holders of EU Residence Card, or National Residence Card, etc.)
- People exercising their Right of Free Movement and Residence in Hungary for more than three months (EEA citizens or third country family members of EEA citizens)
- A Hungarian plastic residence card
- An existing Hungarian bank account number at certain banks
- As a non-Hungarian citizen, only the income from Hungary is considered when applying for a loan, while a suitable co-signer may help with this
- In addition, you need to also meet the credit assessment criteria of the specific bank, including their requirements regarding age, income, and equity
&Market Entry
May foreigners fully own a Hungarian company?
Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign companies may fully own Hungarian companies in general, subject to compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
may I remotely establish a company in Hungary?
Many elements of the company formation process may be coordinated remotely with proper preparation, legal support, and document handling.
How quickly can a company be incorporated in Hungary?
However, the exact timeline depends on several factors, including the complexity of the company structure, the completeness of the documentation, and whether any additional verification or approvals are required by the authorities. Delays may occur if documents are missing, corrections are needed, or translation or certification is required.
With proper preparation, the process can be made significantly faster and more efficient.
Do I need a physical office to start operations?
Many companies can be established and legally operate using a registered seat address, which serves as the official company address for correspondence and administrative purposes. Depending on the business model, flexible solutions such as serviced offices, co-working spaces, or transition arrangements may also be suitable. However, certain activities or licensing requirements may still require a dedicated physical presence or specific premises, so the appropriate setup should always be assessed based on your planned operations and regulatory obligations.
We also provide registered seat (seat loan) and satellite office solutions for our clients. Please contact us for further information on available options.
Is a registered seat enough for company formation?
Contact us for tailored assistance and available arrangements.
Do I need a Hungarian director to establish a company?
We also provide this service, and you can learn more about it in a consultation, where we offer tailored solutions based on your specific needs.
What is the difference between EOR and establishing a local company?
With our EOR/IOR solutions, you can ensure full compliance at every stage of the process. Our pricing and package structures are designed to minimise risk and provide predictable, transparent costs.
Is the EOR model legally an option in Hungary?
How expensive is renting in Budapest?
Rental prices in Budapest vary depending on location, apartment size, and property condition. As a general guide, one-bedroom apartments in central districts are typically significantly more expensive than those in outer districts, while modern or newly renovated properties also command higher rents.
Budapest remains more affordable compared to many other major European capitals, but prices have increased in recent years, especially in popular central areas and near business hubs or international schools.
Because of these variations, rental costs may differ widely even within the same district, so the exact price highly depends on your specific requirements and preferred location.
Which AREAS are most popular among expats in hungary?
In Budapest, expats most commonly choose central and well-connected districts such as District V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XIII due to their proximity to business centres, international services, public transport, and vibrant city life. Buda-side districts such as II and XII are also popular among families and those seeking quieter, greener residential environments.
Outside the capital, several regional cities - including Debrecen, Szeged, Győr, and Kecskemét - are also increasingly popular among expats, particularly those working in industrial hubs or multinational companies settled in those areas.
In recent years, rental prices in these cities have been rising due to increased demand, driven in part by the growing presence of foreign professionals and international companies. In some cases, specific locations outside Budapest, such as Kecskemét or Debrecen, can have rental levels comparable to, or even exceeding, certain parts of Budapest, depending on the neighbourhood and property type.
Overall, both Budapest and key regional cities are experiencing upward pressure on rents, although pricing still varies significantly by location and property standard.
Are international schools available in Budapest?
These schools are mainly located in and around the central and greener residential districts of the city and are commonly attended by expatriate families as well as Hungarian students seeking international education. Most schools provide education in English or bilingual formats and offer full primary and secondary programmes.
Admission requirements, tuition fees, and availability vary depending on the school, and places can be limited in popular institutions, so early application is generally recommended.
How does healthcare work for foreigners in Hungary?
EU/EEA citizens can typically use the public healthcare system under the same conditions as Hungarian residents if they are properly registered and insured, or they may use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical treatment during a temporary stay.
Third-country nationals usually need private health insurance as a condition of residence, and in many cases need to rely on private healthcare providers unless they are employed in Hungary and contributing to the social security system.
Hungary also has a well-developed private healthcare sector, which is widely used by expats due to shorter waiting times and English-speaking services.
Is tap water safe to drink in Hungary?
In most cities, including Budapest, tap water is considered high quality and is commonly consumed without the need for additional filtration.