How to Move to Hungary
Hungary offers low living costs, a central EU location and routes for both employed workers and remote workers (the "White Card" digital nomad permit). Most workers use a combined work-and-residence permit tied to a job. The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) handles applications.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Hungary embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Hungarian embassy/consulate (or its VFS centre) in your country. Hungary has embassies in several African countries (e.g. Abuja, Pretoria, Nairobi, Cairo, Rabat, Addis Ababa). Use the consular service locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Kabarsiran Gardens 5, off James Gichuru Road, Lavington, Nairobi
+254 709 488 700 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Hungary has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 1–2 months.
Fees roughly HUF 18,000–40,000 (~€50–€110).
Usually up to 2–3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Hungarian employer.
- A work permit/registration completed by the employer.
- Qualifications for the role.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Hungarian employer offers you a role and handles the work registration.
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2
Apply at the embassy
Apply for the combined work/residence permit at the Hungarian embassy.
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3
Biometrics & decision
Give biometrics and await the decision.
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4
Travel & collect your card
Enter Hungary and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Low living costs make Hungary affordable.
- Demand is strong in manufacturing, IT and services.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Enter Hungary account first
Register on Enter Hungary (enterhungary.gov.hu — the ONLY official site) to submit your application, upload documents and pay the fee online. Warning: enterhungary.com and enterhungary.hu are unofficial copycat sites that charge extra for this free government service — never use them.
Create accountStart your Work residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 30 days.
Fee roughly €110.
1 year, renewable once.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You work remotely for a company outside Hungary, or own a business abroad.
- You earn above the minimum income (around €3,000/month, verify current figure).
- Valid health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Prove remote work & income
Show contracts and income above the threshold.
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2
Apply for the White Card
Submit the application at a Hungarian embassy or in Hungary.
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3
Biometrics & decision
Give biometrics and await approval.
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4
Travel & work remotely
Live in Hungary while keeping your job abroad.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Great-value base in the EU for remote workers.
- Budapest has a strong expat and nomad community.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Enter Hungary account first
Register on Enter Hungary (enterhungary.gov.hu — the ONLY official site) to submit your application, upload documents and pay the fee online. Warning: enterhungary.com and enterhungary.hu are unofficial copycat sites that charge extra for this free government service — never use them.
Create accountStart your White Card (Digital Nomad) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 1–2 months.
Fees roughly €60–€110; plus tuition and proof of funds.
Course length; can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a Hungarian institution.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission from a Hungarian university.
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2
Show funds & insurance
Prove you can support yourself and have cover.
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3
Apply for the permit
Apply at the Hungarian embassy.
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4
Travel & collect your card
Enter Hungary and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships fund many African students — apply early.
- Students can work limited hours.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Enter Hungary account first
Register on Enter Hungary (enterhungary.gov.hu — the ONLY official site) to submit your application, upload documents and pay the fee online. Warning: enterhungary.com and enterhungary.hu are unofficial copycat sites that charge extra for this free government service — never use them.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Fees roughly €60–€110.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative holds a valid Hungarian residence permit.
- Stable income and housing.
- A genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check sponsor status
Your relative must hold a qualifying permit.
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2
Apply at the embassy
Apply for family reunification with your documents.
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3
Travel & collect your card
Enter Hungary and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Reunited spouses can usually work.
- Legalise/translate documents early.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Enter Hungary account first
Register on Enter Hungary (enterhungary.gov.hu — the ONLY official site) to submit your application, upload documents and pay the fee online. Warning: enterhungary.com and enterhungary.hu are unofficial copycat sites that charge extra for this free government service — never use them.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Hungary work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Hungary — both completely free.
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Questions about Hungary visas
How much does the Hungary Work residence permit cost?
The Hungary Work residence permit costs: Fees roughly HUF 18,000–40,000 (~€50–€110). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Hungary Work residence permit take?
Processing for the Hungary Work residence permit takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Hungary Work residence permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Hungary Work residence permit is valid for usually up to 2–3 years, renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) cost?
The Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) costs: Fee roughly €110. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) take?
Processing for the Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) takes around 30 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) valid for?
The Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad) is valid for 1 year, renewable once. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Hungary Student residence permit cost?
The Hungary Student residence permit costs: Fees roughly €60–€110; plus tuition and proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Hungary Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Hungary Student residence permit takes around 1–2 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Hungary Student residence permit valid for?
The Hungary Student residence permit is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Hungary Family reunification cost?
The Hungary Family reunification costs: Fees roughly €60–€110. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Hungary Family reunification take?
Processing for the Hungary Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Hungary Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Hungary Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.