Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Hungary. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Hungary may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and conventions
• Receive technical and classroom training
• Develop professional business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Hungary?

European Union, US and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Hungary to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. Hungary is a member of the Schengen Area, a free-travel zone comprised of 26 European countries. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals for the Schengen Area, you must obtain a Schengen C Visa prior to travel. Both visa-waivered nationals and those who require a visa are authorized to travel to Hungary and throughout the Schengen area. However, travelers cannot spend more than 90 days within any 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area.

Working in Hungary

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Hungarian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Hungary, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Provide technical or classroom training
• Marketing
• Consulting

In some cases, you may be eligible for a work permit exemption to conduct technical and service activities for a limited time; however, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to Hungary.

If I am traveling to Hungary for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Hungary, and the nature of your work. The Unified Residence Permit (ordinary work and residence permit) is the most commonly issued type of work authorization for Hungary.

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals from the EU and European Economic Area do not require a work permit to work in Hungary. Registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to reside in Hungary.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.