Working in Hungary: A Guide for Students & Expats

Last Updated: January 2026

Budapest is a growing hub for international talent, with a thriving scene for startups, multinational shared service centers (SSCs), and the hospitality industry. However, your right to work and your take-home pay depend heavily on your visa type and your age.

International Students: Rules & Hour Limits

If you are in Budapest on a Student Residence Permit, you can work, but there are strict legal limits to ensure your studies remain your priority.

• The 30-Hour Rule: As of 2026, international students are allowed to work a maximum of 30 hours per week during term time (or 90 days/66 working days per year).

• Summer Break: During official university holidays, you are generally allowed to work full-time (40 hours/week).

• Student Unions (Iskolaszövetkezet): This is the "secret weapon" for students. If you find a job through a student union, you pay significantly lower taxes, and they handle the bureaucracy for you.

• The "Tax Trick" for Under 25s: If you are under 25 years old, you are exempt from Personal Income Tax (SZJA) up to a certain income limit. This means your "Gross" salary is almost exactly your "Net" salary.

The "White Card" (Digital Nomads)

The White Card is specifically for those who work for a company outside of Hungary or own a business abroad but want to live in Budapest.

• Can you work locally? No. The White Card strictly prohibits you from taking a job at a Hungarian company.

• Income Requirement: You must prove a monthly income of at least €3,000 (approx. 1,200,000 HUF) to qualify.

• Duration: It is valid for one year and can be extended once for an additional year. After that, you must switch to a different residency type if you wish to stay.

[Expats & Full-Time Employment

If you are moving to Budapest for a local job, you will likely be on a Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment.

• The Single Permit: In Hungary, your work permit and residence permit are usually processed together as one "Single Permit."

• The Contract: You cannot start working until your permit is approved. If you lose your job, your residence permit usually becomes invalid within a short grace period (usually 30 days), so finding a new sponsor quickly is key.

• English-Speaking Hubs: Look for jobs in "SSCs" (Shared Service Centers). Companies like Google, IBM, Wise, and Roche have massive offices here and primarily conduct business in English.

[Understanding Your Salary (Gross vs. Net)

Hungarian taxes can be surprising. When you see a salary offer, it is always the Gross amount.

• Standard Deductions: Generally, you should expect to take home about 66.5% of your gross salary.

• The Breakdown: * 15% Personal Income Tax (SZJA) — Unless you are under 25!

  • 18.5% Social Security Contribution.

• Family Tax Benefit: If you have children, your tax burden is significantly lower. Make sure to mention this to your HR department immediately.

Getting Your Paperwork (Tax ID & TAJ)

Before your first day of work, you need two essential numbers:

1. Tax ID (Adóazonosító jel): You apply for this at the Tax Authority (NAV). It’s a blue plastic card with a 10-digit number.

2. TAJ Number: (Refer back to our Healthcare section!) Your employer will usually request this for you.

Closing Thought

The Budapest job market is competitive but rewarding. Whether you are balancing a part-time cafe gig with your Master's degree or leading a team at a tech giant, knowing your rights is the first step to a successful career in Hungary.