Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, many types of matters – including most contract drafting, corporate law tasks and consultations – can be handled entirely online, through video calls, electronic signatures and email correspondence. In certain procedures, however, Hungarian law requires personal appearance or notarised countersignature of documents, in which case at least one in-person meeting is necessary. Online handling is especially practical for clients living or working abroad, or where travel would be difficult. We always ensure secure, encrypted transmission of documents and proper identification, for example through document verification during a video call. Speed and flexibility never come at the expense of legal certainty: every document is prepared with the same care as in a personal case. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we regularly assist international clients remotely. In such matters, our office clarifies in advance which steps still require personal presence.

Besides Hungarian, our office provides full legal services in English and German, from initial consultation through drafting contracts and official submissions. This is particularly important for international clients and for mixed cases involving Hungarian and foreign parties or heirs. In official procedures – before courts, authorities or the Company Registry Court – submissions must be filed in Hungarian, so in such cases we also prepare an English or German summary and translation for the client to ensure full understanding. In international matters, such as property purchases by foreign nationals, residence permits or family reunification, bilingual communication is essential and is part of our everyday practice. Where needed, we can also arrange certified translation or interpreting services. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we are available online for international clients. In such matters, our office is happy to hold consultations in English or German as well.

Citizens of European Union and European Economic Area member states may generally acquire residential property in Hungary under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens, although agricultural land is subject to separate, stricter rules. For citizens of third countries (outside the EU and EEA), acquiring residential property (not agricultural land) generally requires the permission of the competent county or Budapest government office, which must be requested before or at the same time as concluding the contract; the authority assesses factors including reciprocity and public interest when deciding. The permit procedure can take from a few weeks to several months, so this needs to be factored into the transaction timeline. Acquisition of agricultural land and small holdings by foreign nationals is significantly restricted or prohibited, with only limited exceptions. Coordinating the permit process with the contract requires legal expertise to ensure the parties can close the transaction safely and on time. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we regularly assist foreign clients with property acquisitions. In such matters, our office also prepares and submits the required permit application.

Yes, foreign individuals or legal entities can establish or acquire a stake in a Hungarian business association under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens; there is no general restriction or licensing requirement. In practice, the main technical issue is identification and signature verification: for a foreign member or managing director, identity may need to be verified by an attorney via video call or consular authentication, and foreign documents (such as a certificate of incorporation or specimen signature) typically need certified translation and, depending on the country, an apostille. A foreign national can also be appointed as managing director, but the company must always have a registered seat in Hungary and, if the director lives abroad, an authorised recipient for service of documents. From a tax perspective, it is worth clarifying in advance where the company's actual place of management is, as this can affect tax residency. The duration and cost of the registration procedure are essentially the same as for companies founded by Hungarian members. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we regularly assist foreign entrepreneurs in establishing companies in Hungary. In such matters, our office provides full advisory services in English and German as well.

To obtain a residence permit for employment purposes, an applicant generally needs to prove a valid employment contract or job offer with a Hungarian employer, adequate accommodation, and, depending on the country and occupation, in some cases an opinion from the National Employment Service or another authority on the labour market situation; this assessment is simplified or waived for certain qualified or shortage occupations. The application is typically submitted at the Hungarian consulate in the applicant's place of residence (if not yet in Hungary) or domestically at the immigration authority, together with the travel document, employment contract, proof of health insurance and accommodation documents. Processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of case and the authority's workload. The permit granted is usually valid for a fixed period, and to continue employment or pursue longer-term settlement, the application must be renewed in time. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we regularly assist foreign employees and employer companies with this procedure. In such matters, our office compiles and submits the complete application documentation.

For business-purpose residence, the applicant must demonstrate an intention to pursue independent business activity in Hungary (as a sole trader, or as a member or executive officer of a business association), which typically requires a business plan, proof of company registration, and evidence of sufficient financial means for subsistence and accommodation. When assessing the application, the authority may also consider the economic viability of the planned activity and the applicant's entrepreneurial background. This permit type differs from a standard work permit, since it is based on independent business activity rather than employment, so it is advisable to coordinate the company formation and immigration procedures on a synchronised timeline. The permit granted is, similarly to the employment-based permit, valid for a fixed period, and continuous, genuine operation of the business is the basic condition for renewal. In certain investor categories (involving larger capital investment), more favourable, faster procedural routes may also be available. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we handle company formation and residence permit matters together, in a coordinated manner. In such matters, our office also helps ensure the business plan is legally well-founded.

A residence permit for family reunification can be requested by a close family member – typically a spouse, minor child, or in certain cases a dependent parent – of a person lawfully residing in Hungary (settled, holding a long-term residence permit, or residing on another legal basis), provided the resident family member has sufficient income and accommodation to support the family. The application must prove the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, where necessary with certified translation and legalisation), the legal status of the resident family member, and the financial and housing conditions. In certain cases, particularly for applications based on marriage, the authority may examine the genuineness of the relationship to prevent abuse through sham marriages. If granted, the family member may reside in Hungary and, depending on the type of permit, may also become entitled to work. It is worth preparing the application thoroughly, as incomplete or insufficiently substantiated applications can lead to refusal. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we help compile the necessary documentation and submit the application. In such matters, our office can also advise family members in English and German.

In case of a rejection, the first step is to carefully review the reasoning stated in the decision and the information on available remedies, since the deadline for appeal is short and final, and missing it makes the decision definitive. A rejection can typically be challenged through an appeal and, if unsuccessful, through administrative court proceedings, in which the court examines whether the authority correctly established the facts and applied the law. Success depends on identifying the specific reason for rejection – such as missing or insufficient proof of income, a questionable family relationship, or a prior legal violation – and addressing it in a targeted way with supporting documents. In some cases, submitting a new application may also be worth considering if the reason for rejection can be remedied in the meantime, but this does not replace a timely appeal if the decision is otherwise contestable. A prompt, professional response is critical, since lack of a valid residence status can lead to further legal consequences, such as expulsion. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we take on representation in urgent matters even on short notice. In such matters, our office first analyses the specific reason for the rejection.

To obtain long-term (EU long-term) resident status, the general requirements are at least 3-5 years of continuous, lawful residence in Hungary, sufficient and proven income, health insurance, and in some cases basic Hungarian language knowledge or fulfilment of integration conditions; the exact duration can vary depending on the legal basis of residence (e.g. employment, family reunification, settlement). The routes to Hungarian citizenship are broader: "preferential naturalisation" (for example, for those with Hungarian ancestry or Hungarian language knowledge) is available under shorter, more favourable conditions, while general naturalisation typically requires several years of continuous residence in Hungary, a clean criminal record, proof of subsistence and accommodation, and passing a basic constitutional knowledge exam. Preferential naturalisation is also available based on marriage, subject to certain periods of cohabitation and marriage. The documentation requirements for each procedure are significant, and an incorrect or incomplete submission can substantially delay the decision. Alongside our offices in Győr and Tata, we help map out which route is fastest and most suitable for a given life situation. In such matters, our office accompanies the process in English and German as well.