The principle: one person, one title
The basic logic of the Hungarian aliens system is that, as a general rule, a person may only reside in Hungary under one legal title at a time.
A change in the purpose of stay usually creates a new authorisation situation, not just an administrative change.
Is it possible to switch for all titles?
No. Some types of permits explicitly prohibit a change of national title, while in other cases the applicant legally residing in Hungary may submit a new application.
In practice, there are three basic situations: some where switching is excluded, some where it is possible, and some where it is only possible in a certain direction. For some titles it is prohibited to apply for another permit in Hungary, for others it is possible if the foreigner is legally resident in Hungary, and for certain categories it is only possible to move in a certain direction.
For which titles is domestic switching possible?
The following overview summarises the most important claims that often arise in practice. In the case of a guest-self-employed person permit, domestic transfer is not possible, subject to an explicit prohibition. In the case of the guest-investor title, national transfer is possible for legal residence. For the seasonal guest worker, the work permit and the guest worker residence permit, switching is not possible, also under an explicit prohibition. The EU Blue Card can also be applied for domestically. The research and study titles allow for upgrading in specific cases. The traineeship and voluntary titles do not allow for national transfer. For nationals of a visa-free country, domestic submission is possible unless otherwise prohibited.
Important: a „yes” does not mean automatic authorisation, but that there is a possibility to submit a domestic application.
The strictest cases: guest worker titles
The rules are particularly strict for guest worker permits. In the case of seasonal workers, work permits and guest worker residence permits, a change of national status is, as a rule, excluded.
This means that they cannot expect to be able to switch to another residence in Hungary later on.
Change of employer does not equal change of title
A change of employer does not necessarily in itself mean a change of title. In many cases, it is not necessary to apply for a new title, but to submit a request for an extension or an amended application.
For whom is the system more flexible?
In the case of the EU Blue Card and the Hungarian Card, applicants legally residing in Hungary may apply for the permit in Hungary.
Researchers and students can switch to a job-seeker's or business-start-up permit after completing their activities, and in some cases they can move directly to another title.
You can move from a job-seeker's permit to, for example, a Hungarian Card, an EU Blue Card or a guest self-employed person's permit.
Visitor investors and visa-free travel
The guest investor status is more favourable in that it can be applied for domestically if you are legally resident.
Nationals of visa-free countries are also eligible for a national submission in several cases, unless the law specifically excludes that title.
Family aspects
Not all titles are suitable to be based on family cohabitation. For example, family reunification cannot be based on a family claim if the family member is a guest worker, has a White Card, is a trainee, has a study permit or is a volunteer.
There is also a limit for guest self-employed workers: family members can only join them later, typically during the extension period.
Summary
The change of residence title in Hungary is not a free option, but a strictly regulated issue.
In particular, care should be taken with guest-worker type permits, where movement within the country is severely restricted. The most important practical question is always whether the law actually allows for a change of permit type and, if so, in what procedure.
