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Can I work while I study in Hungary?

In Hungary, international students have the legal right to work while pursuing their degrees. However, the Hungarian law sets specific rules on how many hours you can work depending on your citizenship and whether university classes are in session.

Following these regulations ensures you keep your legal student status in Hungary. Working past your permitted hours without a proper work permit can negatively impact your residence permit.

Who needs to know this?

This information applies to all international students, including Stipendium Hungaricum, Erasmus, exchange, self-funded, and newly admitted students.

Non-EEA (Third-Country) Students

If you hold a student residence permit, your working limits are split by the university calendar:

PeriodMaximum Allowed Working Time
During Term-Time / Teaching PeriodMaximum 30 hours per week
Outside Term-Time (Holidays)Maximum 40 hours per week for a maximum of 90 days total (which equals a maximum of 66 workdays)

EEA Students

  • Working Limit: There is no limitation on your working hours.
  • Rule: You must apply for a registration certificate and register your residence after arrival if you plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days.

Required Documents

Before you can start earning an income and officially sign a job contract in Hungary, you must collect a few essential documents.

1. Tax Card (Tax ID)

  • Why it is needed: You are required to have this if you receive any form of income in Hungary.
  • Where to get it: You must apply for it in person at the National Tax and Customs Administration (Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal).

2. Residence Permit

  • Why it is needed: To prove your legal right to stay and work within student hourly limits.
  • Where to get it: Issued by the Hungarian immigration authorities.

3. TAJ Card (Health Insurance Card)

  • Why it is needed: It is a mandatory requirement for official employment in Hungary.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV / Resume)

  • Why it is needed: To apply for open positions.
  • Important Notes: In Hungary, employers might specifically ask for a CV with or without a photo of you. If they request a photo, ensure it looks professional. You can use tools like Europass or Canva to build it.

5. Motivation Letter

  • Why it is needed: Employers frequently ask for a cover letter to accompany your job application.

6. Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Form)

  • Why it is needed: Some employers will require a background check before they can officially hire you.

Important Tips

  • Utilize Your Career Center: Always check the Career Center at your university, as they offer part-time jobs and internships specifically tailored for students.
  • Switch to English: When using Hungarian student job portals, look for English language toggle switches or specific “English captions” to find jobs open to foreign students.

Common Mistakes

  • Working Too Much Outside of Term-Time: Non-EEA students often forget that the 40-hour work week during holidays is strictly capped at 90 days total (or 66 working days) per year. Exceeding this without a work permit is illegal.
  • Forgetting the Tax Card: You cannot legally receive your salary without registering at the National Tax and Customs Administration. Do not wait until your first payday to apply for your Tax Card.
  • Exceeding 30 Hours During Semesters: Working even a few hours over the 30-hour weekly limit during the teaching period violates your student residence permit terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I work full-time during the summer holidays?

If you are a non-EEA student, yes, you can work up to 40 hours a week outside of term-time, but only for a maximum of 90 days total (up to 66 working days) per year. If you are an EEA student, you can work full-time without these limits.

2. What should I do if I want to work more than the allowed student hours?

If you need to exceed the student working time limits, you must apply for a formal work permit. You should contact your employer directly to help you start this application process.

3. Do I need a Tax Card if I am only working a temporary or part-time student job?

Yes. If you receive any form of income in Hungary, you are legally required to apply for a Tax Card.

4. Are European Union (EEA) students limited in how many hours they can work?

No. Students coming from an EEA state have freedom of movement for workers and face no legal restrictions on their working hours, provided they register their residence if staying longer than 90 days.

Official Government Authorities

  • National Tax and Customs Administration (Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal): For Tax Card applications (must visit in person).

Recommended Job Portals & Platforms

Source References

  • Act XC of 2023 on the General Rules for the Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals (Section 54, Paragraph 8)
  • Act II of 2007 (Section 20, Paragraph 3)
  • Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on freedom of movement for workers within the Union
  • Official employment documentation guidelines from Hungarian University Career Services and Career Booklets

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