Can I have a second job in Hungary with a work permit?

The short answer is no, you cannot get a second job if you are a third-country national living in Hungary based on a work permit. The long answer is yes, you can perform work outside your job, but not in employment. Let us explain.

Working in Hungary as a third-country national

If you are working in Hungary as a third-country national, your residency is tied to your employment. This is true regardless which work-based residence permit you have, meaning that if you want to switch employers, you need to apply for a new residence permit (only the EU Blue Card lets you switch employers without a new application, but only if you have spent at least one year in Hungary).

While your residency is based on a job, you cannot get a second job. A second job is often called a side job, but it is in no way secondary to the first job in Hungary. The same rules apply to both, and you pay the same taxes after each. Employing a third-country national implies certain responsibilities that cannot easily be split between employers. As a result, getting a second employment is not permitted.

Does this mean I can only work for my employer?

No, it doesn’t. There are other forms of work beside regular employment, and unlike a second job, these are available to you. For example, if you are already a resident of Hungary, you can easily become self-employed and do freelance work. This will not violate the conditions of your residency, and you will be able to make some extra money.

What to watch out for?

1. Find the right form of self-employment

There are various forms of self-employment in Hungary. They are different in terms of taxes to be paid, expected revenue, and expected clientele. Make sure you have a good idea of what each form of self-employment entails. You can get an overview here. If you choose flat-rate taxation, which is currently the most popular option among freelancers with a full-time job, we can help you with the relevant accountancy. Learn more here.

2. Avoid disguised employment

Disguised employment occurs when a worker does a job like an employee but is labeled as an independent contractor or a freelancer. Make sure that you can actually take advantage of your status as a freelancer.

3. Don’t overextend yourself

A full-time job in Hungary is 40 hours of work per week. If you are living in Hungary based on a work-related residence permit, you probably work full-time. In your free time, you can do whatever you want, but take care that the extra strain does not affect your health.

4. Consider the interests of your employer

While being employed, you are supposed to consider the interests of your employer.

Make sure that your contract allows you to do anything on the side; it might not.
Even if it does, make sure to advise your employer that you are doing a freelance job; if they determine that it hurts their interests, you might not be allowed to do it.
This is especially true if you intend to work in the same business that is your full-time job, as working for the competition will most probably not be allowed.
And again, take care that the extra strain does not affect your mental or physical health. That could lead to your performance deteriorating, which would negatively affect your employer.

Work and residency in Hungary

While your Hungarian residency is tied to your job, you cannot start a second job. However, you can take on additional work in self-employment, provided it is allowed by your contract and it doesn’t hurt your health or the interests of your employer. Make sure you thoroughly understand your options before you take the first step.

Helpers provides business and immigration related services to foreigner living, working, and doing business in Hungary. Whether you are a business owner who needs help with administrating the work permits for your employees or an individual who needs advice concerning their Hungarian residency options, feel free to contact us.

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