Whatever stage you're at, we know exactly what the authority expects. Horizontes Nova was founded by a former Regional Deputy Director of Hungary's National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing — six years inside the system, now on your side. We work with individuals and with companies relocating international talent.
Where to start
Two questions, and we will tell you what the most sensible next step is — no obligation.
Who is the case for?
Where are you now?
The hardest decisions are made before you arrive.
Choosing the right type of permit, or being eligible for it, has a major impact on the outcome of an application. Most refused cases we see go back to a decision made in the first few weeks — the wrong permit type, administrative issue. A consultation now can save you many weeks of wasted time and a lot of costs.
An extension is more than a formality.
When extending a permit or changing the legal basis, there are many factors to consider. Many people only look at the expiry date, but there are many conditions that must be met in order to continue to enjoy the right of residence. In the case of an extension application, there may even be more conditions to fulfil than for an initial application. We’ll look at what the authorities will actually be checking in your documents and what steps you need to take before submitting your application.
Changing jobs is an immigration matter too.
It is not enough simply to sign a new preliminary agreement. If there is a change in employer, job role or place of work, you must submit a request for an extension, and the employer has administrative obligations to fulfil even before the request is submitted. Both of these must be in order at the same time: most delays and rejections stem from a lack of coordination between the two parties. We keep both sides in check to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the law.
It looks simple — but it is full of pitfalls.
Under the rules in force since 2024, it may even be questionable whether a family member can join the main applicant at all. If so, the authentication and translation of documents issued abroad can take weeks. If the application is incomplete, the authority will request that the missing information be provided — and the time elapsed between the request and its fulfilment is not counted towards the processing deadline. The omission therefore not only causes a delay: it brings the authority’s clock to a standstill. We will advise you in advance on whether there is a legal basis, what will be required, and in what order it is advisable to obtain the necessary documents.
Eight days. That is your window.
In the case of an application for a residence permit, an appeal must be lodged within eight days of the decision being announced. This is an extremely tight deadline, particularly if your continued stay in Hungary depends on it. And it does not pause while you look for help. Write to us today — we assess the case and give you a written quote within 24 hours.
The order of steps matters.
In applications relating to employment, reported claims for manpower must be submitted to the state employment service either before the third-country national’s application is made, or at the latest within two working days thereafter; otherwise, rejection is virtually guaranteed. These labour requirements are subject to strict substantive and formal requirements; furthermore, they may only be submitted electronically as certified documents.
Five days, in three situations.
Employers may be required to report not only to the tax office, but also to the immigration authority and, in certain cases, to the government office either. The immigration authority must be notified when an employee starts work, if an employee does not commence work after all, and if the employment relationship is terminated whilst the permit is still valid — typically within five days. Failure to do so may result in a public order fine of up to HUF 1 million per affected employee. Let’s go through the procedures before an inspection takes place.
Amending the contract is not enough.
For several permit types, a change of employer, position or place of work triggers an extension application on the employee's side and a notification on the company's side. If only one happens, it is not the contract that is at risk — it is the permit, and with it the lawfulness of the employment. Furthermore, specific regulations apply to the period between the two permits.
The most lasting solution: a framework agreement
If you do not want to constantly face the potential risk of losing your foreign workforce, have to visit government offices regularly, or deal with administrative difficulties, we are pleased to offer a long-term, reliable solution: Under a framework agreement, we will always notify you of expiring permits, keep you constantly informed of legislative changes and your obligations, and take the burden off your shoulders. No monthly fee – just one agreement, with assignments on a case-by-case basis.
Services
Full guidance on permit applications and extensions — what to submit, when, and how to maximise your chances of approval.
Whether you're employed or self-employed, we guide you through the correct procedure for your specific situation and nationality.
Moving to Hungary? We handle the entire process: registration, banking, utilities, healthcare — everything you need to become properly settled.
Articles
Practical, no-jargon guides to Hungarian immigration — from someone who used to sit on the other side of the desk.
In June 2026 the government overhauled Hungary's guest worker system and narrowed the list of eligible countries. Nearly a month on, and based on the amended legislation, here is a clear summary of what the changes mean in practice.
Read more →Refused or expiring residence permit in Hungary? A former senior immigration official explains the deadlines, your appeal options, and how renewal really works — step by step.
Read more →A practical, step-by-step guide to the application process — required documents and what officials actually look for.
Read more →Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours — with honest advice on your options.