The Hungarian work permit is tied to the job it was issued for. If you get a new job, you need a new work permit. But what to do when you want to work two jobs at the same time, that is, to get a side job? Read on and find out.
What even is a side job exactly?
A side job is a second employment you take up while retaining an existing employment. While it is called a “side” job, in Hungary it is not secondary to the first employment in any way; the same rules pertain to both. So what does that mean in practice?
Working time in Hungary
A full-time job in Hungary means 40 hours of work a week. Most people work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. There is also an option of working time banking, where 16 x 40 hours can be spread over 16 weeks. However, an employee still cannot work more than 12 hours a day and 48 hours a week – at least for the same employer.
In their free time, employees do whatever they want. This means they can also take on a side job, where the same restrictions will apply. Neither employer is required to consider how much you work for the other as long as the extra working hours do not affect your performance. However, if your performance starts to deteriorate due to the extra strain, the double employment cannot continue, and you will have to choose – unless one of your employers makes the choice for you and terminates your employment.
As a result, it is your responsibility as an employee not to take on a workload that is physically not sustainable for you.
Competition and employer interests
When you are in employment, you are required to consider the interests of your employer. You must advise both your employers that you are working another job, and if that hurts their interests (e.g. the job is at the competition), you might not be allowed to work both jobs. You will also have to take your pink social security booklet to be signed at your second employer. Moreover, there are certain positions where it is forbidden to take a side job; if that is the case, it will be included in your labor contract.
Again, if it is obvious that the two jobs together would put too much physical and/or mental strain on you to allow adequate performance, you cannot take the side job. This is in the interest of both you and your employers.
Most side jobs are part-time jobs
To avoid over-exerting the employee, side jobs are often part-time jobs. However, still both employers should know about each other to avoid conflicts of interests, while the employee should make sure they have a feasible and sustainable schedule that also allows for rest.
Side jobs with a work permit
If you are a third-country national who got Hungarian residency based on a work permit, your residency is tied to your job. This means that you cannot enter a second employment relationship as such. However, this does not mean you cannot take on more work if you have free capacities.
While you cannot get a side job, you can start a side business. You can easily set up a small business of your own; there is even a separate tax regime developed specifically for such small side-businesses. If you choose flat-rate taxation (“átalálányadózás”) with the 40% expense rate available to every freelancer, you do not have to pay taxes on the first HUF 2 million (ca. EUR 5,000) of your revenue. This is an easy option that lets you perform work beside your existing employment relationship without interfering with your residency status.
Work permit and administrative assistance from the best
The Helpers Team offers administrative assistance to foreigners coming to live, work, and do business in Hungary. Whether you are an individual who wants to work in Hungary or an employer who wants to bring foreign talent to Hungary, we are happy to help with the relevant residency and work permit applications. Get in touch with us today, and let us find the most fitting solutions for you.