Since early July, Hungary has been issuing "national cards," a type of resident permit, to Russian and Belarusian citizens. These do not count as Schengen visas, which permit holders to travel through most of Europe unhindered. The work and resident permits are only valid in Hungary. Any EU member state is allowed to issue such national permits.

Hungary already issues national cards to citizens from Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Nationals from these countries can request one if they work in Hungary or plan to set up a business.

The easing of restrictions could also help the Hungarian authorities, which are also seeking to attract Russian workers, particularly to help with the construction of a nuclear reactor, whose main contractor is the Russian state corporation Rosatom. In addition, the processing time for national card applications will be sped up, with no special security checks required.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

According to the EU Visa Code, which applies to all members of the Schengen area, a state must check applicants' data........

© Deutsche Welle