Hungary’s New Regulations for Foreign Workers: Everything You Need to Know

Hungary has introduced significant changes to its foreign worker policies with the release of Government Decree No. 450/2024, which officially came into effect on January 18, 2025. These changes aim to streamline the process of employing foreign nationals in Hungary while addressing the country's labor market needs. However, the new regulations have raised concerns among potential job seekers and businesses. Here's a detailed breakdown of what the new rules mean for foreign workers, employers, and ongoing applications.

Key Changes in the Regulations

The new regulations primarily focus on simplifying the employment process for foreign workers. However, they introduce strict eligibility criteria that foreign job seekers must meet before applying for a residence permit to work in Hungary.

Eligibility Criteria for Work Visas

Starting January 18, 2025, foreign nationals must verify if their home country is listed in Appendix 1 of the Government Decree. This list determines which countries are eligible for employment in Hungary under the new rules.

• Citizens from Listed Countries: If your country appears in Appendix 1, you are eligible to apply for a work visa and residence permit for employment purposes in Hungary.

• Citizens from Non-Listed Countries: Individuals from countries not included in the list still have a chance to gain work eligibility. However, they must rely on officially recognized organizations or offices from their home countries that are established in Hungary. These entities will oversee the application process and ensure compliance with Hungarian and EU regulations.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the rejection of applications or the worker being required to return to their home country.

Updates to the List of Eligible Countries

The list of eligible countries is dynamic and subject to periodic updates. The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs will provide regular updates on this list through the Hungarian Gazette. This allows countries that are currently ineligible to potentially gain eligibility in the future.

Impact on Existing Applications

For individuals who submitted their work visa applications or paid the associated fees by December 31, 2024, the new regulations will not apply. These applications will proceed under the previous rules. However, applications submitted after January 1, 2025, will be subject to the new criteria.

Applicants from non-eligible countries may experience delays as their applications will be paused until their country's status changes or alternative routes are identified.

Implications for Employers

Employers in Hungary must also adapt to the new regulations. Businesses looking to hire foreign nationals must now partner with officially recognized organizations to facilitate the employment of workers from non-eligible countries.

This shift in the hiring process could significantly impact Hungary's labor market. Reports suggest that stricter guidelines for hiring non-EU employees may lead to labor shortages in certain sectors. On the other hand, the updated rules aim to create a more transparent and regulated process for hiring foreign workers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of Government Decree No. 450/2024?

The decree aims to simplify the process of employing foreign nationals in Hungary while ensuring compliance with Hungarian and EU labor regulations.

2. How do I know if my country is eligible for employment in Hungary?

You need to check Appendix 1 of the Government Decree, which lists eligible countries. This list is regularly updated by the Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs.

3. What if my country is not on the eligibility list?

If your country is not listed, you can still apply for a work visa through an officially recognized organization or office from your home country that operates in Hungary. These entities will handle your application and ensure compliance with the regulations.

4. Will the new rules affect my ongoing work visa application?

No. If you submitted your application or paid the required fees before December 31, 2024, the new regulations will not apply to your case. Your application will be processed under the previous rules.

5. How often is the list of eligible countries updated?

The list is updated periodically by the Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and published in the Hungarian Gazette.

6. What happens if I apply after January 1, 2025, and my country is not eligible?

Your application will be temporarily paused until your country gains eligibility or an alternative route is identified.

7. What should employers do to comply with the new regulations?

Employers must collaborate with officially recognized organizations to hire workers from non-eligible countries. These organizations will oversee the hiring process and ensure compliance with the new rules.

8. What impact will these changes have on Hungary's labor market?

While the regulations aim to streamline the employment process, they may lead to labor shortages in sectors heavily reliant on foreign workers. Employers may need to adjust their recruitment strategies accordingly.

Final Thoughts

• Hungary's new regulations for foreign workers mark a significant shift in the country's labor policies. While the changes aim to simplify and regulate the process, they introduce new challenges for both job seekers and employers.

• For foreign nationals, understanding the eligibility criteria and keeping track of updates to the list of eligible countries is crucial. Employers, on the other hand, must navigate the complexities of the new rules to ensure compliance and maintain their workforce.

• As the Hungarian government continues to refine its policies, it is essential for all stakeholders to stay informed and adapt to the evolving regulations. Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, planning ahead and seeking guidance from officially recognized organizations can help you navigate these changes effectively.