Hungary Tightens Immigration Rules for 2025: New Work Permit Caps, Exams & Restricted Occupations

03 May 2025 · Europe Permit

  1. Hungary has reduced its annual work permit quota to 35,000, down from 65,000 in previous years.

  2. Only nationals from Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines are eligible for new work and guest worker permits.

  3. The ‘Single Permit’ has been replaced with multiple permit categories tailored to the worker’s origin, skills, and employment purpose.

  4. Over 300 occupations are banned for non-EU foreign workers, including health, education, media, law, and engineering roles.

  5. The Guest Worker Permit comes with strict limitations, such as no renewal option and no family reunification.

  6. Employers must now demonstrate that no suitable EU or Hungarian candidate is available before hiring third-country nationals.

  7. Application processing time has been extended to 60–90 days, with a more thorough review process.

  8. The Hungarian Card has been introduced to attract highly skilled professionals in IT, engineering, sports, and the arts.

  9. The Hungarian Card allows family reunification, permit renewal, and status changes, unlike the Guest Worker permit.

  10. Employers must notify authorities of any job start or termination, and foreign workers must leave Hungary within 6 days of job termination.

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