Hungary Immigration Updates 2025: Guest Worker Limits, New Exams & More

Last year, Hungary launched a major overhaul of its immigration system. While the policies were announced last year, 2025 marks the first full year of implementation, and both foreign workers and employers are now adjusting to the sweeping changes.

From the elimination of the popular ‘Single Permit’ to the introduction of restrictive guest worker rules and a new pathway for highly skilled talent, Hungary’s immigration landscape has shifted dramatically.

Key Changes in Hungary’s Immigration System

Hungary’s immigration reforms took effect in 2024 and are now fully active in 2025. Learn how guest worker permits, the Hungarian Card, and stricter rules affect foreign talent and hiring.

1. End of the ‘Single Permit’

The widely used ‘Single Permit’, which combined work and residency into a single application, has been phased out. It has been replaced with multiple permit categories, tailored to the worker’s origin, skills, and employment purpose.

2. Introduction of the ‘Guest Worker’ Permit

One of the most talked-about permits in 2025 is the Guest Worker Permit, designed for temporary foreign workers. It includes:

• Seasonal Employment Permit (agriculture, fishing, forestry)
• Employment for Investment Purposes Permit
• General Employment Permit (Hungarian payroll roles, including some low-skilled jobs)
• Guest Worker Residence Permit (for strategic economic projects)

❗ 2025 Update:

As of July 10, 2024, nationals from Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Russia are no longer eligible for this permit.

Also, from April 25, 2025, non-resident commuters can now access the National Card, expanding work access to border-area professionals.

3. Limitations of the Guest Worker Permit

The Guest Worker Permit comes with strict limitations, now causing noticeable friction in 2025:

• Over 300 occupations are banned for non-EU foreign workers, including health, education, media, law, and engineering roles.
• No renewal option – workers must leave and reapply.
• No change of status or permanent residency allowed.
• No family reunification – dependents of guest workers are not eligible for residence.
• Work interruption – workers must wait for permit approval before rejoining employment after expiry.

Employers in Hungary are increasingly concerned about labour shortages due to these constraints, particularly in sectors that traditionally relied on foreign workers.

4. The Hungarian Card: A Better Option for Skilled Talent

Hungary introduced the Hungarian Card to attract highly skilled professionals in IT, engineering, sports, and the arts.

Key benefits in 2025 include:

• Eligibility based on higher education or special talent
• Family reunification, permit renewal, and status changes are allowed
• Minimum salary requirement: 80% of the average wage for the role

Unlike the Guest Worker permit, this pathway is gaining popularity among skilled migrants seeking longer-term opportunities in Hungary.

2025 Sees Tighter Employer Obligations

Employers now face stricter notification rules:

• Must notify authorities of any job start or termination
• Foreign workers must leave Hungary within 6 days of job termination
• Fines for non-compliance have doubled to HUF 1 million per violation

Businesses must now build robust HR compliance processes to avoid penalties.

What’s New and Relevant in 2025?

1. Cultural Knowledge Exam Introduced

As of January 1, 2025, permanent residency applicants must pass a cultural and historical knowledge exam in Hungarian. The test evaluates basic knowledge of Hungarian history and culture, adding a new integration requirement.

2. Shorter Validity for Entry Visa

The one-time entry visa issued for collecting residence permits is now valid for up to three months. Applicants must complete their entry and permit collection within this shorter timeframe to avoid delays or reapplication.

3. Othe Key Reforms

Apart from these, several key immigration reforms introduced in Hungary in 2024 are now being fully implemented in 2025. Here’s a look at what’s new this year:

• Guest worker eligibility tightened further
• National Card access expanded to more nationalities and cross-border commuters
• Employers are experiencing hiring gaps due to renewal bans and role restrictions
• Skilled workers shifting toward the Hungarian Card and the EU Blue Card

Hungary in 2025 – A Two-Speed Immigration System

Hungary’s immigration strategy in 2025 favours highly skilled foreign professionals while placing tight restrictions on low-skilled labour migration.

Employers must adapt by rethinking recruitment strategies, focusing on talent eligible under the Hungarian Card or EU Blue Card, which continues to allow skilled workers with relevant experience (even without formal education) to enter Hungary.

For foreign workers, understanding the right permit pathway in 2025 is crucial. The Guest Worker route may offer entry, but without permanence, family, or flexibility, it’s a limited solution.