5 important changes in the employment of foreigners

The criteria for employers wishing to employ a third-country national have been tightened. The government has capped the number of permits that can be issued at 35,000 in 2025, and only three countries - Armenia, Georgia and the Philippines - are now allowed to bring in guest workers with work permits. The latter restriction mainly affects mostly manual workers brought in by temporary employment agencies in larger numbers, but those coming in for skilled, managerial and shortage occupations could also see significant changes. But there is a solution to the current situation, says Györgyi Cziczárdi.

Raised salary threshold

One example is the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals. To obtain the card, a worker must have a university degree or a specific period of experience and an employment contract with a future employer for at least one year. This type of permit is advantageous because it is valid for 1-4 years, can be extended and allows family members to join. However, the salary limit for the card has been increased to 883,671 forints in 2025 and to 706,937 forints for certain health care positions, according to a decree of the Ministry of National Economy. "This is generally not a problem for interested employers in managerial or senior specialist positions, but it can be a barrier when employing, for example, young professionals or in the health sector, for example, because of the existing salary bands, despite the serious labour shortages perceived in the sector," says the relocation specialist.

For expat executives and professionals, the possibility of family reunification - which is feasible for the blue card above - can also be a deciding factor when an employee is deciding whether or not to accept an employer's offer, as several types of permits, such as a work permit, do not qualify.

Another option is the Hungarian Card, which is available to third-country nationals who come to Hungary to work, to participate in a company or even to hold a managerial position. In addition, the applicant must have professional qualifications as defined by the Minister responsible for higher education. This licence is valid for 3 years and may be renewed for the same period.

National Residence Card is issued to third-country nationals who hold a residence permit, temporary settlement permit or temporary residence card. This permit is valid for 10 years and renewable for a further 10 years, is not specifically for employment purposes but can be used to take up work, but a number of conditions must be met to apply for such a card.

Compulsory examination

An additional difficulty is the Hungarian Cultural Knowledge test, which tests whether the candidate meets the conditions for social coexistence in the case of national residence cards and EU residence applications. The test must be taken by anyone who has not previously passed such a test. An exception is made for those who have been issued a national residence card in the national interest. The test is in Hungarian, in writing, in Budapest, for an occasional fee of HUF 20 000. If you fail the test three times, you will not be allowed to retake it again and will lose your chance of long-term residence in Hungary.

The exam will cover topics such as Hungarian national symbols, important historical events and celebrations, the basic institutions of the Fundamental Law, citizens' rights and duties, the history of European and Hungarian literature and music, Europe and Hungary in everyday life, etc. All this is to be completed in writing in Hungarian, in 60 minutes, answering 12 questions.

More changes

Györgyi Cziczárdi also mentioned further changes to the relocation administration. She said the procedural fees for most permits have increased, and it costs money to issue an address card for EU citizens

The possibility of taking into account a "fairness request is no longer available in Hungary. This often puts companies in a difficult situation, because although they would immediately hire a candidate and start the application for a work permit, the prospective employee is required by law to travel home and can only submit his/her application there. This is often a lot of time and extra cost until the company can fill the vacancy and there is also the risk that the candidate might accept another offer in the meantime. This is also a loss for the company, as it can start the selection process all over again," he says.

A similarly difficult situation is faced by jobseekers who, after completing their studies in Hungary, have been granted a temporary job-search permit, which they can no longer apply for locally and have to travel home.

The Expat-Centre manager concluded by summarising that the application process is complex and the conditions are strict, with many factors to be taken into account for each type of permit: qualifications, nationality, salary limits, position and background, but he encouraged employers that by carefully reviewing and understanding the regulations, they can still find a solution to the shortage of skilled foreign workers.

Photograph by Györgyi Cziczárdi