1 years of experience with the Aliens Act: through the eyes of a relocation specialist - Györgyi Cziczárdi was interviewed.
In January 2024, the new Aliens Act came into force, creating new types of permits and a new framework for the employment of foreigners.2025 brought further changes, with further tightening of the rules, mainly concerning work permits and limiting the number of permits that can be issued. What changes have been introduced by the law, which was substantially amended a year ago? What are the positive experiences and what are the challenges? How does Györgyi Cziczárdi, Managing Director of Expat-Center and relocation expert with more than a decade of experience in the integration of foreign workers in Hungary, see all this?
The professional approach: a stricter law was needed
The professional believes that the new framework, although complex and strict, was essential to adapt to the dynamics of the labour market.
"The Harm Act, which was in force before, had already passed its time, so it was indeed necessary to change the framework and tighten controls, as it happened in other European countries. Now the situation and the needs of the labour market have also changed, which also made it timely to change the legal framework," Expat-Center's CEO pointed out.
Hungarian Card - STEM diploma
For example, Györgyi Cziczárdi said the introduction of the Hungarian Card was a positive step to attract STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates, as there has been a serious shortage of engineering and technology graduates in Hungary for years.
This type of licence is available to workers who meet the qualification standards set by the minister responsible for higher education. The three-year permit and the possibility of renewal ensure that the most sought-after professionals can stay in Hungary and contribute to the development of the economy.
Social Coexistence - Cultural Examination
The relocation specialist also mentions the cultural integration exam as a positive aspect of a longer stay in Hungary. "It helps the integration of foreigners into the community if they are familiar with the customs, cultural framework and differences here. The exam aims to ensure that foreigners are aware of the values, traditions and laws of Hungarian society, "he said.
It is another matter that taking the exam in Hungarian can be a challenge for candidates. The Hungarian Cultural Knowledge Exam, for national residence cards and EU residence applications, tests whether the candidate meets the conditions for social coexistence. The exam is in Hungarian, in written form, with 12 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
Challenges and the need for fine-tuning
Györgyi Cziczárdi also highlighted the helpfulness of the staff of the immigration offices, who are helping both the people concerned and employers to adapt to the new rules and overcome uncertainties in a period of legislative changes.
At the same time, the expert also mentions the challenges inherent in the new rules, the fine-tuning of which would be essential in practical application, "helping both the profession and labour market players".
One of these, for example, is the perception of STEM graduates from third countries who have graduated in Hungary. Györgyi Cziczárdi points out that while the diploma was obtained in Hungary, it is not recognised by law to the same extent as a foreign diploma. This causes a significant problem in the labour market, as young professionals cannot find a job quickly in the fields they are looking for.
"This makes it difficult for people who have already had a good chance to integrate into the local environment, having lived and studied here for years, to find jobs in the shortage of professions in Hungary."
The relocation expert said that in a situation of labour shortages, it would also help employers if the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals - which basically requires a higher education qualification, but can also be applied for with a limited period of experience for IT professionals - could be applied for in some other professions with a limited period of experience, for example 5 years.
The Expat-Centre CEO also mentioned that the new law will have the most negative impact on professionals who are otherwise important for the labour market, such as finance and marketing professionals , teachers, or for example graduates in higher education in healthcare in Hungary.
Furthermore, it is also a major challenge for employers that after termination of employment or dismissal of workers, they or their family members have to leave Hungary, which has to be provided by the employer. Györgyi Cziczárdi believes that most employers do not have the resources and means to ensure this kind of responsibility, which creates not only financial but also operational difficulties for companies.
The future outlook
Fewer and fewer companies in Hungary today can afford not to employ foreigners, Györgyi Cziczárdi stressed. This is why it is crucial for companies to adapt to the law, while they hope that the legislation will change in the light of practical experience, to better adapt to real market needs.