Permit Visa Work

Hungary Launches New Work Visa Laws: What Employers And Candidates Should Know

Hungary has presented new laws for international employees with the discharge of Government Decree No. 450/2024, which began on 18th January 2025.

The modifications are planned to make life easier for international citizens; however, they have raised questions among prospective employment seekers and enterprises seeking to employ international employees.

The new laws require employment seekers who are international nationals to first review whether their country is listed in Appendix 1 of the Government Decree. This list specifies the qualifications for a residence permit to work in Hungary.

Qualification Measure For Work Visas

Beginning on 18th January 2025, persons desiring to work in Hungary must confirm whether their nation appears in Appendix 1 of the Government Decree. Under the new laws, only nationals from countries on this list are qualified for jobs in Hungary.

According to the report, people from nations not mentioned can still obtain employment skills if their country has a formally identified organization or office in Hungary. These bodies will supervise the procedure and ensure compliance with Hungarian and EU laws. Non-compliance could result in employees being required to return to their home nations.

Updates To The List Of Qualified Nations

The list of qualified nations and institutions is subject to change. The Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs is anticipated to offer standard updates on this list via the Hungarian Gazette, with prospective inclusions of new nations. This implies that people from unqualified nations could still have an opportunity if their country’s status is modified.

Effect On Existing Applications

The new laws do not impact the status of people who have already presented their work visa requests or reimbursed the charges by 31st December 2024. Their requests will continue to be processed as often, and the new laws will not influence them.

Hence, candidates from nations not on the qualification list after 1st January 2025 will discover that the request procedure has temporarily halted.

Effects For Employers

  • Hungary employers must adjust to these new laws by associating with officially identified organizations to hire employees from third nations.
  • This adjustment in the employment procedure could modify the way enterprises policy recruitment and the employment of international citizens.
  • Reports indicate that the authority’s determination to restrict qualifications could significantly impact Hungary’s labor market. Firms currently have more stringent policies for employing non-EU workers.
  • While qualified nations and institutions have prospects, others may need to wait for updates or investigate optional pathways to jobs in Hungary.