Knowledge Base » Guest worker residence permit

What is a Guest worker residence permit?

Those arriving in Hungary for long-term employment (more than 90 days) must have the appropriate permit to start their employment. One form of this is the Guest worker residence permit.

The Guest worker residence permit applies exclusively to employment opportunities offered by legally defined employers – priority investors, strategic partners, or certified workforce leasing agencies.

This permit type is one of the permits subject to the merged permit procedure, which simultaneously grants the right to reside and work in Hungary.

This permit belongs to the category of guest worker permits introduced in 2024. It is one of the permit types that allow foreign nationals to work in Hungary. It was specifically created for positions that typically require lower qualifications or involve physical work.

Who can apply for a Guest worker residence permit?

A Guest worker residence permit may be applied for by certain non-EEA nationals, regardless of their level of education, but only if their prospective employer falls within the categories defined by law:

Preferential employers:

Strategic partners of the Government;
Employers implementing investments of priority importance to the national economy;
Employers classified as partners under the Key Exporter Partnership Program.

Certified temporary work agencies:

Employers listed in the register of certified temporary work agencies as defined by government decree.

There is an additional restriction: under current regulations, only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply for a Guest worker residence permit:

Georgian
Armenian
Filipino

For which employment cases can a Guest worker residence permit be applied?

A Guest Worker Residence Permit may be requested for employment with designated employers in the following cases:

Employment relationship based on a local employment contract with a domestic employer.
In the case of certified workforce leasing agencies, the permit may also cover employment within the framework of workforce leasing.

What does a Guest worker residence permit entitle its holder to?

The Guest worker residence permit entitles its holder to work for a specified employer and in a specified position, as well as to reside in Hungary during the validity of the permit.

In the case of employment under a Guest worker residence permit, the employer may require the employee to work at a location other than the one indicated in the application, provided the job position remains the same. No new permit is required for this.

How long is a Guest worker residence permit valid?

The Guest worker residence permit may initially be granted for up to 2 years and subsequently extended for an additional maximum period of 1 year.

After three years, the holder must apply for a new permit (not a renewal). This can be done in Hungary, earliest 40 days before the current permit expires.

The permit’s validity also depends on the applicant’s passport: it must remain valid for at least three months after the permit expires.

The authority may issue the permit for a shorter period than requested if circumstances justify it, such as health insurance, housing, or savings.

Situation of family members

Family members cannot join holders of permits in the guest worker category in Hungary. This restriction also applies to the Guest worker residence permit.

An exception applies if the holder of the Guest worker residence permit has a child born in Hungary. In such cases, the authority issues a residence permit for family reunification purposes based on the parent’s (provider’s) Guest worker residence permit.

If a family member has an independent legal basis for residence (e.g. employment, studies), they may apply for the appropriate residence permit.

A family member who held a valid residence permit for family reunification purposes on 1 January 2024 may continue to extend their permit even if, under the new law, they would no longer be eligible for a family member’s permit based on the type of residence permit issued to the sponsor.

Specific requirements for applying for a Guest worker residence permit

The Immigration Act authorises the competent minister to specify which job positions are not eligible for a residence permit for employment purposes. Under the current list in force, several occupations – typically those requiring formal qualifications – have been excluded.

The law also specifies which nationals are eligible to apply for such a permit. Details of the current list of eligible nationalities can be found here.

In addition, the wage offered must comply with the generally applicable minimum wage for the position (based on the FEOR code).

Application process

The Guest worker residence permit can be applied with a job offer and a preliminary agreement with a legally defined employer for a specific role and location.

If the applicant is not present in Hungary, the first application must be submitted in person at the Hungarian consulate in their country of origin or residence.

If the applicant is a citizen of a visa-free country and has entered Hungary as a tourist, their first application may be submitted online through the EnterHungary portal of the immigration authority.

If the applicant is already in Hungary and wants to extend their permit, the extension application must be submitted online no later than 30 days before the expiry of the current permit.

An application for a Guest worker residence permit may also be submitted by the employer on behalf of the applicant without their personal presence, using the EnterHungary portal.

If the holder of a Guest worker residence permit applies for a new permit in Hungary after three years, they may submit their application no earlier than 40 days before the expiry of the current permit.

The processing time for an application for a Guest worker residence permit is 21 days.

Change of employment

If there is a change in employment details (position, place of work) or the employee changes employers, they must apply for a new Guest worker residence permit. This must comply with the maximum validity period and the legal requirements for eligible employers. The employee may start working under new conditions or with a new employer only after receiving the new permit.

Change of permit type

The Guest worker residence permit cannot be exchanged for another type of residence permit within Hungary. To switch to a different permit, you must leave Hungary and apply as a first-time applicant, following the applying rules of that permit type. The new permit application may only be submitted after the Guest worker residence permit is no longer valid.

Possibility of permanent residence

The possibility of applying for a National Residence Card – which is one type of long-term (permanent) residence permit – is excluded by law for permits falling under the guest worker category.

Employer obligations regarding employees with a Guest worker residence permit

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the employee leaves the Schengen Area within 6 days of the expiry or withdrawal of the permit.

If you need assistance with your Guest worker residence permit application, please contact our office using the details on our website.

Official information on the application process and the necessary forms can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

Information on the processing fees for licence applications can be found here.

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