In 2026, intensified inspections will continue at employers employing foreign nationals. Authorities verify the necessary permits and compliance with reporting obligations; omissions may lead to public order or labour fines
The OIF has extended the possibility of switching to the EU Blue Card to all third-country nationals working in Hungary, subject to meeting the applicable conditions.
The validity period of residence permits for Ukrainian citizens with asylum status was automatically extended until 04/03/2027.
According to the authority’s current position, a change of employer or job position cannot be reported to the OIF through a simple notification.
The Minister of National Economy announced the minimum wage valid in 2026 for the EU Blue Card.
A fresh government decree has amended the exam requirement linked to long-term residence permits. Certain applicants are now exempt.
From April 16, 2025, young citizens of Colombia can also participate in Hungary’s Working Holiday program, expanding international mobility opportunities.
From 1 May 2025, the fee for the address card must still be paid by bank transfer, but to a changed account number
The United Kingdom has introduced an entry permit (ETA) for EU citizens. Anyone travelling to the UK from spring 2025 must ensure that they obtain an ETA in time.
In 2025, the competent authorities will intensify their investiagtion of the compliance with the related legal requirements at employers employing foreign nationals.
The cultural knowledge exam is mandatory for long term residence permit applications submitted from 01.01.2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added the Republic of the Philippines to the list of citizens may apply for residence permits for employment purposes.
The guest investor residence permit program removed the possibility of obtaining a residence permit valid for 10 years based on the purchase of residential real estate worth EUR 500,000
From 1 January 2025, the possibility of applying for the residence permit for employment and guest worker residence permit has been significantly restricted.
The validity period of residence permits for Ukrainian citizens with asylum status was automatically extended until 04/03/2026.
The Minister of National Economy announced the minimum wage valid in 2025 for the EU Blue Card.
In future, all school documents issued outside the EEA will require Apostille authentication or diplomatic legalisation
In connection with the National Card and guest worker residence permit the government decrees regulating which countries’ citizens can apply for such permits have been published.
It is temporarily not possible to submit applications for National Card and guest worker residence permit.
According to the NGM’s new position (July 2024), only qualifications obtained abroad are acceptable for this permit.
From 1 July 2024, another legislative change will enter into force concerning the National Card and guest worker permits
The number of partner countries participating in the Working Holiday scheme has expanded, from 01.06.2024 Ecuadorian citizens can also apply for such a permit.
With the amendment, which entered into force on 11 May 2024 , applications for renewal of residence permits can be submitted earlier than 45 days before expiry.
The permit type could have been applied for from July 1, 2024, but with the amendment that came into effect on May 11, 2024, that date was changed to January
The immigration office’s online application upload system, EnterHungary, will be temporarily unavailable between 24:00 on 17 May 2024 and 24:00 on 20 May 2024 due to pre-planned maintenance.
The EU Blue Card allows the holder to change employer or job in Hungary, but not without limitations.
A new section has been added to our website: in the “news” menu item, we now briefly share current information about living and working in Hungary.