In 2022, 55 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Hungary (excluding EU citizens), 25% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 73% labour migrants, 9% family members (including accompanying family), 12% who came for education reasons and 5% other migrants. Around 3 400 short-term permits were issued to international students and 7 100 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 42 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 10% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Germany and India were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, the Philippines registered the strongest increase (1 400) and the Slovak Republic the largest decrease (‑800) in flows to Hungary compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑33%, to reach around 30. The majority of applicants came from Russia (10) and Azerbaijan (5). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Russia (5). Of the 35 decisions taken in 2023, 71% were positive.
Emigration of Hungarian citizens to OECD countries increased by 18% in 2022, to 45 000. Approximately 36% of this group migrated to Germany, 28% to Austria and 9% to the Netherlands.
Hungary’s new immigration law came into force on 1 January 2024, with implementation from 1 March 2024. The new law significantly overhauls the immigration system, changing several work-related permits and introducing stricter notification requirements for employers. Key changes include a set of new work permit types, separating permits for highly skilled workers from those for lower-skilled migrant workers, as well as a new permit for investors. The residence permit for “other purposes”, which covered many different grounds, has been abolished.
There are four different types of permits for migrant workers. The migrant worker’s residence permit is one of them. It can only be granted for a reduced set of roles: approximately 300 occupations are on an ineligible list, and the employer must be a registered preferential employer or registered certified temporary-work agency. These permits are valid for two years, with one 12‑month extension possible. Upon expiry a new application is required, and employment is not allowed while awaiting the new permit. These workers may not transfer to other types of permits, do not become eligible for permanent residence, and cannot request family reunification.
Employers of migrant workers must not only notify the immigration authority of the start and end dates of employment, but are now required to ensure that the migrant worker leaves Hungary following the termination of their employment. For three of the types of permits, failure of employers to comply with their obligation for the migrant workers to leave Hungary, leads to a fine of HUF 5 million (about EUR 12 800).
A new “Hungarian Card” is available for highly skilled talent with relevant higher education qualifications or engagement in sports or the performing arts. This permit exists alongside the EU Blue Card (which remains unchanged, implementing the possibility for professional experience in certain information technology roles to replace education qualifications, as foreseen in the recast EU Directive), and seeks to address talent shortages in specific sectors, including engineering and information technology. The Hungarian Card is valid for three years and allows for indefinite renewal, change of immigration status including access to permanent residence, and family reunification.
Hungary has also relaunched its investor visa programme through the “guest investor” residence permit. The programme follows a previous scheme that ended in 2017, and grants work and residence rights for 10 years (renewable once). Eligible types of investment include a five‑year investment of EUR 250 000 in a specific investment fund or EUR 500 000 in residential real estate, or a donation of EUR 1 million into a higher education institution.
Migrants now have three instead of 12 months from issuance of entry visas to collect their residence permits. Starting in 2025, certain applications, e.g. for permanent residence permits or extensions to migrant worker permits, require fulfilment of the “social coexistence” requirement, proved by passing a Hungarian history and culture exam. The law includes a number of further regulation changes concerning study permits, posted workers, and other notification and documentation details. As of March 2024, several implementation rules have been announced.
For further information: http://oif.gov.hu/index.php?lang=hu
