Friday, 12 June 2026
Hungary has effectively closed its guest worker residence permit scheme to new applicants following the entry into force of Government Decree No. 92/2026 (VI. 5.) on 6 June 2026.
The amendment to Government Decree No. 450/2024 (XII. 23.) removes the possibility of obtaining new guest worker residence permits by eliminating all currently eligible source countries from the programme. At the same time, the government withdrew the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (KKM) notice that had previously allowed citizens of the Philippines to be employed under the guest worker permit framework.
The move forms part of the Hungarian government’s broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign labour and prioritise the employment of Hungarian workers.
While the guest worker route has been closed to new applicants, the regulation does not prohibit the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary. Other employment-related residence permit categories remain available under existing legislation, allowing eligible foreign nationals to continue applying for work and residence authorisations through alternative channels.
Existing applications remain valid
The new rules do not affect applications for guest worker residence permits that were submitted and paid for before 6 June 2026. These applications will continue to be processed under the previous legal framework.
This transitional provision provides certainty for employers and employees who had already initiated the permit process before the regulation entered into force.
Extensions still permitted
Foreign nationals holding valid guest worker residence permits issued before 6 June 2026 retain the right to apply for extensions or reissuance of their permits in accordance with the previous regulations.
As a result, businesses currently employing workers under the guest worker scheme can continue to rely on those employees, provided permit renewals are submitted within the required deadlines.
Other employment permits unaffected
The amendment applies specifically to the guest worker residence permit category and does not alter the requirements for other residence permits issued for employment purposes.
Third-country nationals who qualify for alternative work-related residence permits remain eligible to work in Hungary under the applicable immigration rules.
Further changes expected
The latest amendment follows Government Decision No. 1153/2026 (V. 18.), which ordered a comprehensive review of legislation governing the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary.
The review signals that additional changes to Hungary’s immigration and employment framework may be introduced in the coming months as the government reassesses the role of foreign labour in the domestic economy.
For employers, the immediate impact is the closure of the guest worker permit route for new applicants. Companies relying on foreign labour will need to review recruitment strategies, monitor permit expiration dates for existing employees and stay alert to further legislative developments that could affect workforce planning.
Source: CMS
