On June 13, 2023, the Hungarian parliament approved legislation establishing a new category of residence for work (“guest worker”) for foreign nationals, effective November 1, 2023.
The new guest worker application will be streamlined as, unlike the existing single work and residence permit route, it will not require an official opinion from the labour authority.
Key Details
- guest worker residence can only be issued for up to two years with a single one-year renewal (the single permit can be renewed indefinitely)
- guest workers cannot sponsor dependents
- guest worker residence does not count towards permanent residence
- guest workers will not be able to change status to a different residence category within Hungary, but will have to return to their country of origin and apply from there.
Only certain employers can apply for guest worker status for their employees, namely:
- Employers of record (EOR) or temporary work agencies which have passed a special government certification process;
- Privileged employers, including those with a strategic government partnership agreement, those operating a strategically important investment in the national interest and those with a partnership agreement under the Priority Exporter Partnership Programme.
The new category applies to third-country nationals from certain countries outside the EEA and from non-neighbouring countries.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
In the coming months, the government is expected to clarify the qualifying nationalities, occupations and employers and the number of places available in this residence category.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.