Restrictions on the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary

At a glance

• From 1 January 2025 Hungary restricts employment of third-country nationals to those from a specified list.
• The annual cap for work permits is reduced to 35,000, down from 65,000 in 2024.
• These changes respond to expected layoffs and a worsening labour market in early 2025, potentially challenging companies employing many third-country nationals in blue-collar roles.

Hungary introduced significant restrictions on the employment of third-country nationals which have been applicable since 1 January 2025.

Only those from a specified list of countries, currently Georgia and Armenia, can apply for work permits for jobs not requiring higher education. This list can be expanded to include countries with readmission agreements with Hungary or the EU, or those with a representative office in Hungary.

Additionally, the annual cap for these work permits has been reduced to 35,000, down from 65,000 in 2024. This decision is due to anticipated significant layoffs and a worsening labour market in the first half of 2025.

These changes could present challenges for companies employing many third-country nationals in blue-collar roles.