Hungary Work Visa 2026: Policies, Quotas, and Eligible Country List
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
2026 Hungary Guest Worker Permit: Key Updates and Requirements
Hungary’s work visa and residence permit policies for non-EU/EEA nationals remain largely stable in 2026, building on the major reforms introduced in 2024 and tightened further from January 2025. The government continues to prioritize protecting the domestic labor market amid economic challenges, maintaining one of the stricter guest worker regimes in the European Union.
Hungary Work Visa 2026: Core Framework and Annual Quota
The core framework from Government Decree 450/2024 (effective January 1, 2025) persists into 2026. The annual quota for Guest Worker and standard Employment Residence Permits remains capped at 35,000 for 2026—identical to the 2025 limit. This reflects a deliberate reduction from prior years to address potential unemployment risks and prioritize local hiring. Permits under these categories are temporary, typically issued for up to 2 years with a possible 1-year extension, and do not automatically lead to permanent residency or family reunification in most cases.
Eligible Countries for Hungary Work Permit 2026
The Hungary work visa for general employment roles is restricted to nationals from a specific list of eligible countries. As of late 2025 announcements for 2026, the eligible countries for guest worker permits include:
Philippines
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Vietnam
Brazil
Georgia
Kyrgyz Republic
Venezuela
Colombia
This list has expanded slightly since early 2025 and is periodically reviewed by the government. For other pathways, including preferential schemes linked to historical ties, nationals from countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and others may qualify under different permits such as the National Card. Always verify the latest official list before application.
2026 Minimum Wage Impact on Hungary Work Visa
Effective January 1, 2026, significant minimum wage increases directly impact salary requirements for work permits. The gross minimum wage rose by 11% to HUF 322,800 (approx. €840), while the guaranteed minimum wage for skilled roles increased by 7% to HUF 373,200 (approx. €970). These hikes apply to guest workers and aim to make local jobs more attractive, influencing the financial criteria for permit approval.
Alternative Pathways: Investor, Digital Nomad, and Highly Skilled Visas
For those not eligible for the standard guest worker permit, Hungary offers several alternative residency options in 2026:
Guest Investor Residence Permit: A golden visa-like option requiring investments such as €250,000 in registered venture capital funds or a €1 million donation to a Hungarian public education institution. It grants 10-year renewable residency with work rights.
White Card (Digital Nomad Permit): Continues for remote workers earning at least €3,000/month from non-Hungarian sources. It is issued for 12 months and is extendable once.
Highly Skilled Pathways: The EU Blue Card and Hungarian Card for qualified professionals face fewer restrictions and remain open to a broader range of nationalities.
Official Information and Next Steps
For the most accurate and current details on the Hungary work visa, including any mid-year updates to the eligible country list or procedures, always refer to official sources.
Official Website: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) - oif.gov.hu
Application Portal: Enter Hungary - enterhungary.gov.hu
Given the complexity and potential for change via government decrees, consulting a qualified immigration advisor is strongly recommended for applicants.
Stay informed on global visa policy changes at Visas Update.
2026 Hungary Guest Worker Permit: Key Updates and Requirements
Hungary’s work visa and residence permit policies for non-EU/EEA nationals remain largely stable in 2026, building on the major reforms introduced in 2024 and tightened further from January 2025. The government continues to prioritize protecting the domestic labor market amid economic challenges, maintaining one of the stricter guest worker regimes in the European Union.
Hungary Work Visa 2026: Core Framework and Annual Quota
The core framework from Government Decree 450/2024 (effective January 1, 2025) persists into 2026. The annual quota for Guest Worker and standard Employment Residence Permits remains capped at 35,000 for 2026—identical to the 2025 limit. This reflects a deliberate reduction from prior years to address potential unemployment risks and prioritize local hiring. Permits under these categories are temporary, typically issued for up to 2 years with a possible 1-year extension, and do not automatically lead to permanent residency or family reunification in most cases.
Eligible Countries for Hungary Work Permit 2026
The Hungary work visa for general employment roles is restricted to nationals from a specific list of eligible countries. As of late 2025 announcements for 2026, the eligible countries for guest worker permits include:
Philippines
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Vietnam
Brazil
Georgia
Kyrgyz Republic
Venezuela
Colombia
This list has expanded slightly since early 2025 and is periodically reviewed by the government. For other pathways, including preferential schemes linked to historical ties, nationals from countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and others may qualify under different permits such as the National Card. Always verify the latest official list before application.
2026 Minimum Wage Impact on Hungary Work Visa
Effective January 1, 2026, significant minimum wage increases directly impact salary requirements for work permits. The gross minimum wage rose by 11% to HUF 322,800 (approx. €840), while the guaranteed minimum wage for skilled roles increased by 7% to HUF 373,200 (approx. €970). These hikes apply to guest workers and aim to make local jobs more attractive, influencing the financial criteria for permit approval.
Alternative Pathways: Investor, Digital Nomad, and Highly Skilled Visas
For those not eligible for the standard guest worker permit, Hungary offers several alternative residency options in 2026:
Guest Investor Residence Permit: A golden visa-like option requiring investments such as €250,000 in registered venture capital funds or a €1 million donation to a Hungarian public education institution. It grants 10-year renewable residency with work rights.
White Card (Digital Nomad Permit): Continues for remote workers earning at least €3,000/month from non-Hungarian sources. It is issued for 12 months and is extendable once.
Highly Skilled Pathways: The EU Blue Card and Hungarian Card for qualified professionals face fewer restrictions and remain open to a broader range of nationalities.
Official Information and Next Steps
For the most accurate and current details on the Hungary work visa, including any mid-year updates to the eligible country list or procedures, always refer to official sources.
Official Website: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) - oif.gov.hu
Application Portal: Enter Hungary - enterhungary.gov.hu
Given the complexity and potential for change via government decrees, consulting a qualified immigration advisor is strongly recommended for applicants.
Stay informed on global visa policy changes at Visas Update.
