Hungary has made the decision to limit the number of guest worker residence permits and employment-related permits to 35,000 in 2025, down from 65,000 in 2024.

This decision, confirmed by the Hungarian Ministry of National Economy, aims to protect local jobs and families. The ministry emphasized in a statement that under the law, international workers may only be employed if vacant positions cannot be filled by Hungarian citizens.

The Hungarian economy has regulated the employment of third-country workers through a quota for two decades. This quota is based on the average number of vacancies observed over the previous four quarters.

Furthermore, the ministry’s new regulations will require employers to demonstrate that they are unable to find suitable employees locally before hiring from abroad. Additionally, private recruitment agencies will be prohibited from sourcing workers outside EU countries.

Effective January 1, 2024, Hungary’s new immigration law will come into effect, with regulations pertaining to guest workers set to be enforced starting July 1, 2024.