Published: 28.06.2026
Since 6 June, third-country nationals have been unable to apply for new residence permits under Hungary’s main guest-worker scheme after all eligible countries were removed from the approved list. Permits issued before the deadline remain valid until expiry, and properly submitted applications continue to be processed; other residence categories remain available.
According to the source, the suspension closes the guest-worker route itself but does not invalidate permits already issued or end the hiring of third-country nationals through other immigration categories. For a new move to Hungary for manual or other employment, employers must now assess alternatives such as an employment residence permit, a National Card, or, for qualified professionals, an EU Blue Card or Hungarian Card. The government is reviewing the broader framework for employing foreign nationals, so further changes to this route are possible. This matters most to third-country workers and employers planning applications after 6 June; people already in Hungary should focus on the validity and extension conditions of their existing permits.