Tag Archive for: immigration

Hungary Asylum Extension 2026: Important Update for Ukrainian War Refugees

The Hungarian government has issued a new decree extending the validity of asylum documents for those affected by the war in Ukraine. This extension ensures that asylum seekers can legally stay in Hungary until 4th March 2026 under temporary protection status.

Who is Eligible for Hungary’s Asylum Extension?

This asylum document validity extension applies to:

  • Ukrainian citizens who were residents in Ukraine before 24th February 2022.
  • Stateless persons or non-Ukrainian third-country nationals who received international or national protection in Ukraine before 24th February 2022.
  • Family members of these individuals.

Official Government Decree on Asylum Document Validity

According to Government Decree 86/2022 (III. 7.), the updated validity period of asylum documents is extended until 4th March 2026, replacing previous regulations that listed 2025 as the expiration date.

This amendment was introduced through Government Decree 343/2024 (XI. 14.), which modifies earlier legislation regarding emergency rules and temporary protection.

The decree was officially published in the Hungarian Official Gazette on 14th November 2024, under No. 114 of 2024.

Why is This Asylum Extension Important?

Extending the Hungary asylum extension 2026 allows displaced individuals to continue receiving protection, access services, and maintain legal residency. The change highlights Hungary’s ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine.

What Should Refugees Do Next?

If you or your family members are eligible for this extension, ensure that your asylum documents are valid until 4th March 2026. For official updates, visit Hungary’s immigration office or consult legal experts on refugee rights.

Final Thoughts on Hungary’s Asylum Policy Update

This Hungary asylum extension 2026 provides crucial stability for refugees facing uncertainty. Staying informed about government policies is essential for those under temporary protection in Hungary.

Hungary Immigration Changes 2025 – Essential Legal Update

We would like to inform our clients that important legislative changes have come into effect as of 1st January 2025, which affect immigration and employment matters in several ways.

These Hungary immigration changes 2025 significantly affect how employers and third-country nationals must handle permit applications.

  1. Hungary Immigration Changes 2025: Key Legislative Updates

  2. Guest Worker Residence Permit in Hungary: New Eligibility Criteria

New Regulations for Guest Worker Permits (Effective January 1, 2025)

In the Hungarian Official Journal No. 135 of 2024, published on 23rd December 2024, the Government Decree 450/2024 (XII. 23.) on the employment of guest workers in Hungary (hereinafter: Government Decree) was published. The Government Decree will come into force on 1 January 2025.

Eligible Countries for Guest Worker Residence Permits

From 1st January 2025, taking into account the exceptions listed in point II, citizens of the following countries can be employed in Hungary with a residence permit for the purpose of employment and a residence permit for guest workers, as listed in Appendix 1 of the Government Decree:

  • Georgia
  • Armenia

Exceptions and Special Provisions for Certain Third-Country Nationals

According to the Government Decree, citizens of other third countries can also be employed in Hungary with a residence permit for the purpose of employment and a guest worker residence permit if their home country has an organization or office in Hungary officially recognized by their government. This organization must ensure compliance with Hungarian and EU legislation and guarantee that any non-compliant worker will leave Hungary.

The Minister responsible for foreign policy will publish the list of eligible third countries in a Communication annexed to the Hungarian Official Journal.

These adjustments form a critical part of the ongoing Hungary immigration changes 2025, aiming to tighten eligibility and compliance mechanisms.

  1. Employment Residence Permit in Hungary 2025: What You Need to Know

Regulations for Applications Submitted Before January 1, 2025

For residence permits for guest workers, Appendix 1 of Government Decree 180/2024 (VII. 8.), in force until 31st December 2024, shall apply. This regulation covers citizens from the following countries:

  • The Philippines
  • The Republic of Indonesia
  • The Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Mongolia
  • The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  • The Federative Republic of Brazil
  • Georgia
  • The Kyrgyz Republic
  • The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
  • The Republic of Colombia

The new eligibility rules are an integral aspect of the broader Hungary immigration changes 2025 framework.

Changes for New Applications After January 1, 2025

For applications submitted after 1st January 2025, Government Decree 450/2024 (XII. 23.) shall not apply to:

  • New applications for a residence permit for employment purposes from third-country nationals holding a valid residence permit for employment issued under Act II of 2007 before 31st December 2024.
  • Extensions of residence permits for employment purposes if the permit was valid as of 31st December 2024.
  • Ongoing applications submitted before 31st December 2024.

Processing Immigration Cases via EnterHungary Platform

An application submitted via the EnterHungary platform will be considered ongoing if the procedural fee is paid by 31st December 2024 at the latest. Additionally, applications received by a consular officer before 31st December 2024 will also be considered ongoing.

This digital pathway is one of the administrative shifts introduced by the Hungary immigration changes 2025.

  1. TEÁOR 2025 Classification Changes and Business Obligations

Transition from TEÁOR’08 to TEÁOR’25: What’s Changing?

As of 1st January 2025, the Unified Sectoral Classification System of Economic Activities (TEÁOR) will change. The TEÁOR’08 classification, in effect since 2008, will be replaced by TEÁOR’25, reflecting economic developments such as drone and smart device manufacturing.

How Businesses Can Check and Update Their TEÁOR Codes

Businesses can use the TEÁOR’25 code search program and the TEÁOR’08–TEÁOR’25 transcoding program available on the Central Statistical Office (KSH) website.

  • TEÁOR’25 Search Program: Click here
  • TEÁOR’08–TEÁOR’25 Conversion Support: Available on the KSH website.

Deadlines and Reporting Obligations for Companies

Organizations will receive their new main activity code automatically. If no automatic conversion is possible, they must update their classification by 1st July 2025.

What Happens If TEÁOR Codes Are Not Updated?

If an organization does not modify its old TEÁOR codes by 1st July 2025, the old codes will be closed ex officio as of 31st August 2025, effective 31st December 2024.

  1. NEAK Notification Letters: What They Mean for Employers and Employees

Who Will Receive NEAK Notifications and Why?

The National Health Insurance Fund Manager (NEAK) will send notification letters via Ügyfélkapu (Customer Gate) if an employer or state organization reports a change in an employee’s legal relationship.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities for NEAK Notifications

Employers must report changes in:

  • New employment relationships
  • Suspensions
  • Terminations
  • FEOR code changes
  • Working hour adjustments
  • Insurance status updates

Steps to Verify and Respond to NEAK Notifications

Clients should verify their notification letters on the Ügyfélkapu platform. If the information is correct, no action is needed. If discrepancies are found, they should visit the county government office or contact their employer for correction.

Source: NEAK Website

  1. Summary: Key Takeaways for Businesses and Foreign Workers in Hungary

How These Changes Affect Employers and Foreign Nationals

As of 1st January 2025, only Armenian and Georgian citizens can apply for a guest worker residence permit or a residence permit for employment purposes, due to valid readmission agreements.

Future Expectations: Will More Countries Be Added to the Eligible List?

The Hungarian government may expand the list of eligible countries in the future, depending on bilateral agreements.

Businesses and foreign nationals should stay informed about any further updates to the Hungary immigration changes 2025, as additional decrees may follow.

6th January 2025, Budapest
INTER RELOCATION Kft.

Update: New immigration regulations in Hungary from 1st January 2024

Understanding Immigration Regulations in Hungary

An Overview of Immigration Regulations in Hungary, Effective January 1, 2024

The previous immigration law was replaced by a new law on January 1, 2024. The implementation of the new rules is not immediate; it occurs gradually. In cases initiated until December 31, 2023, the old regulations still apply, while the new regulations apply from March 1, 2024.

In this overview, we’ll highlight the most important immigration regulations in Hungary and how they affect both individuals and employers.

Between these two dates, the processing of residence and settlement cases, as well as the submission of applications, is suspended. From March 1, 2024, only applications according to the new rules can be submitted, but previously submitted applications will be evaluated based on the old immigration law. During the suspension period, the validity of expiring permits is extended until April 30, 2024.

Those who hold a temporary residence certificate (ITI) with respect to an ongoing permit procedure will have to attend the Immigration Office in order to extend expiring temporary residence certificates.

Changes in Immigration Regulations in Hungary

The new law introduces new types of permits, and at the same time, the general “miscellaneous purpose” or “other type” permit is abolished. Every residence permit is now tied to the residence purpose and legal basis directly specified in the law, e.g. digital nomad (White Card), medical treatment, etc. In the future, it will not be possible to issue a residence permit with a general “other” purpose, lacking a specific purpose defined in the law.

These changes mark a fundamental shift in how immigration regulations in Hungary define and categorize residence permits.

“Guest Worker” Permits

The law distinguishes between permits for work purposes, specifically between permits for work in occupations requiring higher qualifications and those known as “guest worker” permits, which allow work in professions requiring lower qualifications.

Generally, family reunification residence permits cannot be associated with the latter “guest worker” permits, and they do not entitle the bearer to settlement (permanent residence) in Hungary. Additionally, they can only be extended for a limited period (up to a total of three years). After this period, the permit cannot be extended, and instead, a new application is required. The detailed regulations for this are not yet known.

The concept of a “guest worker” encompasses various types of residence permits, generally targeting employment that does not require a high level of qualification. This includes the seasonal guest worker residence permit, the residence permit for guest workers employed for the purpose of execution of investment projects, the residence permit for employment purposes, and the guest worker residence permit.

Guidance for Employers

The previous work-purpose residence permit is now mostly equivalent to the employment-purpose residence permit.

The guest worker residence permit, understood in a narrower sense, can be applied for employment by specified employers, from countries defined by law and in occupations as specified by law.

The employment permit issued for the purpose of the implementation of investment projects is aimed at employment by employers who implement an investment as defined in an agreement with the government.

For employment in professions requiring higher education, in addition to the former EU Blue Card, the new Hungarian Card is also suitable, specifically for professions defined in separate legislation.

Citizens of Ukraine and Serbia can obtain a National Card for the purpose of employment in professions specified by legislation.

“Golden Visa”

From July 1, 2024, the so-called guest-investor visa and residence permit (“golden visa”) will be available, allowing a residence of 10+10 years for a minimum real estate fund investment of 250,000 Euros. The detailed regulations for this are not yet known.

In addition to a real estate fund investment of 250,000 euros, there will be a possibility to obtain such a visa or residence permit through a real estate purchase of 500,000 Euros or a grant provided to a designated higher education institution in the amount of 1,000,000 Euros.

The former residence permit for income-generating purposes (“gainful activities”) corresponds to the guest-self-employed residence permit.

A third-country citizen may not receive a residence permit for family unification purposes if the person to be joined as a family member holds one of the following residence permits:

  1. Guest self-employment residence permit (held for less than one year)
  2. Seasonal employment-purpose permit
  3. Permit for employment for the purpose of investment project implementation
  4. Employment-purpose permit
  5. Guest worker residence permit
  6. White Card
  7. Study-purpose permit
  8. Internship-purpose permit
  9. Residence permit for voluntary activities

The actual implementation of the new legislation is expected to be accompanied by the creation of numerous executive decrees and additional regulations containing detailed provisions. Currently, there is no information available about these, but they are anticipated to cover the precise procedural guidelines, the documents usable and required in the procedures, as well as additional conditions and circumstances that may influence the application process.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers hiring guest workers must be prepared for several new obligations. They need to register themselves, pay registration and employment fees, and ensure that an employee whose employment or residence rights have ceased actually leaves the country.

Failure to fulfill these obligations, if the employer does not act as generally expected in a given situation, can result in a fine of 5 million forints, and they may also be responsible for covering the costs associated with the deportation of the third-country national.

Employers are advised to seek further guidance on such obligations related to the employment of third-country citizens from the expected further legal regulations and related authorities to be regulated in detail in the expected but not yet available new legislation (including executive orders and further related government decrees).

Understanding and complying with the new immigration regulations in Hungary will be critical for all businesses hiring from outside the EU.

Extremely Urgent News Re Hungarian Immigration

Hungarian Immigration:

A new immigration law will come into effect on 1st January 2024 in Hungary, but all procedures will be halted between 1st January and 29th February 2024, and most of the new regulations will only be applicable from 1st March 2024.

Until 29th of February 2024 current regulations will also be applicable. During this time, no permit requests may be submitted.

All residence permits and settlement permits that expire between 2024-01-01 and 2024-02-29 are automatically prolonged until 2024-04-30 by the force of law.

Procedures started before 2024-01-01 will be judged under the old regulations.

If an application is submitted electronically, it is considered as having been started if the administrative fee is paid until December 31, 2023.

This will also apply to new applications for residence permits, residence cards, and EU registration cards, which will only be accepted if they are in the national interest, which means the government has mandated that the application is needed. Therefore, new applications can only be submitted from 1st March.

Please stand by for further updates.

Getting legal in Hungary? – Survival tips and useful pieces of advice

The business of getting legal in Hungary is easy if you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. For non-residents of the old continent, it is not so simple.

8. September 2013 – by Stuart McAlister in Budapest Times

Work Permit

The obtainment of a work permit through your employer is the first step to gaining legal status. After this, you can apply for a residence permit based on your employment status.

A work permit is not required for managing directors of corporations. Your company will just need to prove that it has other employees doing the actual work.

Residence Permit

Application for residence can be based on full-time study at a recognised college or university, employment status, or declaration of sufficent savings.

If you apply for residence on the basis that you can finance yourself, you’ll need to show recent bank statements with a healthy cash balance or proof of retirement income. The level of savings generally accepted as being sufficient is around USD 1,000 a month. You’ll need to prove current residence at a legitimate address and proof of international health insurance.

If the purpose of stay is work then you’ll produce a valid work permit and work contract. If you’re being sent to work for the Hungarian office of a multi-national firm and will remain on home payroll, then you will need a letter of assignment.

 Residence Application Process

Theoretically the residence permit application for a non-EU citizen should take place at the Hungarian Embassy in their country of origin or current legal residence. However, certain nationalities are viewed more favourably by the authorities.

For people of these nationalities, an application for a residence permit in-country is often accepted. This is on the condition that the applicant has been in the country for under the 90-day limit for a stay in the Schengen Zone.

The process overall is not extraordinarily complicated, it just requires all your paperwork to be in order. There’s nothing worse than queuing for a couple of hours, only to find one of your documents is not up to scratch.

To simplify the process, it may be wise to engage an immigration service provider. They can ensure the application goes right first time and to save you time dealing with bureaucratic hang ups.