Based on government communication in recent months, many may have concluded that Hungary is practically closing its doors to third-country workers and introducing a complete “guest worker stop”.
However, Government Decree No. 92/2026 (VI. 5.), published in the Hungarian Gazette, presents a more nuanced picture. Although the regulation indeed introduces significant restrictions, the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary is not being entirely abolished. The precise interpretation of the amendment may therefore be particularly important for affected employers.
What changed as of 5 June 2026?
Under the new regulation, as of 5 June 2026 the possibility of issuing guest worker residence permits has ceased, as the government has not designated any third countries whose citizens may be employed in Hungary under this legal title.
Does this really amount to a complete ban?
At first glance, the amendment may appear to constitute a general prohibition. In reality, however, it is rather the termination of a previously preferred employment channel.
In recent years, the guest worker legal status primarily served as a mechanism enabling temporary employment agencies and larger employers to bring significant numbers of third-country nationals to Hungary.
Accordingly, the primary objective of the current restriction is rather to limit mass, organised labour inflows, instead of fully eliminating all forms of foreign employment in Hungary.
What is not affected by the amendment?
It is particularly important to emphasise that the legislation does not entirely eliminate the possibility of employing third-country nationals in Hungary.
The amendment does not affect:
- permit types other than the guest worker residence permit,
- guest worker residence permits already valid on 5 June 2026,
- the extension and reissuance of such permits,
- as well as procedures already pending on 5 June 2026 regarding the issuance of guest worker residence permits.
In these cases, the rules applicable prior to the amendment must continue to be applied.
What does this mean for employers?
The current change therefore does not mean the abolition of the entire system, but rather the closure of the employment channel that previously ensured the largest-scale inflow of guest workers into Hungary.
At the same time, other elements of the regulatory framework continue to operate, meaning that in certain cases alternative permit options may still remain available for third-country nationals.
For employers, it may therefore be particularly important to:
- review their current employment structures,
- assess their existing permit portfolio,
- examine alternative residence and employment titles,
- and closely monitor expected future legislative changes.
The payroll and HR services team of WTS Klient Hungary, together with the legal experts of WTS Legal Hungary, are ready to assist with the interpretation of regulations regarding the employment of third-country nationals, the selection of the most appropriate permit types, and the comprehensive support of permit procedures.
This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.
