Hungary Suspends New Guest Worker Residence Permit Applications

Key Point  

• Hungary has halted new guest worker residence permit applications as of June 6, 2026, following legislative amendments that eliminate eligibility for certain nationalities. 

Guest Worker Residence Permit Applications 

On June 5, 2026, Hungary enacted Government Decree No. 92/2026, amending earlier regulations governing guest worker employment.  

The changes took immediate effect and significantly restricted access to guest worker residence permits.  

Suspension of New Applications 

No Eligible Nationalities 

As of June 6, 2026, new applications for guest worker residence permits are no longer accepted, as no third countries are currently designated as eligible under the revised framework.  

This follows the formal withdrawal of the prior country eligibility list by the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Pending Applications 

• Applications submitted by June 5, 2026, with fees paid, will continue to be processed under prior rules 
• These cases are not impacted by the legislative change 

Current Permit Holders 

• Individuals holding valid guest worker permits may:  
• Apply for extensions or reissuance 
• Continue under the previous legal framework 

Applies Only to Guest Worker Permits 

The suspension specifically affects guest worker residence permits and does not impact other residence permit types, which remain governed by existing rules.  

Broader Policy Review Underway 

The Hungarian government has also ordered a comprehensive review of its labor migration framework, signaling that further legislative changes are likely. 

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