Everything You Need to Know About the Hungarian Guest Worker Permit in 2025

Executive Summary

If you’re from Georgia, Armenia or Philippines and looking to legally work abroad, Hungary’s Guest Worker Permit might just be your best shot in 2025. But before you get your hopes up, let’s be clear — this program is narrow in scope and comes with strict rules, both for the worker and the employer.

The Hungarian government rolled out new restrictions as of January 1, 2025. Now, only nationals of Georgia, Armenia and Philippines can apply. There’s also a 35,000-person cap for the year, so the window isn’t wide open. Only certain employers — those designated as strategic partners or licensed labor rental agencies — can actually hire through this permit.

And one more thing upfront: this permit doesn’t lead to permanent residency or let you bring your family. It’s a temporary, labor-focused tool meant to fill gaps in Hungary’s workforce — not a gateway to migration.

So, if you’re considering this route, let’s walk through what’s allowed, what isn’t, and how you can give yourself the best shot at getting approved.

What is the Hungarian Guest Worker Permit?

At its core, this is a temporary work and residence permit that allows certain foreign nationals to live and work in Hungary — legally — for a specific job and employer. It’s Hungary’s response to growing labor shortages in key sectors, especially manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and logistics.

Here’s what makes it different from other residence permits:

It’s only open to citizens of Georgia, Armenia and Philippines
You can only work for certified employers approved by the Hungarian government
It’s valid for up to two years, with a possible one-year extension
It doesn’t provide a path to permanent residence or citizenship

The permit is job-specific and employer-specific, meaning you’re tied to the role and the company that got you the permit. This is not a freelance visa or a backdoor to long-term European residence — and if that’s your goal, this isn’t the right permit.

Man working on the streets of Budapest in Hungary

Who is Eligible for the Hungarian Guest Worker Permit?

As of 2025, the eligibility has been narrowed down to just three countries. If you’re from Georgia, Armenia and Philippines you’re eligible to apply. If not, unfortunately, this program is closed to you, at least for now.

To qualify, you’ll need:

Georgian, Armenian and Philippines citizenship
A formal job offer from a certified Hungarian employer
A job in a sector facing workforce shortages
Compliance with all standard Hungarian labor laws

We get a lot of questions about what “approved sector” really means. Generally, this includes physical labor roles things like factory work, warehousing, food production, construction, and sometimes seasonal agriculture. If you’re coming from a white-collar background, this probably won’t be the right fit.

Employer Requirements

This part matters as much as your own qualifications. Not every Hungarian company is allowed to hire guest workers.

There are only two categories of employers who can bring in workers under this program:

Strategic Partners of the Hungarian Government
Licensed Labor Rental Agencies

If you’ve got a job offer from a company outside these categories, the offer won’t qualify for a guest worker permit. That’s been a common and very frustrating issue we’ve seen workers fly in with expectations, only to learn that the employer isn’t eligible to sponsor them.

Also, if your employer loses their certified status, your permit could be in jeopardy. We’ve seen people forced to leave the country when their sponsoring agency had its license revoked. So it’s worth checking your employer’s credentials before signing anything.

Permit Duration and Renewal

How Long is It Valid?

The Guest Worker Permit is issued for up to 2 years. If things go well and the employer still needs you, there’s an option to extend for one more year.

So max time on this permit? Three years total. After that, there’s no renewal no exception, no upgrade track.

Can You Renew the Permit?

Yes, but only once, and only under the same employer. You must:

Stay employed with the same certified company
Continue to meet all labor law requirements
Stay within the approved job and sector scope

If your employment ends even early your legal right to stay in Hungary might end with it. You can’t just switch to another employer on a whim. You’d need to reapply with a new sponsor that’s already government-approved.

Workplace Rights and Protections

Here’s the good news. Even though this isn’t a pathway to long-term residency, Hungary does offer guest workers basic workplace protections under local labor law.

You’re entitled to:

Fair wages, based on the minimums set in your contract and local standards
Standard working hours and rest periods
Workplace safety according to Hungarian laws
Access to healthcare, typically through employer-contributed insurance

That said, you’re still bound by the permit conditions. You can’t:

Quit your job and freelance
Change roles without prior approval
Switch sectors without a new permit application

So yes, you have rights but also restrictions. Keep communication clear with your employer, and always keep your documents up to date.

Limitations: What the Guest Worker Permit Does NOT Allow

This is where the permit really shows its limitations. For people hoping to use this as a long-term migration route, the Hungarian Guest Worker Permit won’t do the trick.

Here’s what you cannot do:

Bring family members
- No automatic right to family reunification. If your spouse or children want to join you, they need to apply for separate residence permits under different visa types.
Apply for permanent residency or citizenship
- Time spent under this permit does not count toward residency or citizenship requirements.
Work independently or freelance
- Only direct employment with a certified Hungarian company is allowed. No side gigs, no self-employment.

We’ve seen workers arrive thinking they could bring a spouse later or upgrade to a better permit once they settle in. That’s simply not an option under this permit. You’re either renewing with the same employer or preparing to leave once the permit expires.

How to Apply for the Guest Worker Permit

The process is fairly streamlined, but you’ll want to make sure every document is complete. Incomplete applications get delayed or worse, rejected.

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

Your offer must come from:

A government-certified strategic partner, or
A licensed labor rental agency

The job must be in an industry facing shortages. If it’s not on the list, your application won’t go through no matter how good the offer sounds.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

A valid passport, with at least 12 months of validity left
An employment contract from your eligible employer
Proof of housing in Hungary this could be a rental contract or employer-provided accommodation
A criminal record certificate from your home country
Proof of medical insurance covering your stay in Hungary

Make sure your documents are clear, translated (if necessary), and current. Missing paperwork is the number one reason applications stall out.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply:

At the Hungarian consulate in Georgia or Armenia, or
Online through the Enter Hungary platform

Processing time is usually 30 to 90 days, but it varies depending on volume. During peak months, we’ve seen approvals stretch past the 3-month mark, so apply early and stay on top of the paperwork.

Key Takeaways: Why Work in Hungary as a Guest Worker?

This permit can be a great short-term opportunity if you fit the profile.

Benefits:

Legal right to work in Hungary for up to 3 years
Fair labor protections, including wages and safety
Streamlined application process if you’re from Georgia, Armenia or Philippines
Access to healthcare and regulated work conditions

Drawbacks:

Only available to Georgian, Armenian and Philippines citizens
No family reunification allowed
No path to permanent residency or citizenship
Only certain employers and sectors qualify
You’re tied to your employer no job flexibility

If your goal is to work in Europe, gain some international experience, and save money for a few years, this program makes sense. But if you’re looking for long-term relocation or a future in Hungary, you’ll need to explore other visa options.Still have questions or need help navigating the paperwork? Reach out to us at Aegir Consulting. We’ll help you sort through the job offer, review your documents, and make sure you’re set up for success before you submit anything.