Hungary stops guest worker residence permits – what does this mean for employers?
On 6 June 2026, Hungary enforced Government Decree No. 92/2026 (VI. 5.) amending Government Decree No. 450/2024 (XII. 23.) on the employment of guest workers in Hungary (the “Decree”), which alters the rules governing the issuance of guest worker residence permits. The Hungarian government further withdrew the KKM notice, which had allowed citizens of the Philippines to be employed with such a permit.
The amendment reflects the Hungarian government’s intention to curb the mass influx of guest workers and promote the employment of Hungarian workers. The government conducted a review of the scope of third countries whose nationals may be issued a guest worker residence permit or a residence permit for employment purposes. As a result of this review, the Decree bans third-country nationals from employment in Hungary with a guest worker residence permit.
The Decree does not, however, affect the issuing of residence permits for employment purposes. Nationals of the same third countries remain eligible for these permits as they did under the previous regulation.
Issuance of new guest worker residence permits
From 6 June 2026, it is no longer possible to apply for the issuance of a new guest worker residence permit. Based on the Government’s decision, there is currently no third country whose nationals would be eligible to apply for a residence permit for this purpose. In practice, this means that no new applications for guest worker residence permits may be submitted in future.
The status of applications already submitted
The amendment does not affect ongoing procedures based on applications already submitted, provided that the application for a guest worker residence permit was submitted and the administrative service fee was paid by 5 June 2026 at the latest. Therefore, if an employer or a third-country national duly submitted their application and paid the fee prior to the Decree’s entry into force, the procedure will continue according to the previous rules.
Extension of existing permits
Third-country nationals holding a guest worker residence permit valid prior to 6 June 2026 may apply for the extension or reissue of their permit in line with the previous regulations. This provides an important safeguard for workers who already hold a valid guest worker residence permit.
The status of other residence permits
The Decree does not amend the requirements for applying for residence permits issued for other purposes. These can still be applied for according to current laws. The Decree does not affect the residence permit for employment purposes. Third-country nationals remain eligible for this under the previously applicable regulations.
It is not over yet – a further wave of regulations is expected
Pursuant to Government Decision No. 1153/2026 (V. 18.) on the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary, the government has ordered a comprehensive and urgent review of laws relating to the employment of third-country nationals in Hungary, and the preparation of related legislation.
Accordingly, further legislative changes are expected in this area in the near future.
Takeaway for employers
With the entry into force of the Decree, the employment model based on the guest worker residence permit has been abolished for the future; however, the residence permit for employment purposes remains available to eligible third-country nationals. Businesses employing individuals with valid guest worker residence permits should review the status of these employees and ensure that extension applications are submitted well before the expiration of individual permits.
Affected employers should also be alert to future legislative changes that could affect the employment of third-country nationals.
For more information on changes to Hungarian employment law, contact you CMS client partner or the CMS experts who contributed to this article.
The article was co-authored by Viktor Kovács.
