The missing workforce – Lawyers from PwC Legal, Dr László Szűcs and Dr Melinda Molnár were the guests of Chain Bridge Club

Companies may be most interested in the procedures for integrating third-country workers into the Hungarian labour market, and in how and under what conditions workers who are already here can stay. The answer to the latter question is simple, in the sense that previous permits that are about to expire can now only be “extended” under the new conditions. In accordance with this, from 1 March 2024 the competent authorities only issue permits under the new rules. In most cases the transitional rules ensure that those who are already legally residents won’t have to go home to get an extension at the Hungarian consulate of their home country.

The current legislation now distinguishes between four different types of guest workers. For all four of these, the same rule applies: guest workers can only stay in Hungary for work purposes and family members aren’t allowed to join them. After staying in Hungary for two to three years, they are obliged to leave the country. The new legislation lays down very strict liability and expectation rules for the Hungarian employer in respect of the obligation to leave the country. In the case of agricultural work it is advisable to obtain a residence permit for seasonal work, valid for a maximum period of six months. Another category of guest worker needs a residence permit issued for the purpose of realising a project. Such permits are only available to companies who have signed a special agreement with the government.