Foreign-born population – 2025 | 7.2% of the population | Main countries of birth: Romania (30%), Ukraine (13%), Germany (7%) |
Size: 0.7 million, 48% women | Evolution since 2015: +46% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, 65 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Hungary (excluding EU citizens), ‑3.3% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 65.6% labour migrants, 6.6% family members (including accompanying family), 22.4% who came for education reasons and 5.4% other migrants. Around 6 900 short-term permits were issued to international students and 6 100 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 76 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 42% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Viet Nam, China and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China registered the strongest increase (1 500) and the Philippines the largest decrease (‑3 000) in flows to Hungary compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 340%, to reach around 100. The majority of applicants came from Syria (15), Russia (10) and Iran (10). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Syria (5) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑10). Of the 50 decisions taken in 2025, 70% were positive.
Emigration of Hungarian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑14% in 2024, to 44 000. Approximately 33% of this group migrated to Germany, 30% to Austria and 9% to the Netherlands.
A comprehensive overhaul of Hungary’s labour migration regime took effect on 1 January 2025, with the entry into force of Government Decree 450/2024 (XII. 23.) on the employment of guest workers and third-country nationals. The decree introduced a more restrictive and centralised system for employment-based residence, while Ministerial Decree 51/2024 (XII. 23.) established an annual quota of 35 000 residence permits for employment and guest worker purposes for 2025.
From January 2025, eligibility for guest worker permits became limited primarily to nationals of countries with readmission agreements or officially recognised compliance organisations in Hungary, notably Georgia, Armenia and the Philippines at the outset. This marked a narrowing compared with previous arrangements and reflected a policy objective of ensuring enforceable return of workers at the end of permitted stays.
Further regulatory tightening occurred from 1 July 2025, when additional documentation and qualification requirements were introduced for several employment-related residence permits. Applicants are required to provide official proof of professional qualifications for specific labour categories, including labour migrants, certain investment-related workers and holders of National Cards (Nemzeti Kártya). The measures aimed to enhance transparency and labour market matching, while increasing employer and applicant compliance obligations.
Access to the asylum procedure continued to be governed by the “embassy procedure”, which limits the ability to lodge asylum applications within the Hungarian territory. In 2025, exception was made for individuals detained or under house arrest so that they may submit an asylum application despite their irregular entry. Hungarian authorities reiterated in December 2025 that they do not intend to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in its current form.
Since October 2025, foreign nationals with residence permits for self-employment, seasonal work, investment, employment or volunteering may apply abroad for a different type of permit without first surrendering their current one. They may return to Hungary under their existing permit while their application is processed and receive the new residence card once approved.
National-level integration measures were complemented by local initiatives and EU-funded projects. In 2025, labour market access for recognised refugees and beneficiaries of temporary protection was promoted through targeted counselling and employer engagement measures, particularly in Budapest.
In December 2025, a series of integration-related initiatives were highlighted by the Ministry of Interior and international partners, including the launch of the Navigate Hungary online platform, providing practical information for migrants on employment, healthcare, housing and daily administration.
Further integration support was announced in early 2026, when funding opportunities under the EEA and Norway Grants Civil Society Fund were launched to support projects assisting people displaced from Ukraine, fighting misinformation and strengthening access to services and community participation.
For further information: https://oif.gov.hu/
