Foreign-born population – 2024 | 7% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.7 million, 49% women | Evolution since 2014: +52% | Romania (30%), Ukraine (12%), Germany (7%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, 67 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Hungary (excluding EU citizens), 5.9% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 72.2% labour migrants, 7% family members (including accompanying family), 19.7% who came for education reasons and 1.2% other migrants. Around 7 400 short-term permits were issued to international students and 7 400 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 54 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 28% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Viet Nam, the Philippines and Ukraine were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Viet Nam registered the strongest increase (7 500) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑10 000) in flows to Hungary compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑17%, to reach around 25. Of the 25 decisions taken in 2024, 60% were positive.
Emigration of Hungarian citizens to OECD countries increased by 13% in 2023, to 50 000. Approximately 35% of this group migrated to Germany, 29% to Austria and 9% to the Netherlands.
Hungary’s new immigration law came into effect on 1 March 2024. The new law significantly overhauls the immigration system, introducing new work-related permits and modifying existing ones. The previous “Single Permit” was replaced with a set of new work permit types, including the “Guest Worker” permit for temporary lower-skilled roles, the “Hungarian Card” for highly skilled talent, and the “Residence Permit for the Purpose of Posting” for intra-EU posted workers. The residence permit for “Other Purposes” was abolished.
The new “guest worker” permit comes with significant restrictions. The permit can only be granted for a reduced set of roles, excluding about 300 listed occupations, and only for registered “preferential employers” or “qualified lenders.” Guest worker permits are valid for two years, with one 12‑month extension possible. Guest workers may not transfer to other types of permits, do not become eligible for permanent residence, and cannot request family reunification. Employers of guest workers face stricter notification requirements and need to ensure that the “guest worker” leaves Hungary after the end of their employment or face high non-compliance fines.
As of January 2025, eligibility for guest worker permits was restricted to nationals of a limited list of countries based on specific criteria. As of early 2025, only Armenia, Georgia and the Philippines were on the list, though this may be extended. In addition, combined quotas for guest workers have decreased further, from a cap of 65 000 in 2024 to a cap of 35 ,000 in 2025. From July 2024, an additional type of work permit called the “National Card” – originally limited to Serbians and Ukrainians in shortage occupations – is no longer restricted by occupation and expands to eight eligible nationalities, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Russia.
Alongside the EU Blue Card, the new immigration law introduced a new permit called “Hungarian Card”, aimed at highly skilled talent with relevant higher education qualifications – especially in the engineering or IT sectors – or engaged in sports or the performing arts. The Hungarian Card is valid for three years and allows for indefinite renewal, change of status, access to permanent residence, and family reunification. Starting 15 July 2025, digital nomads applying to Hungary’s White Card permit face increased income requirements. Hungary has also relaunched its investor visa programme through the “guest investor” residence permit. The programme grants works and residence rights for ten years (renewable once).
For further information: https://oif.gov.hu/.
