How to Get a Hungary Work Visa: Top Job Opportunities in Hungary

Hungary’s evolving labor market has created significant opportunities for foreign workers, particularly in fields experiencing acute shortages. The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses outlines 36 occupations where Hungary is struggling to meet labor demands. This situation presents a prime opportunity for skilled professionals seeking work visas in Hungary.

Key Sectors Facing Shortages

Hungary’s labor market faces critical shortages in several industries, including the cleaning sector, construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and personal care services. According to Schengen.News, these sectors are in dire need of workers, presenting a pathway for foreign professionals to secure employment and work visas in Hungary.

Growing Job Vacancies

Despite fluctuations, Hungary has seen a consistent increase in job vacancies over the past few years. In 2023, Statista reported 79,000 job vacancies in the country. The manufacturing industry alone accounted for over 19,000 of these positions, followed by administrative and support service activities. These statistics highlight the demand for foreign workers in high-demand roles, enhancing their chances of obtaining work visas in Hungary.

High-Demand Occupations

The EURES report identifies several occupations experiencing labor shortages in Hungary. These include:

• Elementary workers not elsewhere classified
• Messengers, package deliverers, and luggage porters
• Refuse sorters and garbage/recycling collectors
• Building construction laborers and civil engineering laborers
• Forestry laborers and crop farm laborers
• Other cleaning workers
• Sewing machine operators and related workers
• Cabinet-makers and related workers
• Fruit, vegetable, and related preservers
• Butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers
• Handicraft workers in wood, basketry, and related materials
• Signwriters, decorative painters, engravers, and etchers
• Insulation workers, plasterers, and roofers

These roles are essential to Hungary’s economy, and the shortage of labor in these fields provides a strategic advantage for foreign workers.

New Immigration Policies

Hungary has recently introduced stricter immigration rules for third-country nationals in response to rising migration figures. Under the new policy, guest worker residence permits will only be issued to foreigners employed by specific employers in designated jobs. Additionally, these permits can be renewed for up to three years. This regulatory change emphasizes the need for targeted employment opportunities for foreign workers.

Living Costs in Hungary

Prospective workers should be aware of the living costs in Hungary. According to Numbeo, the average monthly living expenses for one person, excluding rent, are estimated at €640 or 250,623 Hungarian Forint (Ft). Rent varies by location and apartment size, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around €462 (Ft 181,102) per month, while outside the city center, rent is approximately €360 (Ft 140,865).

For families, living costs are higher. A family of four can expect monthly expenses of nearly €2240 (Ft 877,378). Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €743 (Ft 291,346) per month, while outside the city center, the rent is around €610 (Ft 238,981).