For applications submitted after 1 January 2025, only citizens of the following countries may receive a residence permit for employment purposes and as guest workers in Hungary:
- Georgia
- Armenia
- Republic of the Philippines.
Different provisions:
Annex 1 to Government Decree 180/2024. (VII. 8.) in force until 31 December 2024 shall apply in the case of a guest worker residence permit if,
a) an application for the issuance of a guest worker residence permit submitted after 1 January 2025 by a third-country national holding a residence permit for employment purposes issued on the basis of Act II of 2007 on the Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals (hereinafter: the Third-Country Act) valid on 31 December 2024;
b) an application for the issuance and extension of a guest worker residence permit submitted after 1 January 2025 by a third-country national holding a guest worker residence permit valid on 31 December 2024, and
c) during the assessment of an application for the issuance of a guest worker residence permit pending on 31 December 2024.
For cases submitted after 1 January 2025, if the applicant does not fall within the above-mentioned citizenship category, the Immigration of Hungary will make a negative decision (refusal).
However, applications that do not meet the conditions may still be submitted. Submission of applications and payment of the administrative fee is still possible at foreign missions of Hungary by citizens not belonging to the specified citizenship category, if the applicants acknowledge that their application will probably be rejected.