What is the difference between the “guest worker permit” and regular work permits?

Last updated on January 29, 2025.

Who is a guest worker in Hungary?

“Guest worker” is the exact translation of the Hungarian “vendégmunkás”. This is a very specific type of work permit that is stipulated in the new immigration law introduced in 2024. Incorrectly, however, it is often used in everyday language (and, sadly, even in serious media outlets) to refer more generally to foreign employees.

• In everyday language, “guest worker” is often used to refer to a person working in a Hungary as a foreigner. Of course, this is not correct in a technical sense because most foreigners working in Hungary are not here on a guest worker permit.
• In immigration law, guest worker is a legal category and refers to holders a specific type of Hungarian work permit. This type of permit is available only to strategic partners of the Hungarian government or labor rental agencies licensed specifically for the employment of guest workers. It can only be obtained for nationals of a handful of countries (a list that was shortened in July 2024) and only for certain types of positions (manual labor). You can learn more about it here.

Since these two meanings are very different, it is crucial that journalists, politicians, and anyone trying to interpret immigration regulations should use the correct terminology, and understand that regulations referring to “guest workers” apply only to those holding this specific type of permit.

Work permit application in Hungary

Similarly to the above, the term “work permit” is used to describe several types of residence permits that third-country nationals can apply for when they want to work in Hungary. Not every type of work permit is available to every national, however; eligibility may depend on a range of factors from type of employment through skills and qualifications to intended length of stay, as well as on nationality.

Moreover, the residence permit for employment purposes, which is the work permit that used to be considered the “regular” work permit, is currently undergoing a revision that has severely limited its applicability; you can learn more about this here, and follow our blog for updates.

Keeping up with the changes of the immigration landscape of Hungary is not always an easy task. This is why our clients rely on us to work together with them in coming up solutions for each specific case based on the individual conditions.

Existing work permits

Foreign nationals living and working in Hungary may rest assured: they may continue to stay in Hungary with their existing work permits or other relevant documents, same as before.

Extending work permits will also remain possible, while current regulations will always need to be observed. To renew your residence permit, an application must be submitted at least 45 days before the expiry of your permit. To get ready for the submission of the application, you should probably start preparations at least 3 months before expiry, so you can collect all the relevant documents on time, confirm that you are still eligible, and come up with a plan if you need a different permit. If you are a Helpers client, we will be happy to assist you with that.

The Helpers Team is at your service

With 20 years of experience and a team of 25+ dedicated professionals, Helpers offers business and immigration services to foreigners living, working, and doing business in Hungary, and we would be happy to help you too. Feel free to reach out to us!

Did you like this article? Then follow us on Facebook to never miss an update, or sign up for our newsletter to get a monthly digest.