Election results in Hungary – what to expect from a TISZA government?

What happens now?

TISZA, the Respect and Freedom Party won the 2026 general elections in Hungary with a landslide, garnering 138 seats in the Parliament out of 199, gaining a two-thirds supermajority (although some areas are still counting or recounting votes). This majority will allow the new TISZA government to pursue wider structural change besides adding new legislation, including amendments to the constitution, with the promise of granting greater autonomy to various governmental institutions.

Nothing is expected to change overnight, however: the current government is still in power, and will be when the parliament is called into session. For now, they are a caretaker government with limited powers: they cannot make new laws or appoint new ministers. The first meeting of the new parliament should take place before May 12, and based on previous experience, the new government is expected to form by the end of May or so.

Expectations under the TISZA government

The main points of the TISZA campaign included strengthening ties with the EU. This necessarily includes increased compliance with EU law, improving the system of checks and balances, and joining EPPO, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office – which is also a condition for receiving EU funds. All this will increase stability and predictability, which will make Hungary a more attractive business environment.

The confidence in future improvements under a TISZA government is already reflected on the free market. The EUR exchange rate is down below HUF 370 (over the last 6 months, it was moving between 380 and 390), and USD is around HUF 310 (down from the previous HUF 320+). This is good for import, although it might not be ideal for people who are paid in foreign currencies but pay taxes and other expenses in HUF. On the Budapest stock exchange, blue chip companies achieved significant growth too. OTP grew by 4% right after opening, and MOL by 3.6%, both setting new records for themselves. At the same time, companies with ties to the departing regime have been visibly reduced. In its press release, the Hungarian Banking Association also welcomed a new era of predictability and growth.

Immigration to Hungary under the TISZA government

The program of TISZA Party makes reference to immigration issues at a few points; however, it mostly talks about fighting illegal immigration, and restricting immigration options where lack of transparency poses a threat to EU security. The primary example of the latter is the so-called “guest worker permit”, which grants large numbers of permits in bulk to workers employed at large-scale projects or developments, and where the stakeholders have been known to have ties to the departing government. No other type of work, business or family permit is mentioned, so they are not likely to undergo significant modifications.

The “golden visa” or guest investor permit is also mentioned because in the past concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of background checks. These concerns were mainly based on a misguided newspaper article and have been addressed but still, if you are interested in the golden visa program, you might want to move up your timeline to make sure you can apply under the current conditions.

In any case, there will be a lot on the plate of the new TISZA government once it officially forms around the end of May, and there is no knowing how much of a priority they will consider immigration. We do hope that whatever direction is chosen, the new government will abandon the previous one’s practice of issuing amendments or new laws with immediate effect and allow applicants, agencies and the authorities ample time to understand upcoming changes and plan accordingly.

Finally, citizenship by ancestry and dual citizenship in general remain an option in Hungary, and are unlikely to be affected. This is indicated by the new government’s support for Hungarians living outside our borders, and planned measures to incentivize them moving (back) to Hungary.

Watch this space for updates

We will keep an eye out for developments relevant to foreigners living, working, and doing business in Hungary. If there are any updates regarding residence permits, we will be sure to report about them so you can adjust your plans accordingly. Even if a plan for a change is announced, there are usually months between first introduction and implementation, so you will have time to act on new information.

Helpers has 20 years of experience supporting residency application and business setup in Hungary. If you need assistance with starting your new business or your new life in Europe, you can count on the expertise and commitment of our team of more than 25 professionals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2026 elections in Hungary?

TISZA Party won the elections with a landslide. They achieved a two-thirds supermajority in the parliament, meaning that they will have power to make structural changes to governmental institutions.

What happens to my Hungarian residency under the new TISZA government?

Probably nothing. Residence permits based on work, business, or family unification are unlikely to be modified in the near future. Additionally, the new government is expected to abandon the previous one’s practice of issuing amendments or new laws with immediate effect, so applicants, agencies and the authorities will have ample time to understand upcoming changes and plan accordingly.

Can I still apply for Hungarian citizenship based on ancestry?

Yes, you can. According to the program of TISZA, dual citizenship will remain an option. The new government wants to support Hungarians living outside our borders, and plans measures to incentivize them moving (back) to Hungary. This implies that citizenship rights will not be reduced.

What happens to my Hungarian business under TISZA rule?

For now, the free market seems to be happy with the election results. HUF got stronger, and blue chip companies grew at stock exchanges. At the same time, the TISZA program includes several plans on making Hungarian small businesses more competitive, making Hungary an even more attractive business environment.