Guest Workers in Hungary: New National Card Rules Announced for Investment Projects
If you’re involved in employment, construction, or large-scale investment projects in Hungary’s border regions, there’s a fresh development you’ll want to understand. A new government decree, issued in April 2025, sets the stage for guest workers in Hungary—specifically from Serbia and Ukraine—to legally work on investment projects in designated counties using a National Card permit.
This targeted solution addresses labour gaps while keeping tight control over long-term residency and immigration options. This is part of Hungary’s evolving approach to labour shortages in key industries, especially in border regions. But, as with all things bureaucratic, the devil is in the details. Here’s what you need to know.
Who’s Eligible?
This isn’t a blanket invitation for guest workers. The new National Card is limited and very specific. Third-country nationals can apply for this special permit only if they:
- Are citizens of a neighbouring third country—at the time of writing, this means Serbia and Ukraine only (Romania doesn’t count, as it’s in the EU).
- Fulfil the other general conditions for applications
- Plan to work in Hungary in a formal employment relationship (not self-employment or freelance work).
- Commute regularly between Hungary and their home country for work—so this is clearly designed with border commuters in mind.
- Will be working in specific regions of Hungary—essentially the counties that share borders with Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia.
📍 Think basically about the counties next to the border to Ukraine, Romania and Serbia
In other words, this is a targeted policy aimed at addressing regional labour needs while maintaining a close connection to the worker’s home country. It’s also a sign that Hungary is tightening access while still leaving the door open (a crack) for strategic roles near the borders.
Hungary’s border regions in the east are eligible for the new National Card guest worker permit, effective from July 2025.
Limitations: No Path to Permanent Residency
One of the most important clarifications?
This guest worker permit does not lead to a National Permanent Residence (NPR). The National Card is designed for short-term, investment-focused employment, not long-term immigration or family reunification.
When Does the New Guest Worker Permit Take Effect?
The new rules will be effective from 1 July 2025. If you’re managing hiring pipelines, investment project timelines, or HR contracts, mark that date. You’ll want to coordinate applications and workforce planning accordingly.
Got Questions?
If this new National Card option sounds like it might be relevant to your situation—whether you’re an employer working in Hungary’s eastern and southern regions, or an advisor supporting cross-border businesses—get in touch with an expert.
Dr. Mariann Minkó-Miskovics, an experienced immigration and corporate lawyer is tracking this closely and can offer detailed guidance. Contact her at: mi*******@******al.hu
Final Thoughts
Hungary’s labour market, especially in investment-heavy regions, continues to struggle with local shortages. The National Card permit gives businesses more flexibility while maintaining strict control over who can live and work in the country long-term.
It also reflects Hungary’s ongoing push to define clear categories of foreign labour, especially with guest worker quotas reduced and eligibility lists shifting.
We’ll continue to update you as new decrees emerge (and believe me, they will). Sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already—or check out the immigrations sections in my HOW TO HUNGARY ebook if you’re not sure where your own permit path fits in this ever-changing landscape.
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