20 Careers That Boost Foreigners' Chances of Obtaining a Hungarian Work Visa
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Hungary recorded approximately 79,000 job vacancies in 2023.
2. The country faces labor shortages in several sectors, including cleaning, construction, engineering, and manufacturing.
3. Recent updates to Hungary's immigration laws have introduced stricter rules for third-country nationals.
The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses indicates that Hungary is experiencing labor shortages in 36 occupations.
These shortages primarily affect the cleaning industry, construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and personal care services.
Moreover, the number of job vacancies in Hungary has increased over recent years, with some fluctuations. Statista revealed that in 2023, Hungary reported 79,000 job vacancies.
In 2023, the manufacturing industry had the highest number of job vacancies in Hungary, totaling over 19,000, followed by administrative and support service activities.
Despite these challenges, the labor shortages can present work opportunities for foreign workers in high-demand roles, potentially increasing their chances of securing employment and a work visa in Hungary.
According to the latest EURES report, some of the occupations facing a shortage of workers in Hungary include:
- Elementary workers not elsewhere classified
- Messengers, package deliverers, and luggage porters
- Refuse sorters
- Garbage and recycling collectors
- Building construction laborers
- Civil engineering laborers
- Forestry laborers
- Crop farm laborers
- Other cleaning workers
- Sewing machine operators
- Sewing, embroidery, and related workers
- Cabinet-makers and related workers
- Fruit, vegetable, and related preservers
- Butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers
- Handicraft workers not elsewhere classified
- Handicraft workers in wood, basketry, and related materials
- Signwriters, decorative painters, engravers, and etchers
- Insulation workers
- Plasterers
- Roofers
However, Hungary has recently tightened some immigration rules for third-country nationals due to increased migration figures.
Under the new policy, guest worker residence permits will only be issued to foreigners employed by certain employers from specific countries and in designated jobs.
Furthermore, guest worker permit holders can now only renew their permits for a limited time, with a maximum duration of three years.
According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly living costs for one person in Hungary, excluding rent, are approximately €640 or 250,623 Hungarian Forint (Ft).
Rent costs vary based on location and apartment size. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about €462 (Ft 181,102), while outside the city center, it is estimated at €360 (Ft 140,865).
For those living with family, the cost of living is higher. Monthly expenses for a family of four in Hungary are estimated at nearly €2,240 (Ft 877,378). Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is €743 (Ft 291,346) per month and €610 (Ft 238,981) outside the city center.