Immigration to Hungary: Important Changes from July 2025 | New Residence Permit, Reporting Rules.

Dear Residence Permit Applicants, Employers Hiring Foreign Citizens, and Residence Permit Holders!

We would like to inform you about important legislative changes that will come into force in July 2025. These changes are aimed at streamlining migration processes, increasing the transparency of labor relations, and adapting to digital opportunities. Please read the new information carefully, as it will directly affect the application procedures, reporting, and responsibilities of the parties. This text on our website provides comprehensive information on the upcoming changes, emphasizing their importance and practical implications for different categories of stakeholders.

1. Mandatory Proof of Qualification for Labour Categories of Residence Permit

(Effective from 1 July 2025)

Starting from this date, the requirements for documentary evidence of the professional suitability of applicants will be significantly tightened when applying for or renewing certain types of residence permits directly related to employment in Hungary. A mandatory requirement will be the provision of a document officially confirming that the applicant has the necessary qualifications for the position he or she holds.

This requirement applies to the following categories of residence permits:

• Residence permit for a labour migrant (without permission from the Department of Employment):
  A category for workers whose professions do not require prior approval from this department.
• Residence permit for employment for investment purposes:
  A category intended for key personnel of foreign investors.
• National card (Nemzeti Kártya):
  A long-term status granting broad rights, including work.
• Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification (with the right to work):
  Important clarification: This requirement only applies if the applicant has already had a residence permit for family reunification for at least one year, and the main employment of the person with whom the reunification takes place (the main applicant) does not require permission from the Department of Employment. This allows family members to legally take up employment.
• Residence permit for UK citizens:
  This applies to UK citizens who had an established employment relationship with Hungarian employers before 31 December 2020 (as part of the transitional provisions after Brexit).
• Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification with a Hungarian citizen:
  Category for family members of Hungarian citizens themselves.

Practical significance: Applicants will need to prepare and present in advance diplomas, certificates, qualification certificates or other documents recognized by the Hungarian authorities, which prove their compliance with the requirements of the profession. It is recommended to clarify the list of accepted documents and the procedure for their legalization/nostrification.

2. Transition to Exclusively Electronic Reporting for Self-Employed Migrants

(Effective from 15 July 2025)

As part of the digitalization of public services and simplification of administration, from 15 July 2025 a mandatory requirement will be introduced for all holders of a residence permit in the category “self-employed migrant”. Submission of any reports related to their entrepreneurial or independent professional activities must be carried out ONLY in electronic format.

Acceptable submission channels:

• The official state immigration portal EnterHungary.
• A special mobile application developed for these purposes (details about the application will be published closer to the date of entry into force of the rule).

Important: Paper forms for reporting for this category of residence permit will no longer be accepted after this date. This change is aimed at increasing the efficiency of data processing and the speed of interaction.

3. Expansion of Employers’ Responsibilities when Terminating Employment Relations with Foreign Employees

(Effective from 15 July 2025)

The legislation imposes new and significant obligations on Hungarian employers in the event of termination of an employment contract with a foreign employee holding a residence permit based on employment. The purpose is to ensure the legality of the employee’s stay and organized departure from the country. The employer is obliged to:

1. Prompt notification: Officially notify the immigration authorities (Immigration and Citizenship Authority, BM Bevándorlási és Állampolgársági Hivatal) of the termination of the employment relationship with the foreign employee as soon as possible (ideally on the day of dismissal).
2. Providing exit: Guarantee and organize the departure of the dismissed foreign employee from the territory of Hungary within a strictly established period of 6 (six) calendar days from the date of termination of the employment contract.
3. Providing a ticket: Provide the employee with a paid ticket for return to his country of origin (or the country of permanent residence from which he arrived) or documentarily confirm (e.g. check and record) that the employee already has a valid ticket for such departure.
4. Clarification of legal consequences: Explain to the employee in an accessible form and language that he/she understands:
The legal consequences of termination of the employment contract for his/her residence status in Hungary.
The emergence of his/her obligation to leave the territory of Hungary due to the loss of the basis for residence (work).
Potential sanctions for violating the residence regime.

Strict Liability: Failure to comply with any of the above obligations entails the imposition of a significant administrative fine on the employer. The maximum fine may reach HUF 5,000,000 (five million forints). This underlines the seriousness of these requirements for Hungarian businesses.

4. Clarification of the deadlines for submitting applications for obtaining and extending a residence permit

(Effective from 15 July 2025)

In order to optimise the work of immigration services and prevent premature overload of the system, clear time frames for submitting applications are being introduced:

• Applications for the initial residence permit may be submitted no earlier than 90 (ninety) calendar days before the intended date of commencement of legal stay in Hungary.
• Applications for extension of a valid residence permit may be submitted no earlier than 90 (ninety) calendar days before the expiry of the current permit.

Universality of the rule: This deadline applies to all types of residence permits valid in Hungary without exception.

Exceptions: The only grounds for deviating from this 90-day rule will be special cases expressly provided for and stipulated in the text of the Hungarian Law on the Residence of Foreigners. In all other situations, applications submitted before the established 90-day deadline will be considered premature and will not be accepted for consideration.

Recommendations for Site Visitors:

Check your deadlines carefully: If your residence permit application or extension is for a period after July 2025, make sure you are familiar with the new requirements (especially qualifications and deadlines).

• Employers: It is strongly recommended to review internal procedures for dismissing foreign employees and ensure that all new responsibilities are met to avoid large fines.
• Self-employed: Prepare to switch to electronic reporting via EnterHungary or a mobile app.
  Check the information: Legislation may have nuances.

For personalized advice and up-to-date details, please contact our qualified immigration lawyers.