By Sumavaya Iqbal 
Hungary’s labor market is currently experiencing significant shortages in various sectors, offering ample opportunities for foreign workers to secure employment and work visas. The 2023 EURES report highlights 36 occupations facing labor shortages, creating a favorable environment for skilled professionals.
Sectors with Critical Shortages
Hungary is grappling with labor shortages in key industries such as cleaning, construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and personal care services. According to Schengen.News, these sectors are in desperate need of workers, providing a viable pathway for foreign nationals seeking work visas in Hungary.
Increasing Job Vacancies
Job vacancies in Hungary have been on the rise, despite some fluctuations. In 2023, Statista reported 79,000 job vacancies, with the manufacturing industry leading with over 19,000 positions, followed by administrative and support service activities. These figures indicate a growing demand for foreign workers in various high-demand roles, improving their chances of obtaining work visas.
Occupations in Demand
The EURES report lists several occupations experiencing labor shortages in Hungary. These include:
- Elementary workers not elsewhere classified
- Messengers, package deliverers, and luggage porters
- Refuse sorters and garbage/recycling collectors
- Building construction laborers and civil engineering laborers
- Forestry laborers and crop farm laborers
- Other cleaning workers
- Sewing machine operators and related workers
- Cabinet-makers and related workers
- Fruit, vegetable, and related preservers
- Butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers
- Handicraft workers in wood, basketry, and related materials
- Signwriters, decorative painters, engravers, and etchers
- Insulation workers, plasterers, and roofers
These professions are crucial to Hungary’s economy, and the shortage of labor in these areas offers a strategic advantage for foreign workers.
New Immigration Regulations
In response to increasing migration figures, Hungary has implemented stricter immigration rules for third-country nationals. Under the new policy, guest worker residence permits will only be granted to foreigners employed by specific employers in designated jobs. These permits can be renewed for up to three years. This regulatory change highlights the importance of targeted employment opportunities for foreign workers.
Cost of Living in Hungary
Prospective workers should consider the cost of living in Hungary. According to Numbeo, the average monthly living expenses for one person, excluding rent, are estimated at €640 or 250,623 Hungarian Forint (Ft). Rent costs vary depending on location and apartment size. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €462 (Ft 181,102) per month, while outside the city center, rent is approximately €360 (Ft 140,865).
For families, the cost of living is higher. Monthly expenses for a family of four are estimated at nearly €2240 (Ft 877,378). Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €743 (Ft 291,346) per month, while outside the city center, rent is around €610 (Ft 238,981).