Gov't to Keep Guest Worker Quota at 35,000 for 2026

The minister of national economy has decided to limit the number of residency permits issued for guest workers to 35,000 in 2026, level with the number in 2025, the ministry announced on Tuesday.

"Hungarian labour remains the priority for the government which is why it will make every effort to put Hungarians in unfilled positions," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that rules in force at present allow companies to hire third-country nationals only if positions can't be filled by Hungarian workers.

Third-country nationals make up 2.6%c of Hungary's workforce, the lowest rate among the neighboring Visegrád Group countries, it added.