New Hungarian government decree modifies multiple rules on guest workers

The Hungarian government modified several points in the decree concerning how guest workers can enter and reside in Hungary. The modifications affect rules on the accommodation of the guest workers and the state of guest investors, and they define conditions on how to apply for a White Card and how to prolong it.

New rules concerning guest workers

The modifications were published in the latest issue of the Hungarian Official Gazette. The 88/2025 (24 April) government decree modifies previous rules mostly based on the law enforcement experiences of the immigration authority, Index wrote.

One important change is that the 3rd-country national must give an existing inland residence address during the visa process. Regulations on guest investors were eased. They can give the address or seat of their authorised representative during the process as their Hungarian residence. That option applies even to the family members of the guest investor.

The new decree specifies the conditions on how to issue and extend the validity of the so-called White Card. According to hungaryvisa.org, “the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa and White Card Residency Permit is designed for remote workers who wish to reside in Hungary for up to one year, with an option for a one-year extension. Introduced in 2021 to attract digital nomads, this visa allows individuals to live and work in Hungary while being employed by a foreign company or conducting freelance work. The benefits include legal residency, flexible work options, access to local services such as healthcare and education, and the ability to travel within the Schengen Area.”

Based on the current modifications, to demonstrate sufficient income in Hungary for the White Card, an applicant must have a consistent, legal net salary of at least EUR 3,000 (HUF 1.22 million) per month for the six months leading up to the application. They must maintain that income level throughout their stay in the country.

New regulations concerning employers

Entry and residence bans are imposed on a foreign individual only if they have unpaid expenses and fines due to non-payment. Furthermore, in that case, the Hungarian police must inform them that they can settle their outstanding balance on-site using electronic payment methods. After that is done, the police will erase the ban from the register and allow entry or leave.

Employers of guest workers must inform their employees about the immigration consequences of ending their contract. Moreover, employers must provide a ticket to the guest worker’s home country or the country in their residency permit. Employers must prove that they acted in line with both conditions. If a guest worker leaves for an unknown place from his accommodation or gets a job from another employer, his original employer meets the requirements, too.

Interestingly, rules on the White Card and the cost of extradition will only become effective on 15 July.

HERE you can read our articles on the guest worker topic.

Read also:

• A new draft decree would limit the employment period of guest workers – read more HERE
• This is why guest workers are essential for Hungary’s economy

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