The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses reveals that Hungary is grappling with labor shortages in 36 occupations.

Hungary’s labor market faces significant shortages, particularly in the cleaning industry, construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and personal care services, according to Schengen.News.

Additionally, the number of job vacancies in Hungary has increased over the past few years, despite some fluctuations. In 2023, Hungary reported 79,000 job vacancies, as per Statista.

The manufacturing industry had the highest number of job vacancies in 2023, with over 19,000 positions, followed by administrative and support service activities.

Statista While these labor shortages challenge Hungary’s economy, they may present work opportunities for foreign workers in high-demand roles, potentially increasing their chances of employment and obtaining work visas in Hungary.

The latest EURES report highlights several occupations facing labor shortages in Hungary, including:

1.     Elementary workers not elsewhere classified

2.     Messengers, package deliverers, and luggage porters

3.     Refuse sorters

4.     Garbage and recycling collectors

5.     Building construction laborers

6.     Civil engineering laborers

7.     Forestry laborers

8.     Crop farm laborers

9.     Other cleaning workers

10.  Sewing machine operators

11.  Sewing, embroidery, and related workers

12.  Cabinet-makers and related workers

13.  Fruit, vegetable, and related preservers

14.  Butchers, fishmongers, and related food preparers

15.  Handicraft workers not elsewhere classified

16.  Handicraft workers in wood, basketry, and related materials

17.  Signwriters, decorative painters, engravers, and etchers

18.  Insulation workers

19.  Plasterers

20.  Roofers

However, Hungary has recently tightened 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 specific employers from certain countries and in designated jobs. Additionally, foreigners holding a guest worker permit can now renew it for a limited period, up to a maximum of three years.

New Immigration Rules in Hungary Foreign Workers Should Know According to Numbeo, the monthly living costs for one person in Hungary, excluding rent, are estimated at €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 approximately €462 (Ft 181,102), while outside the city center, rent is around €360 (Ft 140,865).

For those living with family, the cost of living in Hungary is higher. Monthly expenses for a family of four are estimated at nearly €2240 (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.