The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses shows that Hungary struggles with labour shortages in 36 occupations.
Shortages that challenge the Hungarian labour market are mainly related to the cleaning industry, construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, and personal care services, Schengen.News reports.
In addition, the number of job vacancies in Hungary has surged over the past few years, with some fluctuations. In 2023, Hungary reported 79,000 job vacancies, as revealed by Statista.
In 2023, the manufacturing industry recorded the highest amount of job vacancies in Hungary, totalling over 19,000, followed by administrative and support service activities.
Although the issues mentioned above pose a challenge to the country’s economy, they may translate into work opportunities for foreign workers in the most in-demand roles. This implies they may have higher chances of getting employment and a work visa in Hungary.
According to the latest EURES report, some of the occupations facing a shortage of workers in Hungary include:
- Elementary workers not elsewhere classified
- Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters
- Refuse sorters
- Garbage and recycling collectors
- Building construction labourers
- Civil engineering labourers
- Forestry labourers
- Crop farm labourers
- Other cleaning workers
- Sewing machine operators
- Sewing, embroidery and related workers
- Cabinet-makers and related workers
- Fruit, vegetable and related preservers
- Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers
- Handicraft workers not elsewhere classified
- Handicraft workers in wood, basketry and related materials
- Signwriters, decorative painters, engravers and etchers
- Insulation workers
- Plasterers
- Roofers
However, Hungary has recently tightened some immigration rules for third-country nationals, citing increased migration figures.
In accordance with the new policy, guest worker residence will only be issued by law to foreigners employed by certain employers from certain countries and in specific jobs.
Furthermore, foreigners holding a guest worker permit can now only renew it for a limited time, a maximum of three years.
Monthly living costs for one person in Hungary, without including rent, according to Numbeo, are estimated at €640 or 250,623 Hungarian Forint (Ft).
The cost of rent depends on the location and the size of the apartment. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately €462 (Ft 181,102), whereas, outside the city centre, rent is estimated at €360 (Ft 140,865).
On the other hand, the cost of living in Hungary is consequently higher for those living with family.
According to the same source, monthly expenses for a family of four living in Hungary are estimated at nearly €2240 (Ft 877,378). Meanwhile, the rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €743 (Ft 291,346) per month and €610 (238,981) outside the city centre.
