Approximately 80,000 vacancies were registered in Hungary at the end of the second quarter of 2023, a 19 per cent drop from the same period last year, according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH).
On the other hand, the number of unemployed people reached an approximately 202,000 figure in October this year.
In the Labour Market Trends, Q2 of 2023 publication, KSH explained that such an occurrence happened due to educational, occupational, and regional mismatches.
In recent quarters, the labour market has seen more reserve labour for fewer vacancies, but the supply side cannot meet the demand side’s needs for the current labour force due to structural (educational, occupational, regional) mismatches.
This implies that foreign workers who possess any of the demanded professions in Hungary may have a higher chance of obtaining a Hungarian work visa, even though there is a considerable number of unemployed workers.
The sectors facing the most shortages in Hungary include metalworking, construction, sales and retail, manufacturing and production, and healthcare, according to the 2022 EURES Report on shortages and surpluses.
More specifically, the most in-demand occupations reported by the Hungarian labour market are as follows:
- Welders and flame cutters
- Upholsterers and related workers
- Travel attendants and travel stewards
- Street food salespersons
- Stall and market salespersons
- Shop sales assistants
- Sheet metal workers
- Roofers
- Pulp and papermaking plant operators
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Physiotherapy technicians and assistants
- Mining and quarrying labourers
- Metal processing plant operators
- Medical and dental prosthetic technicians
- Insulation workers
- Hand packers
- Glass and ceramic operators
- Floor layers and tile setters
- Fast food preparers
- Contact centre salesperson
- Concrete placers, concrete finishers and related workers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers
- Bricklayers and related workers
- Beauticians and related workers
- Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals
Who Needs a Visa in Order to Work in Hungary?
Except for the citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, others are required to obtain a visa if they intend to work and live in Hungary.
Before applying for a work visa, among other criteria, individuals must secure a job offer in advance and then apply for one of the four types of work visas, depending on the type of work or qualification.
Earlier this year, the Parliament of Hungary approved a new legislation establishing a new category of guest workers. As Hungarian authorities explained, under this law, workers from non-EEA countries can now legally reside in Hungary for more than 90 days.
The qualifying workers must possess valid travel documents, demonstrate financial capability to cover living expenses, secure a confirmed residence, and adhere to security requirements.
However, individuals intending to apply for a work visa in Hungary must take into consideration that authorities in this country announced this year that they will accept only as many foreign workers as are necessary.
According to their statement, this measure is not intended to reduce the significant influx of job seekers to Hungary but rather to support the local workforce.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Hungary?
Monthly living costs for one person in Hungary, without including rent, according to Numbeo, are estimated at €646.27 or 247,191.6 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 €430.23 (Ft 164,559.12), whereas, outside the city centre, rent is estimated at €337.06 (Ft 128,921.81).
On the other hand, monthly expenses for a family of four living in Hungary are estimated at €2258.85 (Ft 863,990.3). Meanwhile, the rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €730.15 (Ft 279,278.36) per month and €564.18 (Ft 215,794.91) outside the city centre.
