Finding a job in Hungary as an expat can be a bit challenging, especially if you're not an EU/EFTA citizen. Although the country's economy is recovering from its recent slump with a projected 2.5% growth in 2026, and the unemployment rate is stabilizing, there is a strong preference from the government to give jobs to Hungarians first, with a strict quota on guest workers at 35,000 permits to third-countries nationals for the year of 2026 (down from the previous 65,000).
Expats fare better in specialized posts and English teaching positions, or at foreign-owned companies that seek a diverse and highly-skilled workforce. While digital nomad visas exist for those working for companies outside Hungary, securing a local job strictly from abroad is difficult unless you work in high-demand fields like IT, engineering, or the booming battery and automotive manufacturing sectors, which are your best options to consider.
The labour market in Hungary
With a population of approximately 9.5 million and an unemployment rate of 4.3%, Hungary is doing rather well compared to other Eastern European countries. In fact, its GDP per capita is 19,651 euros with a growth rate of 4%, a rate that's above the average one for the area. Hungary's economy is robust, with the service sector making up the majority of the labour pool structure, followed by a manufacturing sector that is heavily investing in electric vehicle (EV) and battery production. Construction and agriculture together make up about 11% of the labour pool. In skilled manual trades, engineering, and IT, the "two-speed labor market" has created intense competition for specialists, providing openings for expats.
Good to know: While Budapest is the obvious choice for job hunting if you're an expat, you should also consider smaller cities where big, international companies are based (or have a presence in). The BMW factory in Debrecen and the new BYD facility in Szeged, alongside the Mercedes-Benz factory in Kecskemét, Hungary's eighth-largest city, offer good opportunities.
Advice for job hunting expats
Since Hungary is a member of the EU, EU/EFTA citizens can apply for work the same way Hungarian citizens do, without needing a work permit. If you're a third-country national, though, things can get a bit more complicated. Consult our section on work permits.
A good idea, if you're a native English speaker or have a perfect command of the language, would be to look into English teaching positions. This may simplify things with obtaining your permit, as you won't really be competing with Hungarians in this field of work. According to the International TEFL Academy, by teaching in Hungary for about 20-30 classroom hours per week (plus your prepping time), you can make about 164,100 - 234,450 HUF per month ($650 - $950 USD), which is enough to cover your living costs in Hungary. Most ESL teaching positions open in early September, and the contracts usually end in late June.
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If teaching is not your calling, you'll be happy to know that highly specialised jobs like software engineering, power generation, environmental reclamation, and even computer graphics, marketing and advertising are also available to expats who are qualified and experienced. You should also definitely look into international companies that do business in the country, as those tend to hire the most expats – and perhaps the smartest way to do that is by looking outside of Hungary, in the country where your company of interest is based. This may also help secure you a better salary if you're hired outside of Hungary. Finally, working for a foreign company in Hungary may also help simplify things with the authorities regarding your residence permit, as in some cases, if your work is contracted to a foreign partner, you don't need a labour permit in Hungary.
Where to look for employment in Hungary?
Digital portals and job boards like Profession.hu are the main way for you to find a job in Hungary – it comes with a handy English filter. Zyntern.com is also a good choice for entry-level roles. As is common, LinkedIn is the primary tool for corporate headhunting in Hungary.
There is also Job Online, which may be in Hungarian, but many of the job offers are in English. Also, consider getting a free CV review at TopCV. When applying for jobs in Hungary, the "Europass" CV format remains the safest standard.
Good to know: If you are a student or graduate, you can also seek help from the Career Development Office of Corvinus University in Budapest, or rely on student organizations like AIESEC and IASTE to facilitate placements. Find out more here.
Applying for a job in Hungary
When you apply for a job in Hungary, expect recruiters and postings to require a professional photo and your date of birth on the CV. You are also almost always expected to write a cover letter alongside your application. As an expat, this is a key opportunity to underscore that you are seriously interested in the position for the long term and you are not looking to leave quickly.
For technical roles, remote interviews and applications are reasonable opportunities even for local companies. Research the company thoroughly before any interview, as Hungarians appreciate candidates who understand their local presence, and be prepared to discuss your specific technical contributions rather than just general skills.
In the past, it was taboo to discuss salary expectations until an offer had been made, but the EU Pay Transparency Directive also applies to Hungary, and companies will be forced to provide salary ranges across the board after June 2026, which is a big step forward for job seekers.
Workplace culture and working conditions in Hungary
Much like Hungarian culture in general, the workplace experience in Hungary begins fairly formal but opens up once you get to know your colleagues better. Using “Sir” and “Madam” for superiors until invited to a first-name basis is entirely normal. There are always a myriad of unwritten rules to navigate, so be sure to spend time with your colleagues.
Standard working hours are from 8am to 5pm, with 20-day minimum holiday allowance that can rise to 30 based on tenure and seniority. Beyond the salary compensation, there are “cafeteria” benefits, primarily in the form of the SZÉP card, which is a tax-advantaged electronic voucher system used primarily for hot meals, groceries, and leisure.
Culturally, while the environment is hierarchical, Hungarian colleagues are known for being highly resourceful and direct, valuing practical solutions. Expect a straightforward, realistic approach to daily operations.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
