http://viahungary.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/viahungary/

viaHungary, Budapest (2026)

27/02/2026

📰 EU Migration & Home Affairs February 2026: Security Focus

Major security policy announcements from the European Commission affecting Hungarian immigration and EU-wide frameworks:

🛡️ PROTECTEU: NEW COUNTERTERRORISM AGENDA
Comprehensive strategy addressing:
✓ Online terrorist content removal
✓ Enhanced Schengen Information System alerts
✓ Public space & critical infrastructure security
✓ Cooperation between law enforcement & tech platforms

🔫 ILLICIT FI****MS TRAFFICKING
New legislation proposed to combat weapons trafficking:
✓ Stricter border controls
✓ Enhanced law enforcement cooperation
✓ Improved weapon tracking/tracing
✓ Harmonized penalties

👥 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
"End Human Trafficking. Break the Invisible Chain"
10,000 victims identified annually in EU (many more undetected)
Learn:
✓ 10 warning signs of trafficking
✓ How to report suspected cases
✓ Support resources for victims

💰 FUNDING AVAILABLE
Call for proposals: Preventing violent extremism & radicalization projects

EU ONGOING CONTEXT
👉 June 2026: Pact on Migration begins screening all irregular arrivals
👉 ETIAS launch planned end-2026
👉 Asylum strategy implementation continues

HUNGARY IMPLICATIONS

➡️Enhanced border security affects entry procedures
➡️Counterterrorism measures may impact travel timelines
➡️Human trafficking awareness essential for employers
➡️Security frameworks affect residence applications

Full newsletter summary: 👉 Link in comments

📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com

20/02/2026

UK Nationals in Hungary - Your Brexit Residence Cards Are Expiring

If you received a National Settlement Permit after Brexit in 2021, your 5-year card is expiring in 2026.

Renewal is now required.

📋 WHAT'S CHANGING:
Old Card: National Settlement Permit (5-year validity)
New Card: National Residence Card (10-year validity)
Your Rights: Protected under Withdrawal Agreement (unchanged)

⏰ CRITICAL TIMING:
Start renewals 3 months before expiration. While your Withdrawal Agreement rights don't expire with your card, valid documentation is essential for:
✓ Employment
✓ Banking
✓ Healthcare
✓ Government services

✅ GOOD NEWS - YOU'RE STILL EXEMPT FROM:
❌ Financial means verification
❌ Health insurance requirements
❌ Medical examinations

👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY MEMBERS:
Third-country national spouses and children (if relationship existed before Jan 1, 2021) also need renewal.

🔧 SPECIAL SITUATIONS WE HANDLE:
Lost/stolen/damaged cards
Name changes after marriage
Children born in Hungary
Late-joining family members
Hungarian identity card coordination

💼 viaHungary Renewal Service:
We handle the complete process:
✓ Document preparation
✓ Application submission
✓ Biometric coordination
✓ Authority communication
✓ Problem resolution

Don't risk delays or errors—let us manage your renewal.
📧 [email protected]
🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

Blog article in comments 👇

09/02/2026

🚨IMPORTANT: Ukrainian Temporary Protection Documents Extended to March 2027

If you're holding a Hungarian temporary protection document (menedékes okmány) issued due to the war in Ukraine, your document is now automatically valid until March 4, 2027.

📋 KEY INFORMATION
✅ Automatic extension - no action required
✅ All documents extended regardless of printed expiration date
✅ Legal validity: March 4, 2027 (by Government Decree 196/2025)

🗓️ PRINTED DATE DOESN'T MATTER
Even if your document shows expiration:

March 2023
March 2024
March 2025
March 2026

👉The legal validity is March 4, 2027 by force of law.

✋ NO ACTION NEEDED
Document holders do not need to:
❌ Apply for renewal
❌ Visit immigration office
❌ Request new documents

👉The extension is automatic and legally binding.

📢 STAY INFORMED
Questions about Hungarian immigration?
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com

05/02/2026

📰 EU Migration & Home Affairs January 2026 Newsletter

The European Commission just published its monthly migration update with significant developments affecting Hungarian immigration and EU-wide policies:

🎯 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

1️⃣ First-Ever Five-Year Migration Strategy
The European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy sets EU objectives for the next 5 years, directly affecting how Hungary implements asylum procedures, border management, and integration policies.

2️⃣ EU's First Comprehensive Visa Strategy
New framework makes EU visa policy more strategic, addressing:
✓ Growing global mobility
✓ Geopolitical competition for talent
✓ Regional instability
✓ Security considerations

3️⃣ Talent Attraction for Innovation
New Commission Recommendation competing with/complementing Hungary's EU Blue Card and Hungarian Card programs.

🛂 BORDER MANAGEMENT CLARITY
EES vs ETIAS Explained
✓ Entry/Exit System (EES): Already operational since Oct 2025 - biometric data collection
✓ ETIAS: Future pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers (not yet active)
Affects all travelers entering Hungary from outside Schengen!

📊 KEY DATA
2025 Atlas of Migration: Essential reference for understanding trends affecting Hungarian residence permits and asylum procedures.

👔 EU PRESIDENCY PRIORITIES
Cyprus (Jan-June 2026) focuses on:
✓ Effective migration management
✓ Combating organized crime
✓ Schengen area functioning
✓ Preventing secondary movements

💰 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Call for proposals strengthening resilience of critical entities against natural hazards, terrorism, sabotage, and public health emergencies.

💬 PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Shape new EU rules to fight organised crime - open to all stakeholders and public.

🔍 WHY THIS MATTERS FOR HUNGARY

👉EU policies shape national immigration implementation
👉Visa strategies affect Schengen visa processing at Hungarian consulates
👉Talent attraction competes with Hungarian Card/EU Blue Card programs
👉Border systems affect entry procedures at Budapest airport and land borders
👉Migration data provides context for Hungarian policy decisions

Stay informed about EU developments affecting Hungarian immigration!
Full newsletter summary: 👇Link in comments 👇

Expert Hungarian immigration support:
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com

02/02/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Can You Bring Your Family to Hungary? Many Common Permits DON'T Allow It

Critical information if you're planning to work or study in Hungary and want your family with you:

✅ THESE PERMITS ALLOW FAMILY REUNIFICATION:
✔️ EU Blue Card
✔️ Hungarian Card (Magyar Kártya)
✔️ National Card
✔️ ICT / Corporate Card
✔️ Researcher Permit
✔️ Guest Investor
✔️ National Interest
✔️ All Permanent Residence Cards

❌ THESE PERMITS DO NOT ALLOW FAMILY REUNIFICATION:
🚫 Standard Employment Permit (Foglalkoztatási célú)
🚫 Student Permit (including post-grad job seeking)
🚫 White Card / Digital Nomad
🚫 Guest Worker
🚫 Seasonal Worker
🚫 Internship
🚫 Training
🚫 Volunteer

⚠️ SPECIAL CASES:
Guest Self-Employment: Must wait 1 year before family can join

Hungarian Citizen Spouse: BEST option—privileged work authorization

🚨 COMMON MISTAKES:
❌ Accepting job with standard employment permit assuming family can come
❌ Enrolling in studies without checking family reunification rights
❌ Getting White Card for "location flexibility" but can't bring partner
❌ Discovering restrictions after already relocated

👶 MANDATORY RIGHT:
Children born in Hungary to residence permit holders MUST receive family reunification permit—even if parent's permit normally wouldn't allow it.

💡 WHO CAN YOU SPONSOR?
✅ Spouse/registered partner
✅ Minor children (under 18)
✅ Dependent parents (conditionally)
❌ Adult children (must apply independently)

⚠️ BEFORE YOU ACCEPT THAT JOB OFFER OR ENROLL IN STUDIES:
Verify your specific permit type allows family reunification. Don't discover this restriction after you've committed!

For a full permit-by-permit breakdown as well as common mistakes and how to avoid them read our comprehensive explainer-article on our website: 👇 Link in comments 👇

Contact us
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

21/01/2026

Join us for an insightful webinar organized by DOSZ International – Scientific Working Group, bringing together experts in Hungarian and EU immigration, language, and cultural integration.

🔹 Moderator:
Miss Mahrokh Shafiei
DOSZ Ambassador and Representative of the Scientific Cooperation WG

🔹 Speakers & Partners:
🇭🇺 viaHungary – Immigration Consulting Firm
(Specialists in Hungarian & EU immigration)
• Genovéva Kovács – Managing Director
• Dimitar Ivanov – Managing Partner

📚 Hunify – Online Platform
(Hungarian language, culture & citizenship-related knowledge)
• Dr. Norbert Bencze – Linguist and expert in Hungarian as a foreign language

This webinar is ideal for international students, researchers, and professionals interested in studying, working, or integrating into Hungary and the European Union.

We look forward to welcoming you to this informative and engaging session!

16/01/2026

⚠️ 2026 Immigration Inspections: Hungarian Authority Announces Enforcement Priorities

The Hungarian Immigration Authority (OIF) just published its 2026 inspection plan—here's what employers and foreign workers need to know:

📋 YEAR-ROUND COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTIONS
✅ Qualified labor providers & key employers
✅ Guest worker accommodations & work sites
✅ C-type work visa application verification
✅ Multi-agency coordinated inspections
✅ INCREASED post-authorization compliance checks

📅 SECTOR-BY-SECTOR INSPECTION CALENDAR
Q1 (Jan-Mar):
🥖 Bakeries & bread production
🏢 Large foreign workforce employers
🚂 Train/bus stations & transport routes

Q2 (Apr-Jun):
🏗️ Construction sites & developments
🏠 Worker accommodations
🌾 Seasonal agriculture
🍽️ Restaurants & hospitality

Q3 (Jul-Sep):
🍽️ Restaurants & dining
🎭 Entertainment venues
🌾 Agricultural harvest season

Q4 (Oct-Dec):
🏢 Large foreign workforce employers
🚂 Transport hubs & routes
🥖 Bakeries & production facilities

⚠️ WHAT THIS MEANS:
For Employers:
❌ Inspections can happen anytime, but certain sectors face peak periods
❌ Even "qualified" employers face comprehensive audits
❌ Guest worker accommodations under special scrutiny
❌ Multi-agency inspections check immigration + tax + labor law
❌ Post-authorization inspections increased significantly

For Foreign Workers:
✅ Your authorization MUST match your actual work
✅ Carry residence card & work permit always while working
✅ Accommodation must match registration
✅ Know your permit conditions and expiration date
✅ Report employer violations—you have rights

🚨 PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE:

Employers:
Fines: hundreds of thousands to millions HUF
Loss of authorization to employ foreign workers
Criminal charges for serious violations

Workers:
Permit revocation & deportation
Entry bans
Affects future residence applications
Impacts permanent residency eligibility

✅ COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST:
☑️ Audit ALL foreign worker documentation NOW
☑️ Verify permits match actual work performed
☑️ Check accommodation registrations accurate
☑️ Review sector calendar for your industry
☑️ Establish permit expiration tracking systems
☑️ Prepare for inspections BEFORE they happen

Don't wait for an inspection to discover problems!
Proactive compliance review costs far less than penalties and operational disruptions after violations are found.

Professional compliance support available:

📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

Complete analysis & sector-specific guidance: Link in comments 👇

10/01/2026

🚨 URGENT: Budapest Immigration Office Closure – January 9

Critical update from the Hungarian Immigration Authority (OIF):

🔴 CLOSING:
📍 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 60 (Sztregova köz entrance #1)
📅 Closes: January 9, 2026 (renovations)

🟡 SERVICE GAP: January 9-11
⚠️ Three days with NO service at this location
⚠️ Use Szegedi út office if urgent

🟢 NEW LOCATION:
📍 1108 Budapest, Harmat utca 131
📅 Opens: January 12, 2026

✅ STILL OPEN (normal hours):
📍 1135 Budapest, Szegedi út 35-37

What to do NOW:
☑️ Check your appointment location immediately
☑️ Do NOT go to Budafoki út from January 9
☑️ Verify everything at www.oif.gov.hu
☑️ Allow extra time for the new location
☑️ Plan for the January 9-11 gap if time-sensitive

Full details & guidance: Blog article in description 👇

Critical deadlines?
Permit expiring soon?
Must submit January 9-11?
Scheduled appointment unclear?

Don't risk missing deadlines due to office confusion!

Professional immigration support ensures continuity:
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

05/01/2026

EU Migration & Home Affairs Update: Key Developments You Should Know

The European Commission's most recent newsletter has major immigration and border policy updates affecting everyone in the EU, including Hungary:

🔵 Historic Milestones:
✅ First-ever EU-wide safe countries list agreed (standardizes asylum processing)
✅ Entry/Exit System (EES) launched Oct 12, now rolling out across all borders
✅ Political agreement on safe third country concept application

🎯 Talent & Legal Migration:
💼 Commissioner Brunner hosts dialogue on talent attraction & retention
🌍 EU prioritizing solutions to attract skilled workers globally
📊 Signals potential streamlining of legal migration pathways

⚠️ Security Updates:
🛂 EES biometric data collection now affecting all third-country nationals
🚨 80+ countries join Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling
🔐 New EU Drugs Strategy addresses trafficking threats
📋 Visa Suspension Mechanism monitoring visa-free travel compliance

🛡️ Protection Measures:
👥 New study on trafficking for labour exploitation published
💻 Anti-trafficking networks address technology's role
👶 Extension proposed for child protection online regulations

What This Means for You:
For foreign workers in Hungary:

👉Expect new border procedures when traveling (EES)
👉Carry proper documentation always
👉Same anti-trafficking protections apply to you

For employers:

👉EU talent focus may bring simplified procedures soon
👉EES affects new foreign hire arrivals
👉Enhanced compliance requirements

For travelers:

👉Possible longer processing times at Schengen borders
👉Biometric data collection required
👉Monitor visa-free travel status

📅 Upcoming:
Jan 8: Youth Policy Dialogue in Vienna
Jan 15: Europol regulation consultation deadline
Jan 26: Anti-trafficking strategy feedback deadline

EU policy changes affect Hungarian immigration daily. Stay informed!

✅Read more
👇Full newsletter summary in comments 👇

Contact us
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

29/12/2025

📢 BREAKING: Hungary's 2026 Minimum Wage Officially Announced

The Hungarian government has published the new minimum wage rates effective January 1, 2026:
💰 Standard Minimum Wage: 322,800 HUF/month (€827)
💼 Guaranteed Minimum (skilled positions): 373,200 HUF/month (€956)

What this means:
✅ For employers: Update contracts and payroll systems before year-end
✅ For employees: Know your rights—these are legal minimums
✅ For foreign workers: Same protections apply to you
✅ For work permit holders: Salaries must meet minimums (usually guaranteed rate applies)

Important immigration connection:
🔹 Work permit applications require salaries above minimum wage
🔹 EU Blue Card threshold much higher: 1,001,048 HUF/month
🔹 Existing permit holders: ensure contracts comply with new minimums
🔹 Employment contracts below minimums will be rejected by immigration authorities

Timeline:
📅 Effective: January 1, 2026
📅 First application: January 2026 salary payments
📅 Deadline for employer updates: December 31, 2025

Whether you're an employer planning international recruitment, a foreign professional working in Hungary, or a business managing compliance, understanding these wage floors is essential for legal operations.

Need help ensuring your employment contracts meet both labor and immigration requirements?
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

Full article in comments on our website 👇

24/12/2025

🎄 Christmas in Budapest 2025: Markets, Traditions & (Yes) Immigration Info!
Budapest transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season! Here's your festive guide:

✨ Must-Visit Christmas Markets:
🏛️ Vörösmarty Square - 150+ stalls, giant tree, chimney cakes
⛪ St. Stephen's Basilica - Spectacular 3D light shows, ice rink
🏰 Buda Castle - Hilltop views + mulled wine

Hungarian Christmas Traditions:
🎅 Dec 6: Mikulás (St. Nicholas) fills children's boots
🎄 Dec 24: Main celebration—families decorate trees together
🎁 Jézuska (Baby Jesus) brings gifts, not Santa!

🍲 Traditional foods: Fish soup, stuffed cabbage, bejgli pastries

⏰ Practical Info:
Most shops/restaurants close Dec 24-26
Christmas markets open with special holiday hours
Public transport runs limited schedules Dec 24

📋 And for the most practical among us, immigration office opening hours:

Offices nationwide will be closed between December 24 and 28, 2025, and between January 1 and 4, 2026. Full holiday schedule available on our article which can be found in the comments. ⬇️

Whether you're visiting Budapest for the festive magic or living here managing immigration matters, we've got you covered!

Boldog karácsonyt! 🎅

📧 [email protected] | 🌐 viahungary.com/contact-us

17/12/2025

📊 New Research: Hungary's 2025 Labor Market Reveals Critical Recruitment Challenges
Profession.hu's latest study of 900+ Hungarian companies exposes the reality behind the "talent shortage" everyone's discussing:

The Numbers:
✅ 70% of companies experienced employee turnover
✅ 80,000+ unfilled positions throughout 2024-2025
✅ Only 4.2% unemployment—the talent pool is exhausted
✅ High salary expectations = #1 recruitment obstacle

The Disconnect:
❌ Companies planning only 8% salary increases
❌ Candidates increasingly aware of market rates
❌ Quality candidates harder to find despite more applications
❌ Retention challenges persist across all education levels

The Solution? Think Globally.

International recruitment through proper immigration channels offers strategic advantages:

👉Access to broader talent pools
👉Competitive positioning with realistic compensation
👉Stronger retention when properly supported
👉Legal pathways outside the constrained guest worker quota

2026 Realities:
🔹 Guest worker quota: Only 35,000 (down from 65,000 in 2024)
🔹 EU Blue Card threshold: 1,001,048 HUF/month (~€2,565)
🔹 Pay transparency regulations: Effective summer 2026
🔹 Companies expecting growth: 39% despite challenges

Strategic employers are already integrating international recruitment into their workforce planning. Are you?

Whether you need EU Blue Cards for IT specialists, employment permits for engineers, or ICT transfers for your multinational team, professional immigration support makes international hiring predictable and efficient.

📧 Schedule a consultation: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: viahungary.com/contact-us

Full analysis on our news blog. Link in comments 👇

viaHungary