Work and in-demand vacancies in Hungary

How to find a job in Hungary. Available vacancies for Russians and Ukrainians in 2021 in this country. Today, a large number of people seek to go abroad in order to earn money, because working in Hungary can later provide an opportunity to go to live for permanent residence in other European countries that are members of the EU.

The main advantages of working in Hungary in 2021 are comfortable working conditions and the absence of paperwork during registration. The most in demand vacancies are in the construction and services sectors.

Current economic situation in Hungary

In 2009, the country experienced the most serious economic crisis in its entire post-war history. Hungary narrowly avoided default on its foreign debt. Residents admit that the country is still in crisis.

The economic crisis led to a reduction in Hungarian production by more than 20%, and construction by 30%.

Textile factories and metalworking firms were hit the hardest. Many industries were curtailed, and people were left without work.

Economic level in Hungary

Hungary is a country with a moderately developed economy.

It is on approximately the same level as:

• Croatia;
• Slovakia;
• Poland.

Now the country's economy has been restored to pre-crisis levels.

According to the Hungarian authorities, the ideal direction for investment is agriculture. Plots of land suitable for cultivation occupy up to 72% of the state's territory.

The transport sector plays a special role in the development of the Hungarian economy. In recent years, several international transport routes have been built. They connect the capital with neighboring countries.

Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Hungary is 3.5% (read the link about unemployment in other countries). This figure is still stable.

An unacceptable level of wages for citizens has led to an increase in migration outflow. Those leaving the country are mainly those involved in the medical sector. In 90% of cases these are doctors and nurses working in public hospitals and clinics. Their work is considered the lowest paid in the medical sector.

The country's leadership, in an attempt to improve the situation on the labor market, announced new investments. But the labor shortage continues to grow. According to Hungarian economists, this could lead to a halt in economic growth.

Buy a business

Sometimes it is more profitable not to open a business from scratch - there is always the opportunity to purchase an existing one.

To invest money, it is important not to make a mistake and choose a promising industry. These include energy, agricultural and transport sectors.

The traditional Hungarian business of producing vegetable products using the blast freezing method or the tourism and recreation sector is promising.

Purchasing a ready-made company in Hungary is no different from a similar action in any other country. First of all, you should make sure that the proposed transaction is legal, and also study the affairs of the organization - whether there are any collateral, hidden debts or other problematic issues. A mandatory requirement for the purchased enterprise is the fact of operation at the time of sale.

A profitable occupation in Hungary, and in Budapest in particular, is the tourist service industry:

• hotels,
• boarding houses, cafes,
• snack bars.

After all, tourists visit Hungary all year round, with the greatest peak in the summer months. But even in other months, the famous healing springs and thermal waters attract vacationers.

Mentality and approach to employers in Hungary

Hungarian culture combines ancient gypsy and modern European traditions. Against this background, the mentality of the Magyars looks quite specific in the eyes of foreigners.

Employers value highly qualified employees. Hungarians are very patriotic; they may not hire a person who does not have due respect for the history of the country.

Knowledge of English is not considered a priority. Most people in the country do not own it. But if a foreigner speaks and understands Hungarian at least a little, then he has a chance to get a position in a good company.

Traits of Hungarians in business

Hungarians are distinguished by the following character traits:

• politeness;
• patience;
• punctuality;
• hospitality.

Employers don't like to start a conversation with a potential employee on a business note. It is more pleasant for them to first talk about politics, discuss the situation in the world. After this, you can smoothly move on to the main purpose of the visit. In this case, the applicant must be extremely correct and specifically formulate answers and questions.

An employer will treat a potential employee with great confidence if he operates with real facts, figures, and statistics.

Where can you work in Hungary?

The following industries are experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel:

• service sector;
• trade;
• education;
• construction;
• automotive industry.

The country is actively inviting:

• managers (trade/service);
• chemical production specialists;
• pharmacists;
• engineers (civil, mechanical, electronics).

Watch the video: the history of employment in Hungary.

Professions in demand in Hungary

In the countries of the European Union, and Hungary has recently been one of them, there is an excess of personnel against the backdrop of global unemployment. People, losing their jobs, are trying to occupy all sorts of niches, and the greatest chances are in the field of medicine, trade, accounting, and tourism.

Therefore, it is quite difficult to take a place in these industries.

In turn, you can find work in Hungary in the following specialties:

• doctors of a narrow specialty;
• programmers;
• trade managers;
• chemists;
• economist;
• Bank employee;
• gasman;
• energy drink;
• engineers.

Common vacancies

The most common vacancies:

• handyman;
• cutter;
• foundry shop worker;
• operator/grinder;
• radio technician

Find out from the video: the pros and cons of working in Hungary.

Seasonal and temporary work

Compared to other EU countries, Hungary does not often attract unskilled workers. But sometimes some farms in the country provide vacancies that are quickly snapped up by emigrants.

In the summer, workers are hired to pick mushrooms and berries. The average salary is 6.5 euros/day. The duration of the working day is 9-12 hours. The workers live in a campsite.

Internships

The main areas for internships in the country are the automotive industry and pharmaceuticals.

You can find a suitable internship on the following websites:

• www.mars.com – chocolate production;
• www.budapestjobs.net – companies operating in Budapest;
• businessculture.org – vacancies for interns.

What kind of work is available in Hungary?

As mentioned above, the agricultural sector is actively developing in the country, and therefore appropriate specialists are needed. Sometimes seasonal employees are needed to harvest berries and mushrooms. The working day for such workers is up to 12 hours with a payment of 6.5 euros per day. These vacancies come up infrequently and are filled quickly.

In addition, trade and service workers, teachers, builders and auto mechanics are in great demand. Due to the outflow of medical personnel, doctors and nurses are being invited to Hungary. Programmers, chemists, bank employees, and engineers have chances. There are often vacancies for general workers, factory workers, and radio technicians. Foreign plumbers, plasterers, and drivers will not be left without work in the country. Jobs as house helpers, nannies, and governesses are available for women. By and large, Hungary primarily requires people with physical labor, who often do not need perfect knowledge of the language, but qualifications are required. There are much fewer vacancies that require mental work, but the requirements are higher and the salaries are correspondingly higher.

Salary level

The minimum wage in the country is 440 euros for low-skilled personnel and 580 for specialists. An unqualified employee (university graduate) receives on average no more than 400 euros monthly, but in the capital there is the opportunity to earn about 600. In general, the average monthly income is 950 euros. Pay depends not only on the specialty and position, but also on the region - in the capital, salaries are much higher.

The highest paid profession in the country is medicine. Surgeons earn an average of 3,600 euros per month, dentists - 2,800, general doctors - 2,500 euros. Lawyers are well paid for their work - from 1,500 to 3,000 euros. Programmers receive an average of 800 euros per month. Engineers are paid between 400 and 800 euros. An English teacher can teach several students 12 hours a week and receive about 1,000 euros for this. Shift pay for gardeners, governesses and housekeepers is approximately 18 euros per shift. Typically, such work involves working twice a week for half a day.

The maximum salary also depends on the specialty. It can be either five or forty thousand euros per month. Highly qualified programmers, lawyers, and financiers receive from 5 to 20 thousand. Only oil workers and company managers have higher salaries. As for the regions, salaries are highest in Central Hungary and Budapest, Central Transdanubia and Western Transdanubia - from 3,000 to 3,500 euros on average. They pay the least in the Southern and Northern Great Plain - up to 1800 on average. Taxation in the country is 33.5% for employees.

Do you want to be guaranteed to obtain a residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship in another country? See the rating of reliable migration companies!

Salaries in Hungary

The average salary in the country is 130,000-140,000 forints. The minimum salary is 110,000 forints, the maximum is 290,000 forints.

Table 1. Salary by specialty

Requirements for applicants

One of the main requirements for foreign applicants is at least basic knowledge of the Hungarian language. International firms prefer foreigners who speak fluent English and Hungarian.

The applicant must be a good specialist, have at least 2 years of work experience and good characteristics from a previous job.

Is it possible to work without knowing the language?

Some professions, such as programmer and call center operator, do not require knowledge of the Hungarian language. A person who speaks English can find such a job even in Budapest. But the salary will be small, and you can forget about career growth.

Working conditions

In Hungary there is an 8-hour working day. Working conditions depend on the company and the employer.

Some employers pay for employee travel. Sometimes companies provide free housing.

In seasonal work you have to work 9-12 hours. At the same time, the employer provides free food and accommodation.

Examples of specific vacancies

Jobs that do not require knowledge of the Hungarian language

You can try to find a job without knowing Hungarian. The two main categories of applicants who may be able to do this are programmers and support operators in call centers. There are always many such vacancies in Hungary, so there is always a chance to get a job without knowing Hungarian, but with knowledge of English or, for example, Russian. However, work in call centers is paid quite poorly, and there are no career prospects.

Without knowing Hungarian, you can find a job in the service sector

Where to look for job opportunities

To find a job in Hungary, you can use job sites or contact a recruitment agency.

Job search sites

You can find a suitable vacancy on English-language sites:

• www.cvonline.hu;
• workania.hu/en/;
• https://www.jobinfo.hu/;
• https://www.careerjet.hu/;
• https://www.expatjobs.eu/;
• https://hu.jooble.org/.

You can also use job aggregators, for example, jobserve.com.

Vacancies in Russian can be found here: https://www.hungary-ru.com.

Agencies

The following companies can help you get a job:

• "Second passport";
• 24.ru;
• Isles Group.

The services of agency employees are not free. On average they charge 120 euros per applicant.

The cost depends on the region in which the work is needed, the desired position and the company.

other methods

Other job sources:

• local newspapers;
• Hungarian forums;
• company websites.

You can also get a job through an acquaintance.

Improving job search efficiency

To increase the efficiency of your job search, you need to be able to “be everywhere” - respond to advertisements in local newspapers, visit forums, monitor sites with vacancies. At the same time, you need to send your resume to large companies that are recruiting new employees.

How to find a job

For people who do not speak Hungarian: look for work through employment firms in Ukraine. Hungarians do not generate as many vacancies as employers in other countries, but recruiting firms have good partnerships and will be able to find jobs. No understanding required for:

• agricultural workers;
• builders of all specialties;
• food and light industry.

Searching for a job on your own is almost impossible. For unskilled hourly work (cleaning, childcare for 3-4 hours a day) they pay 20 euros per day.

choose a job in Hungary, vacancies yourself. For direct search from Ukraine, take into account sites with job offers and publication of recruitment advertisements (with the ending .hu):

• profession;
• workania;
• cvonline;
• jobline;
• monster;
• itpeople, itjobs (for programmers)
• eujobs;
• minddiak., eudiakok (offers for students);
• hoteljobs (for restaurant and hotel business).

After a current job and vacancy have been found, the employer will schedule an interview, which requires visiting the country. The qualifications declared by the applicant are confirmed by a diploma, certificate, or work book.

The employer will invite the candidate to take the position if no EU citizen or Hungarian applies for it within 30 days. After concluding a contract within 90 days, a person is required to obtain a residence permit.

Features of hiring doctors

There is an urgent need for doctors and medical personnel here (surgeons, anesthesiologists, and traumatologists are in demand). Working in Hungary requires knowledge of the language and nostrification of a diploma. The procedure includes:

• translation of documents;
• passing the exam;
• two years of practice in state hospitals (residency);
• three years of direct specialization (internship).

As doctors improve their skills, wages also increase. In rural areas it will be up to 1400 EUR, in Budapest - 400-500 EUR or more.

A country that has opened its doors to all job seekers will gladly welcome hardworking and experienced specialists.

Official employment procedure

To officially get a job in Hungary, you need to have a work permit and a work visa.

Hungarian employers primarily consider candidates from their compatriots, as well as citizens of the European Union. After that, they pay attention to the resumes of foreigners from the CIS countries.

Applying for a work visa and work permit

A work permit is issued according to the following scheme:

1. The Hungarian employer registers with the labor office (Munkaügyi Központ).
2. If within 15 days no Hungarian citizen is interested in the vacancy, the employer has the right to apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee.

After this, the foreigner can apply for a work visa.

He will need:

• international passport;
• receipt of payment of state duty;
• A completed application form;

• certificate of fingerprinting;
• agreement with the company.

Who does not need a work permit

Only applicants who arrived in Hungary from other countries of the European Union, EEA and Switzerland can not obtain a work permit.

This is also true for:

• their spouses;
• their dependents;
• spouses/dependents of Hungarian citizens.

Visa for entrepreneurs

To apply for a business visa, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• certificate from the tax service (about the absence of debt);
• bank account statement;
• a document describing the specifics of the enterprise’s activities;
• register extract.

Work visa extension

The document is issued for 24 months. After this, the foreigner has the opportunity to extend it.

To do this, you need to contact the Hungarian police department and provide the following documents:

• medical certificate (it must display all the data from the latest medical examination);
• tax payment certificate;
• agreement with the lessor;
• contract with the employer.

You must submit documents for a visa extension at least 15 days before its expiration.

Advice for Russian applicants

There is no single guide regarding job search in Hungary for Russians. The reason lies in the fact that various recruitment agencies and Internet portals offer a huge number of employment options under a variety of conditions.

The main information resource for finding a job in Hungary for Russians is special forums and various employment sites. The information provided on them allows specialists with various qualifications and even without knowledge of the language to find work.

One more point about the language: without knowledge of Hungarian, the easiest way to adapt is for those who speak German. The younger category of applicants speak English, mainly in areas related to foreigners. For example, with a good knowledge of English it is easier to get a job in a cafe or hotel than as a car mechanic in a small town.

Knowledge of German will help you adapt to Hungary more easily

Reviews about working in Hungary

Real reviews from people with experience working in Hungary:

Irina

I worked as a packer and packer for 3 years. I don't speak Hungarian. In my opinion, it is a very complex language. But I speak good English. I was paid 450 euros/month. This is very little, especially compared to salaries in other EU countries. If you are not a programmer, then without knowledge of Hungarian, do not expect a salary of more than 600 euros. If an intermediary company promises to find a job with a “fabulous” salary, then they are definitely scammers.

Anastasia

I worked for a small trading company in Budapest, in customer service. I don’t know Hungarian, but I speak English. My salary was 550 euros per month. Enough for a modest life. Hungarians are reluctant to hire foreigners from the CIS and give preference to “their own”. There is also a shortage of vacancies in the country. Finding a job is becoming increasingly difficult.

Specifics of the labor market

Taxes prevent employers from raising wages. They compensate for this with an excellent social package, offering employees (including foreigners):

• set meals at the expense of the organization;
• free transportation to work (sometimes to Ukraine);
• housing in industrial dormitories paid for by the employer;
• additional payments for children;
• certificates for the purchase of food products in supermarkets;
• compensation for trips to Ukraine once a month;
• assistance in obtaining work permits with reimbursement of part of the costs.

Such bonuses from the employer do not encourage Hungarians to choose a more attractive place of work.

The leading sectors of the economy that require an infusion of labor are:

• tourism and destinations serving it (hotels and restaurants;
• agriculture and food industry;
• financial institutions;
• IT business;
• transportation, logistics;
• oil refining

International corporations (plants for assembling electronic equipment and automobiles) operate on its territory and are in need of managers with experience.

In international corporations they communicate in English, but good knowledge of Russian and other languages ​​will allow you to get a higher salary. Employers pay special attention to the accuracy, politeness and honesty of their employees.