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Foreign nationals working in Hungary are protected by the same labour laws that apply to Hungarian citizens. Once a foreign worker obtains a valid work permit or combined residence and work permit, they are entitled to fair treatment, lawful working conditions, and equal protection under the Hungarian Labour Code (Act I of 2012).
Understanding these rights is essential for both employees and employers to ensure compliance and avoid disputes.
Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination
Under Hungarian law, foreign workers must not be discriminated against based on nationality, gender, age, or ethnicity. They are entitled to the same pay and benefits as Hungarian citizens performing comparable work.
Employers are legally required to uphold the principle of equal treatment in hiring, training, promotion, and termination processes.
Employment Contracts and Working Hours
Every foreign worker must have a written employment contract outlining their role, salary, working hours, and conditions. The standard working week in Hungary is 40 hours, with a minimum rest period of 11 consecutive hours between workdays.
Overtime is permitted but must be paid at a higher rate or compensated with additional rest time, as stipulated in the Labour Code.
Minimum Wage and Salary Protection
Foreign employees are entitled to at least the national minimum wage, which is updated annually by the Hungarian government. Employers must pay wages regularly and transparently, with payslips that clearly indicate deductions and taxes.
Any unlawful withholding of wages is strictly prohibited and may result in legal penalties for employers.
Health and Safety at Work
The Occupational Safety and Health Act ensures that all workers, including foreigners, are provided with safe and healthy working conditions. Employers must supply safety training, protective equipment, and a hazard-free environment.
Foreign workers also have the right to refuse unsafe work without facing disciplinary action if it poses an immediate risk to health or safety.
Social Security and Healthcare Rights
Once legally employed, foreign workers are typically registered for Hungarian social security, which grants access to:
• Public healthcare services
• Sick leave and maternity leave
• Pension contributions
EU/EEA nationals benefit from additional coordination rules under EU social security regulations, ensuring continuity of benefits across member states.
Termination and Legal Protection
Foreign workers enjoy the same termination protections as locals. Employers must provide proper notice and written justification for dismissals. Workers can challenge unlawful termination before Hungarian labour courts or through mediation bodies.
Severance pay is mandatory in cases of redundancy or long-term employment termination.
Why Work Permit Verification Is Important
Even when all rights are legally guaranteed, foreign workers should first ensure their work permit is genuine and issued by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP). A fake or invalid permit can lead to deportation or denial of legal rights, regardless of employment status.
Use WorkPermitCheck.com to confirm your Hungarian work permit’s authenticity before starting your job.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. WorkPermitCheck.com provides independent verification services to help users confirm the authenticity of work permits and employment documents. For official legal guidance, consult the Hungarian Labour Inspectorate or the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).
October 8, 2025
