Fast-tracked permit processing available for some Serbian, Ukrainian applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Hungary has launched a program to provide expedited single permits to certain third-country nationals working in high-demand economic sectors.

What does the change mean? Serbian and Ukrainian nationals applying for single permits for a select group of jobs will be eligible for expedited single-permit processing of two to three weeks. The list of jobs includes mostly engineering, IT and blue-collar jobs, and is subject to change. Hungary is also expected to eventually open the program to additional nationalities.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.  

Visas/permits affected: Single permits (work/residence permits).

Who is affected: Serbian and Ukrainian nationals applying for single permits in jobs where expedited processing is available.

Impact on processing times: Officials have said processing times will range from two to three weeks, though it is possible processing might take longer as the new program is implemented.

Background: The effort to provide expedited processing was undertaken to help certain third-country nationals gain speedier access to the Hungarian labor market. For the time being, the program is available to workers in 37 occupations, mostly in the areas listed above. It remains unclear whether documentation requirements will be different for those applying through the expedited processing program.

BAL Analysis: The change could make it significantly less time-consuming for businesses to bring Serbian and Ukrainian workers to Hungary in certain, high-demand economic sectors.  BAL will continue to follow the expedited processing program in Hungary, including the possible expansion of the program to additional job categories and nationalities and any information about what documents are required.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Hungary. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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