Publication on 2025 gross average wages by occupation

The Hungarian Central Statistical Office has published the 2025 average gross earnings of full-time employees by occupation (based on the Hungarian Standard Classification of Occupations – ‘FEOR’ codes). While an increase in average wages was expected, the published data confirmed a 9% growth compared to the previous year. This significant wage adjustment should be carefully considered during the submission of applications for third-country nationals, as it may impact the required salary levels.

General salary requirement

As per general rules, third-country nationals applying for a residence permit for work purposes should receive a salary that is at least 80% of the average wage of their respective FEOR code. The newly published 2025 figures will now be taken into account during application processing; thus, employers are advised to adjust the salaries of affected third-country nationals accordingly.

EU Blue Card minimum salary requirement

The Hungarian Central Statistical Office has also published the national gross average salary for 2025. Based on this, the minimum salary requirement for EU Blue Card holders in 2027 can be projected.

Under the general rule:

• The salary of an EU Blue Card applicant must be 1.5 times higher than the national average gross salary two years before the application year or
• 1.2 times higher for specified job positions.

Based on the average national gross salary for the previous years, it is expected that the required minimum salary for the EU Blue Card applications will be gross 1 091 244 HUF / month in 2027.

Employers should prepare to meet this updated salary requirement for their employees when submitting EU Blue Card applications in 2027 and ensure alignment for those employees already working under previously issued EU Blue Cards.