Hungary : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Hungary is feeling the effects of the recent recession when it had to seek help in the form of a financial assistance package from the International Monetary Fund. However, there is still a need for workers with specialist skills. In recent years, Hungary has attracted a large number of international companies.  

• Typical problems encountered: graduates may face competition from qualified local professionals, particularly for middle management jobs.
• How to improve your chances: consider working for a multinational company with offices in Hungary. It may then be possible to transfer to Hungary once you are in post.
• Language requirements: English and German are widely spoken in Hungary, particularly among the younger population. Knowledge of Hungarian is a definite advantage when seeking employment. There are a number of Hungarian language schools in Budapest and other main towns, including the Balassi Institute and International House Budapest . In the UK, use the Next Step  course search to find Hungarian language courses available at local education institutions.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: mining, metallurgy, textiles, chemicals (pharmaceuticals in particular), construction, processed foods, motor vehicle manufacturing, logistics and business services centres.
• Major companies: SPAR, Tesco, Unilever and Vodafone all have operations in Hungary. Other key international employers include Deutsche Bank, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, General Motors, Hewlett-Packard, KPMG, Motorola, Philips Electronics, Shell and T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH.
• Search for more companies: the British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary  provides information about member companies with a presence in the country. Kompass  and Europages  provide company listings.
• Major cities: most employers that attract international graduates are located in Budapest (capital and largest city). Other major cities include Debrecen, Szeged and Miskolc.

What’s it like working in Hungary?

• Average working hours: working hours and employment conditions generally mirror those in Western Europe and are defined in the Hungarian Labour Code. Full-time working hours are generally eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. There is an element of flexibility in some employment areas, although rules are in place to ensure working hours do not exceed 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week.
• Holidays: holiday leave in Hungary is determined by age, although employers may offer more than the minimum. Standard annual leave up until the age of 25 is 20 days. This increases to 21 days from the age of 25 and then an additional working day every three years up until the age of 31 and an additional working day every two years up to the age of 45. Annual leave from the age of 45 is 30 working days.
• Tax rates: Hungary currently has a progressive personal income tax system. The individual Hungarian tax rate is 17% for salaries up to HUF 5,000,000 and 32% for income exceeding 5,000,000. There is an additional 4% solidarity tax if your salary exceeds HUF 7,446,000 (November 2010). From 2011, however, there are plans to change this to a single flat, family-based tax rate of 16%. Tax breaks will be available for those with children.
• Working practices and customs: much the same as in the rest of Europe. Hungarians like to conduct meetings face-to-face. Socialising is vital to business relationships. Confrontational situations and high-pressure sales tactics are generally avoided. Business dress is formal and conservative.