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Hungary
Budapest
Hungary closes the guest worker route for all third-country nationals
A new government decree has suspended applications for the guest worker residency permit as Hungary initiates a broader overhaul of its immigration system. This move restricts one of the primary residence options for non-EU foreigners seeking to live and work in the country.
Portugal uses Eurodac and ESP to track non-EU travelers at Schengen borders
The EU has activated the first phase of the new Eurodac system and the European Search Portal to modernize border data infrastructure. These interoperable IT systems allow authorities to instantly verify biometric data and track entry/exit history for all non-EU travelers across the Schengen Area.
The small print in the limited validity ETIAS for humanitarian emergencies
The European Union has introduced a restricted ETIAS version for travelers with humanitarian needs or urgent obligations. This authorization is valid for a maximum of 90 days and only permits entry into the specific countries listed on the application.
EU confirms ETIAS will start in the last quarter for 60 nations
The European Union confirmed that the ETIAS pre-travel authorization system for visa-free nationals is now scheduled to go live in late 2026. Travelers from over 60 countries will eventually need this digital permit to enter the Schengen Area for short stays.
EU extends detention to 30 months for irregular stays in Portugal
The EU approved a new Return Regulation allowing for deportation centers outside the bloc and tougher entry bans for those without legal status. While targeting irregular migration, the law expands police powers to verify residency documents for all foreign residents across the Schengen Area.
EU Single Digital Booking regulation grants tourists 50% refund for rail delays
On 2026-05-13, the European Commission proposed EU-wide rules to make cross-border rail travel easier, including single-ticket booking across multiple operators and stronger protection for missed connections. This matters for travelers and nomads using rail networks across Europe because it would reduce fragmentation and improve refunds, rerouting, and compensation.
EU Pact on Migration and Asylum starts applying 10 laws on June 12
The European Commission said the Pact on Migration and Asylum is on track for full application on 2026-06-12, with key border screening and procedure systems now largely in place. Travelers, expats, and digital nomads entering or moving within the EU should expect further operational changes at external borders as member states finish implementation.
EU gives travelers 14 days for cash refunds under revised directive
The updated EU Package Travel Directive took effect on 2026-05-27, strengthening refund, voucher, and insolvency-protection rules for package travellers across the EU. Nomads and expats who book package trips in Europe should note clearer complaint deadlines and better protections if an organiser becomes insolvent.
Hungary to halt non-EU work visas starting June 1
Hungary's new government plans to stop issuing work visas for non-EU nationals beginning in June. This policy shift could eliminate employment-based residency as a viable long-term stay strategy for expats and digital nomads seeking local contracts.
EES now replaces passport stamps at Schengen borders
The EU's new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) will automate border controls across 29 Schengen countries, digitizing stay tracking and replacing physical passport stamps for non-EU travelers.
Inside Hungary's Updated EU Blue Card and Work Requirements
Recent legislative changes in Hungary affect family reunification rules, guest self-employment permits, and EU Blue Card eligibility. New minimum wage levels have also shifted the financial requirements for obtaining work permits ahead of the April 2026 elections.
Inside Hungary's 10-Year Guest Investor Residency
Hungary is reviving its golden visa scheme, offering a 10-year residency permit to foreigners who invest at least €250,000 in local real estate funds or donate to higher education. This program provides a long-term pathway for non-EU investors and their families to live and work in the country.