Active job market drives opportunities for workers in Hungary
Despite a global slowdown in employment growth, Hungary has emerged as a global leader in workforce activity, ranking seventh among countries with the most active job markets, according to new research by Remitly, an international online money transfer service.
High workforce activity amid global uncertainty
Recent figures reveal that the global job landscape has become increasingly challenging, with developed nations experiencing their highest levels of job losses since July 2020. The International Labour Organisation recently downgraded its global employment forecast for 2025, noting rising uncertainties and a projected drop in job creation around the world. Yet, in this tough environment, Hungary has managed to stand out as a beacon of workforce participation.
Remitly’s analysis, conducted across more than 40 popular global destinations, assessed the percentage of people either working or actively seeking employment: the workforce activity rate. With a rate of 67.4%, Hungary secures the seventh spot globally, placing ahead of wealthy economies such as Australia, Estonia, and Norway. This high activity rate points to robust demand for talent, economic confidence, and potentially more inclusive employers.
How Hungary compares
The global top 10 for workforce activity rate, per Remitly’s 2025 rankings, is:
| Rank | Country | Workforce activity rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 80.5% |
| 2 | Sweden | 75.2% |
| 3 | New Zealand | 72.1% |
| 4 | Finland | 69.1% |
| 5 | Netherlands | 68.5% |
| 6 | Switzerland | 67.7% |
| 7 | Hungary | 67.4% |
| 8 | Australia | 66.9% |
| 9 | Estonia | 66.5% |
| 10 | Norway | 65.7% |
Iceland leads the rankings with an 80.5% workforce activity rate, while Hungary sits just 0.3 percentage points behind Switzerland. The study suggests that a high workforce activity rate, far from being a negative for job seekers, often signals a dynamic economy and a healthy demand for skilled employees.
Opportunities for graduates and skilled workers
Hungary stands out particularly for its strong employment rates among university graduates. Remitly’s report highlights that Hungary employs a greater proportion of people with higher education than any other nation considered, a positive sign for those looking to put their academic qualifications to work. Demand is especially high in cutting-edge fields, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, with Hungary forecast to create 20,000 new jobs in these sectors in 2025.
Steady growth despite European trends
Across the OECD, employment and participation rates are at record highs in early 2025, but growth is slowing and labour market tightness is gradually easing. Within this context, Hungary’s stable and relatively low unemployment, reported at 4.23%, further underscores its resilience.
What this means for jobseekers
For international workers and Hungarians alike, the country’s active job market spells opportunity. While high activity rates might suggest fierce competition, experts note that they more commonly reflect dynamic economies with inclusive workplaces and strong business confidence. With substantial demand for talent and a focus on upskilling, Hungary’s position as a leading job market is likely to attract even more interest from skilled workers at home and abroad in the coming year.
Read more labour-related news on Daily News Hungary.
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