Moving to Hungary

Living in Hungary as an expat

A landlocked country at the heart of Europe, Hungary is the perfect mix of Eastern and Western European cultures. Blessed with diverse topography, the country boasts beautifully lush hills, sweeping plains and green river valleys. The mighty Danube cuts through Hungary and bisects the famous capital of Budapest, which is often sold as Europe's prettiest city.

Expats moving to Hungary can expect a wonderful expat destination with a stable economy and a government intent on expansion and change. 

Budapest City Guide

Working in Hungary

Not only is Hungary one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting more than 50 million tourists yearly, but it is also a popular destination for expats employed in the booming private sector.

Some industries in Hungary are attracting plenty of foreign investment, including information technology, luxury vehicle production and renewable energy systems. Smaller areas of foreign investment include the textile and food industries, while high-end tourism is an ever-expanding industry in Hungary.

Expats looking to work in Hungary will need a visa and work permit to live and work in the country legally. The process for acquiring a work permit can be lengthy, requiring employers to prove that no EU/EEA or Hungarian citizen is qualified to do the job. 

Working in Hungary
Visas for Hungary
Work Permits for Hungary

Local culture in Hungary

Hungary's unique history and its ongoing development shape its local culture. New arrivals to the country will largely find it easy to integrate into Hungary's modern society, but the language barrier may present a challenge for expats who are unfamiliar with the language. 

Locals often adopt a direct communication style and enjoy fostering relationships with others by asking personal questions. Expats should consider this as a way to get to know locals rather than as an invasion of privacy. 

The work culture in the country is hierarchical and largely traditional. That said, local Hungarians are passionate about doing excellent work and will frequently work extra hours to ensure that projects are delivered on time. Relationship building is an important aspect of working in Hungary. 

Local Culture in Hungary
Business Culture in Hungary

Finding accommodation in Hungary

The standard of accommodation in Hungary has improved over the last few years. The country has one of the highest homeownership rates in Europe, and expats can buy property in Hungary. Rental prices in large cities like Budapest are higher than in smaller cities, but accommodation in the outskirts of these cities will be slightly more affordable. 

The best way to find accommodation will be through a local real estate agent who is familiar with working with expats, as they can help you navigate the language barrier. Online property portals can also give you a view into housing availability in the country. 

Advice on Renting Accommodation in Hungary
Best Places to Live in Budapest

Cost of living in Hungary

The cost of living in Hungary is fairly reasonable in comparison to other European countries. Accommodation and the related costs in large cities such as Budapest will set expats back quite significantly, but new arrivals can mitigate this by living a little further out of the city centre.

Thanks to Hungary's excellent and affordable public transport links, owning a car in the country is unnecessary, although a vehicle is convenient for exploring the rest of Europe. You can further bring down your monthly bills by buying local produce and staples. Eating out will also be something you can enjoy occasionally, as Hungary boasts many restaurants catering for a range of markets.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Living in Hungary with children

Family is an integral part of Hungary's society and as one of the safest countries in the world, you will find Hungary an ideal place to raise children. Hungary also offers plenty of natural landscapes, historical sites and green spaces for expats moving to Hungary with children to explore during their leisure time.

The Hungarian healthcare system has its ups and downs, but good quality public healthcare is available in major cities and, while participation in the government’s insurance scheme is compulsory, many expats choose to take out private insurance as well.

Safety in Hungary
Healthcare in Hungary

Finding a school in Hungary

Education in Hungary is generally considered to be of high quality. The official language of instruction at public schools, which are free to attend, is Hungarian (Magyar), which may present a language barrier for expat children. 

Fortunately, several international schools in Budapest offer English-language education and private schools which teach using various alternative pedagogical philosophies. These schools also offer globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate, American, and British systems. 

Education and Schools in Hungary
International Schools in Budapest

Getting around in Hungary

Hungary has well-developed public transport networks, and its capital, Budapest, has an easy-to-use metro system, including four lines covering most of the city. Buses and trams also play a significant role in the country's public transport system, while cycling is also growing in popularity. 

Transport and Driving in Hungary
Getting Around in Budapest

Climate and weather in Hungary

Hungary has a continental climate, with warm summers and chilly winters. While many expats may find the colder months of the year quite trying, the warmth of the Hungarian people definitely makes up for it.

Hungary is home to some of Europe’s friendliest people. The country offers abundant economic opportunities and a relaxed pace of life that appeals to expats seeking a balanced life abroad.

Climate Charts for Hungary

Fast facts

Population: Almost 9.6 million

Capital city: Budapest (also the largest city)

Neighbouring countries: Hungary borders Slovakia to the north, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, and Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest.

Geography: Hungary is a landlocked country. The Danube and Tisza rivers are the major defining features of its geography, splitting it into three sections. The first of these is Dunántúl, which has a hilly terrain with some small mountains. The other two areas, Duna-Tisza köze and Tiszántúl, are characterised by the Great Hungarian Plain.

Political system: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Major religion: Roman Catholicism

Main languages: Hungarian, also known as Magyar, is the official language in Hungary, with Romanian and German being co-official minority languages. English is also spoken by a small percentage of the population, and business dealings are commonly done in English.

Money: The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is divided into 100 fillérs. Fillérs, however, are now out of circulation. There are plans to replace the forint with the euro in the future. To open a bank account, expats will most likely need to present a residence permit and address card, though some banks may allow accounts to be opened with a passport only. ATMs are easily accessible.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Hungary. 10 to 15 percent is usually appropriate.

Time: GMT+1 (GMT+2 from late March to late October).

Electricity: 230 volts, 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Internet domain: .hu

International dialling code: +36

Emergency numbers: 112 (general emergencies), 104 (ambulance), 105 (fire), 107 (police)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side in Hungary. There is a well-developed public transport system, including a metro system in Budapest. Most parts of the country are easily accessible by car or public transport.