Moving to Hungary

Thinking about moving to Hungary? Perhaps you've visited Budapest a few times, enjoyed spending time in a small town or started looking at houses in the countryside. Whatever has brought you to this point, living in Hungary is quite different from spending a week here on holiday.

Budapest offers excellent public transport, a lively cultural scene and most of the conveniences you'd expect from a European capital. Outside the city, property can be considerably cheaper, and life tends to move at a slower pace.

There are challenges, too. Hungarian is difficult to learn, you can't always rely on people speaking English, and dealing with official paperwork can test your patience. Finding work may also be harder than you expect, particularly if you don't speak the language.

What is everyday life like in Hungary?

Four distinct seasons

Hungarian summers can be very hot, with temperatures regularly climbing above 30°C. Winters are another matter. Expect short days, freezing temperatures, fog and occasional snow.

Spring and autumn are usually milder, although the weather can change quickly.

If you're considering an older property, pay attention to its insulation and heating system. Winter bills can be surprisingly high, even when the house itself seems inexpensive.

Budapest or the countryside?

Living in Budapest and living in a Hungarian village are two very different experiences.

In the capital, you'll find theatres, museums, restaurants, shopping centres and international schools. Public transport is good enough that many residents have no need for a car.

Many Budapest residents live in apartment buildings, where neighbours share entrances, stairwells, courtyards and sometimes gardens. Building maintenance is usually managed collectively, and residents contribute towards the costs through regular common charges.

Head out into the countryside and you'll find quieter towns, villages and, in many areas, much lower property prices. A house with a garden may cost less than a modest Budapest flat.

The trade-off is convenience.

Some villages have little more than a small grocery shop. The nearest supermarket or pharmacy may be several kilometres away, and local buses don't always run when you need them. In smaller settlements, the GP may only hold surgeries on certain days.

Finding a reliable tradesperson can also take time. In a small village, knowing your neighbours can be particularly useful, whether you need help with a repair, a recommendation or simply someone who understands the local arrangements.

A village that seems charming during a summer visit can feel quite different on a cold November evening.

Food, shopping and local traditions

Local markets are still popular in Hungary, particularly for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seasonal produce. Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy directly from local growers.

Traditional cooking remains an important part of family life. Local festivals, wine events and village celebrations are common throughout the year.

For weekends away, there are thermal baths, lakes, forests and historic towns within reach of most parts of the country.

Shopping is straightforward in larger towns and cities. Villages can be another story. Smaller shops often close early, Sunday opening hours vary, and many businesses shut on public holidays.

Can you live in Hungary without speaking Hungarian?

You can, but don't expect it to be easy.

You shouldn't assume that people will speak English, particularly outside Budapest and among older generations. You're more likely to meet English speakers among younger people, in university towns and in international workplaces.

Even in Budapest, you can't assume that your neighbour, a tradesperson or someone working in a government office will understand English.

In smaller towns and villages, the language barrier becomes more noticeable.

Ordering a meal or buying a train ticket is usually manageable. Explaining a medical problem, arranging a repair or dealing with a utility company is another matter.

Hungarian is a difficult language for most English speakers to learn, but even a little helps. For more complicated situations, you may need an interpreter or someone who can speak Hungarian on your behalf.

If you're planning to settle here permanently, learning the language will make everyday life considerably easier.

What are the main difficulties of living in Hungary?

Finding somewhere to live

Finding the right rental property can take time, particularly in Budapest, where prices vary considerably between districts.

Smaller towns are often cheaper, although there may be fewer properties available.

Before signing a tenancy agreement, check exactly what you're paying for. Apart from the rent and deposit, there may be utility bills and common charges (közös költség) if you're renting a flat in an apartment building.

These charges generally cover the maintenance and running costs of shared parts of the building. They're not always included in the advertised rent.

Pay particular attention to the heating system. Hungarian homes may have district heating, gas boilers, electric heating or, especially in rural areas, wood-burning stoves and solid-fuel boilers.

A cheap property isn't necessarily cheap to run. Poor insulation, old windows and an inefficient heating system can mean high winter bills.

You'll also need to check whether the landlord can provide the paperwork required to register your address.

If you're thinking of buying rather than renting, our guide to Buying Property in Hungary covers the practical side of purchasing a home.

Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary has both public and private healthcare.

Whether you can use the public system depends on your insurance status and eligibility. Having a Hungarian TAJ number doesn't automatically mean you're currently entitled to publicly funded treatment.

Private clinics are common in Budapest and larger towns. They can be useful if you want an appointment sooner or prefer a particular specialist, although the costs can add up quickly without insurance.

If you're moving from another EU country, don't rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as a long-term solution. An EHIC is intended for medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays, not as a replacement for healthcare arrangements when you become resident.

Public transport and driving

One of Budapest's advantages is its public transport. Metro lines, trams, buses and suburban trains cover much of the city, making it perfectly possible to live without a car.

Other cities have local bus services, and some have trams or trolleybuses. The quality and frequency of services depend on where you live.

Trains and coaches connect many Hungarian towns, but getting around the countryside can be less straightforward. In some villages, the last useful bus may leave surprisingly early.

If you're considering a rural property, check the actual timetable rather than assuming there's a convenient daily service.

Hungary drives on the right. Parking in central Budapest can be expensive, and finding a space isn't always easy.

Administration and paperwork

Hungarian bureaucracy can be frustrating, especially when you're unfamiliar with the system.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to register your residence, obtain an address card, apply for a tax identification number and arrange health insurance registration.

Some procedures can be completed online. Others still involve appointments, forms and visits to government offices.

Most official documents are in Hungarian, and English-speaking staff aren't guaranteed.

It's worth allowing extra time for these arrangements. Missing documents or an incorrectly completed form can mean another appointment.

Can EU citizens move to Hungary?

Yes. EU citizens can move to Hungary under European freedom of movement rules.

You can enter with a valid passport or national identity card and don't need a visa.

If you intend to stay for more than three months, you'll need to meet the relevant residence conditions and register with the Hungarian immigration authority.

Under the current Hungarian rules, you must apply for a registration certificate no later than the 93rd day after entering Hungary. Applications can be submitted through the Enter Hungary online system.

Do EU citizens need a job to live in Hungary?

No, not necessarily.

EU citizens can generally live in Hungary if they're employed, self-employed, studying or have sufficient financial resources and appropriate healthcare cover.

Jobseekers may also have residence rights under the relevant rules, provided they're actively looking for employment and have a genuine prospect of finding work.

EU citizens can normally work in Hungary without a separate work permit.

Can retired EU citizens settle in Hungary?

Yes. Retirement doesn't prevent EU citizens from moving to Hungary, provided they meet the residence requirements.

You'll need sufficient financial resources and appropriate healthcare arrangements.

If you receive a pension from another EU country, you may need an S1 form to register your healthcare entitlement in Hungary. This depends on which country is responsible for your health insurance.

Your pension may also have tax implications, so check the rules before relocating.

Qualifying family members, including some who aren't EU citizens, may also have residence rights under EU law. Non-EU family members may need to apply for a residence card.

For official guidance, visit the Hungarian immigration authority (OIF).

Can British and other non-EU citizens move to Hungary?

Yes, but moving to Hungary is more complicated if you're not an EU citizen.

British citizens who aren't covered by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement are generally subject to the rules for non-EU nationals.

A visa-free holiday doesn't give you the right to settle or take up employment in Hungary.

For a longer stay, you'll normally need an appropriate residence permit or another recognised legal basis.

The available options depend on your nationality and the reason for your move.

Hungary has introduced restrictions on certain employment-related residence permits, including guest worker permits. Eligibility and application requirements vary between permit categories, and some routes may not be available to new applicants.

Before committing to a property, employment arrangement or moving date, check the current requirements with the Hungarian immigration authority (OIF).

Can you find work in Hungary?

Speaking Hungarian will considerably improve your chances of finding work, particularly outside Budapest.

The capital has international employers where English is used in the workplace, especially in some office-based and specialist roles.

Elsewhere, opportunities can be more limited. Many employers expect staff to speak Hungarian, particularly when dealing with customers or local suppliers.

Tourism, hospitality and agriculture offer seasonal jobs, but these aren't necessarily available throughout the year.

If you're moving without employment already arranged, make sure you have enough savings to cover your living expenses while you search.

Please note: We don't provide recruitment or job placement services, and we don't carry out market research for proposed businesses.

Can you work remotely or start a business in Hungary?

Working remotely from Hungary is possible, but moving here may change your tax and social security obligations.

If you work for an employer based in another country, you'll need to establish where your income is taxable and which social security system applies.

The same questions arise if you're self-employed or run a company registered abroad.

If you're thinking of starting a Hungarian business, speak to a qualified local accountant or tax adviser before making financial commitments.

Non-EU citizens also need to check whether their residence status permits the work or business activities they intend to carry out.

Is Hungary an affordable place to live?

That depends largely on where you live and where your income comes from.

Budapest is generally more expensive than smaller towns, particularly when it comes to rent and property prices.

Housing in rural areas may be considerably cheaper, but transport and heating costs can offset some of the savings.

When working out your budget, include accommodation, utilities, food, transport, insurance and healthcare. If you're buying an older house, allow for maintenance and repairs as well.

Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro. If your income is paid in pounds, euros or another currency, exchange-rate movements will affect how much you can spend.

It's worth comparing actual prices in the area where you want to live rather than relying on national averages.

Is moving to Hungary a good idea?

Whether Hungary is the right place for you depends on what you're looking for and how you intend to support yourself.

If you have a reliable income and enjoy quieter surroundings, a smaller Hungarian town could be a good choice. If you want public transport, international schools and a wider range of services, Budapest may suit you better.

The language barrier is probably the biggest adjustment for many newcomers. Paperwork, healthcare arrangements and finding suitable work can also take time.

Before deciding, try spending a few weeks in the area where you'd like to settle. Visit the local shops, look at properties, use public transport and see how you get on with everyday tasks.

A place that feels perfect during a holiday isn't necessarily somewhere you'll enjoy living all year round.

Personal consultation about moving to Hungary

If you're considering a move to Hungary, you can arrange a personal consultation with us to discuss your plans and any practical questions you have.

We can talk about different areas of Hungary, accommodation, local services and the difficulties you might encounter when settling in.

Personal consultation: €100

Consultations are held in person in Hungary, by prior appointment only.

We provide practical information and general guidance. We don't offer legal or immigration representation, tax advice, recruitment services or business market research.

Please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment.