Living in Hungary: the ultimate expat guide

Visiting Hungary is straightforward for many travelers, with numerous nationalities able to enter visa-free or with a standard Schengen visa for short stays. (A Schengen visa allows non-EU travelers to move freely within the Schengen Area, including Hungary, for short periods.) However, anyone planning to live, work, study, or relocate long-term must apply for the correct residence permit through a Hungarian consulate or immigration office. Recent changes to Hungary’s immigration laws have tightened the rules around some work permits, making early planning and careful preparation essential.

Visa types for Hungary

1. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C): For tourism, business, or family visits of up to 90 days within 180 days.
2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D): Used to enter Hungary for stays longer than 90 days, usually followed by applying for a residence permit.
3. Residence Permit for Employment: For foreign nationals working in Hungary, including standard work permits and employer-sponsored options.
4. EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a recognized degree and a qualifying job offer.
5. Student Residence Permit: For those studying at a Hungarian educational institution.
6. Family Reunification Permit: For family members of Hungarian citizens or legal residents.
7. Business/Self-Employment Permit: For entrepreneurs or company directors operating in Hungary.
8. Researcher or Academic Permit: For researchers and academics affiliated with Hungarian institutions.
9. Investor/Guest Investor Residence Permit: For individuals making a qualifying investment in Hungary.
10. Permanent Residence Permit: For long-term residents who meet eligibility requirements after several years.

Useful link:

Hungarian Immigration Authority

Hungarian Consulates and Visas

Embassy of Hungary — Schengen Visa

National Directorate General of Immigration Police — National Residence Card

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Hungary’s job market remains strong, with unemployment at around 4.3 % in 2025, making it one of Central Europe’s more stable economies. Foreign workers are increasingly vital to Hungary’s labor market. The number of foreign employees has grown steadily in recent years as companies seek talent that cannot be sourced locally. Recruitment agencies and Hungarian employers actively hire international staff, offering work and residence permits to fill shortages in both skilled and semi-skilled roles.

Competition on the job front varies by sector in Hungary, but skilled professionals are in high demand. Employers look for candidates with technical expertise, international experience, and language skills. Expats who speak English — and ideally another European language — can access opportunities in multinational companies across ICT, engineering, professional services, and logistics.

In-demand jobs

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – software development, IT services

• Manufacturing and engineering – automotive, electronics, high-value manufacturing

• Professional, scientific and technical services – R&D, consultancy, engineering

• Logistics and transportation – thanks to Hungary’s central European location

• Health and social care – growing demand for qualified professionals

Facts and figures

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources:

Hungarian Central Statistics Office — unemployment rate, employment rate, and foreign workers and EURES — employment by sector

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Hungary is fast becoming a leading destination for international students in Europe. Its universities have climbed steadily in global rankings, reflecting stronger research output, growing academic reputation, and a more international outlook. Combined with comparatively affordable tuition fees and a wide range of English-taught programs, Hungary offers a compelling balance of quality and value for students seeking a European education.

The international student community is notably diverse, with students arriving from more than 160 countries. In 2025, Hungary hosted around 38,000 international tertiary students, many from countries such as Germany, China, Romania, Iran, and Serbia. Popular fields of study include medicine, engineering, IT, business, and economics, where Hungarian institutions are particularly well regarded. Universities also actively support students through the residence permit process via the 'Enter Hungary' system, helping to make student visas relatively straightforward to obtain.

Top universities in Hungary

• Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) — a historic, research-intensive institution in Budapest.

• University of Szeged — strong life sciences, medicine, and social sciences programs, and a top pick for international students.

• Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) — engineering and technology powerhouse, with many English-taught technical and IT programs.

Uselink links:

Enter Hungary

Study in Hungary

Tempus Public Foundation — international education

Banking in Hungary is modern and dependable, with strong online and mobile platforms, but expats should expect a more traditional account-opening process rather than an instant digital setup. In 2025, most banks still require you to open an account in person. Typically, you will need a valid passport, a Hungarian residence or work permit, and proof of address — most often the lakcímkártya (address card). This card is essential, as many banks will not accept other forms of address verification, even with a signed lease.

Tips:

1. ATMs are widespread in cities and towns throughout Hungary. Most accept international cards, but check for fees on foreign withdrawals. Many banks charge extra for non-SEPA or non-EU cards.
2. Keep some cash handy — while card payments are common, smaller shops, markets, and rural areas may require cash.
3. Choose the correct account type: Look for expat-friendly accounts with online banking in English, low international transfer fees, and multi-currency options. This can simplify everyday transactions and salary deposits.

Useful link:

Opening a bank account in Hungary

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Hungary has a dependable healthcare system, but non-urgent public services can be slow, so many expats choose private clinics for faster, more comfortable care. Public healthcare is free or low-cost for residents contributing to social security, though small co-payments may apply. Access depends on residency and social security contributions — simply holding a visa isn’t enough. You need a TAJ card (national insurance card) to receive insured care.

Tips:

1. Register with a GP early to ensure you can access primary care quickly. Some clinics require registration for routine check-ups or referrals.
2. Bring copies of medical records: Hungarian doctors may request previous health records, vaccination history, or prescriptions. Having these translated (English/Hungarian) can speed up treatment.
3. Understand co-payments: While basic public healthcare is covered, some services or medications require small co-payments. Knowing what is covered versus what isn’t can prevent surprise expenses.
4. Take out private health insurance: Many expats maintain complementary private health insurance for quicker appointments or private clinics.

Useful links:

National Health Insurance Fund — health services

Getting a Hungarian health insurance card (TAJ card)

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Hungary offers a strong, well-structured school system that blends tradition with modern teaching standards. Children start formal education at age 6, and attendance is compulsory until 16, though many continue until 18. Public schools are free for all children whose families are legally residing in Hungary, meaning expat children with a valid residence permit can attend without tuition fees. Private schools are also available for families seeking international curricula, smaller class sizes, or alternative teaching approaches.

Many expat families prefer international or bilingual schools, especially in Budapest and larger cities, where instruction is offered in English, German, or French alongside Hungarian. These schools often follow international programs such as IB (International Baccalaureate) or Cambridge curricula, providing continuity for children moving between countries. While most Hungarian public schools teach primarily in Hungarian, some offer language support programs to help international students integrate smoothly.

School holidays

The academic year in Hungary usually runs from early September to mid-June, divided into two semesters. The first semester goes from September to late January, and the second semester from early February to mid-June. Each semester has a short break in the middle, plus longer holidays for Christmas, Easter, and summer. The summer holiday is the longest, typically lasting about 10–11 weeks from mid-June to early September. Exact dates may vary slightly by school and region, but this structure provides families with a clear rhythm for planning vacations and school activities.

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Hungary’s housing market offers plenty of opportunities, but competition is growing fast, especially in Budapest and other major cities. Outside the capital, rent and property prices remain surprisingly affordable compared to Western Europe. Most expats start by renting — it’s the easiest way to settle in, explore neighborhoods, and decide where to buy. Buying property in Hungary is possible for expats, though rules vary: EU/EEA citizens face few restrictions, while non-EU buyers must secure a government permit.

Tips:

1. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens must obtain approval from the local county government to purchase residential property.
2. Permit approval usually takes about 45 days.
3. Expats can buy apartments, houses, and commercial property; agricultural land is restricted for non-EU citizens.
4. A Hungarian lawyer is needed to manage contracts, permit applications, and land registry registration.

Useful link:

Global Property Guide — Hungary

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Moving your household to Hungary is generally straightforward, but the country has strict and specific customs rules that expats need to prepare for. Personal belongings can enter duty-free if you already hold a residence permit, but customs officers require detailed paperwork — including a Hungarian-language packing list, proof of residence, and ID. If you arrive with a short-term permit (less than one year), you may be asked to provide a bank guarantee in Hungarian currency before your shipment is released. Clearance can be slow, with many shipments receiving temporary clearance first and final clearance only upon arrival at your new home. Delays happen, but reputable movers report that loss or theft is rare; the most significant risks come from incomplete documents, not from transport issues.

Tips:

• Duty-free rules apply only if you already have a residence permit and have owned the items for at least six months.

• Short-term residence permits may trigger a bank guarantee requirement, which customs uses to cover potential duties.

• A Hungarian-language packing list is mandatory, along with ID, residence documentation, and sometimes a power of attorney for your mover.

• Temporary customs clearance is standard, with final clearance happening at your address after delivery — so expect possible delays.

Useful link:

National Tax and Customs Administration

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Hungary packs an impressive amount of culture, nature, and everyday fun into a small country. Whether you're living in Budapest or a quieter regional town, you'll find a lively mix of thermal baths, café culture, festivals, and outdoor adventures. The country is famous for its historic spa tradition, with natural thermal waters flowing beneath cities and villages, making weekend soaking a local pastime. Hungary's long wine heritage, vibrant arts scene, ruin bars, classical music halls, and strong café culture mean there's always something happening, often at surprisingly affordable prices compared to Western Europe.

Outside the cities, Hungary becomes an entirely different playground. Lake Balaton — the 'Hungarian Sea' — is a summer hub for sailing, swimming, and lakeside festivals. The hills and national parks offer hiking, cycling, and endless vineyard routes. Winter brings ice-skating rinks, thermal spas steaming in the cold, and cozy wine cellars. Expats often say the best part of living here is how easy it is to weave leisure into everyday life — with most attractions within a short train or car ride.

Popular activities in Hungary

• Thermal baths: Soaking in historic spa complexes like Széchenyi, Gellért, or Miskolctapolca Cave Bath.

• Explore Lake Balaton: Swimming, sailing, wine tasting, and lakeside festivals.

• Hiking and cycling: In Bükk, Mátra, Pilis, and Balaton Uplands National Parks.

• Wine regions: Tokaj, Eger, Villány, and Somló for tastings and vineyard weekends.

• City culture: Ruin bars, classical concerts, galleries, and street food markets.

• Historic towns: Szentendre, Pécs, Sopron, and Eger for architecture, museums, and slower-paced escapes.

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Daily life in Hungary is generally calm, structured, and safe, with a strong café culture, excellent public transport, and a slower pace outside the capital. For most expats — including women — Hungary feels secure; violent crime rates are low, and major cities are safe to walk in during the day and evening. Petty crime exists in tourist-heavy areas, but everyday life is predictable, orderly, and easy to navigate once you adjust to local routines.

Hungarians value direct communication, punctuality, and personal space. Shops close earlier than in some Western countries, Sundays are quiet, and cash is still common outside Budapest. The lifestyle mixes Central European habits with local quirks: long lunches, thermal baths, wine evenings, and strong community traditions in smaller towns.

What you need to know

• Safety: Low violent crime; occasional pickpocketing in tourist zones. Women generally report feeling safe in cities and towns.

• Public transport: Reliable and widespread; Budapest’s metro, trams, and buses run frequently and cover the entire city.

• Cost of living: More affordable than Western Europe, though prices in Budapest are higher than in the rest of Hungary.

• Shopping hours: Many shops close by early evening; Sundays are quiet with limited opening hours.

• Communication style: Hungarians are direct but polite; small talk is less common.

• Payments: Card acceptance is widespread, but small markets and rural shops may prefer cash.

• Local customs: Removing shoes in homes, tipping 10–15% in restaurants, and greeting shopkeepers are standard etiquette.

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Hungary strikes a rare balance: it’s far cheaper than most Western European countries yet offers a quality of life that punches well above its price tag. Rent, groceries, and dining out are all more affordable in Hungary than in big EU capitals, but Budapest’s prime neighborhoods can feel more expensive than rural towns. Utilities and public transport remain very budget-friendly, while imported goods, electronics, and foreign-brand items can cost more — especially compared to local alternatives. In short, living in Hungary won’t drain your wallet, but you’ll pay a bit of a premium for things that arrive in a shipping container.

Here is a general breakdown of average monthly expenses for different household types in Hungary.

Monthly expenses

Data correct as of December 2025.

Source:

Numbeo