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As the need for more skilled workers increases, internships are slowly on the rise in Hungary, both for locals and expats. If you're interested in doing your internship in Hungary, the process will vary depending on whether you're an EU/EFTA citizen or a third-country national. Internship opportunities are primarily aimed at those who are enrolled in higher education or recent graduates (within two years of obtaining a degree), though non-EU citizens face stricter documentation requirements.

As Hungary is an EU member, it adheres to the EU premise that all citizens should be entitled to equal childcare and benefits, regardless of their nationality. So if you have all your papers in order (residence permit for third-country nationals, a registration certificate for EU/EFTA nationals, and your address card called “lakcímkártya” with a local tax ID) and have been employed in Hungary, you are entitled to all the family and childcare benefits provided by the state to new parents.

If you're living in Hungary, you are subject to paying taxes in the country for all the income you may have earned during the tax year, both in Hungary and abroad. The good news is that the tax rates in Hungary are particularly low in contrast to other countries, especially when it comes to businesses.

As a member of the EU/EFTA, Hungary supports the free movement of goods within the EU/EFTA area. There are no customs when it comes to importing or exporting goods from Hungary to another EU/EFTA country and vice versa, but if you're coming from a third country, certain restrictions and permissions may apply. Also, the method of transportation with which you travelled to Hungary (plane versus train, car or bus) affects the value of the goods you are allowed to carry.

Hungary has been called The Crossroads of Europe, and it is definitely a central and cosmopolitan destination, both culturally and geographically. With prestigious higher education establishments, many university towns and exciting opportunities for scholarships, Hungary can be a great choice for furthering your studies.

As a member of the EU/EFTA and the Schengen area, and as a holder of visa waiver agreements with 30 countries worldwide (consult our section on Travelling to Hungary), you can enter Hungary without a visa for a short-term stay. Immediately afterwards, however, you must apply for a residence permit if you wish to continue your stay in the country. As from late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travellers will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen area.

Hungary has an extensive road network, a large portion of which has recently been updated to improve traffic flow. The legal driving age is 17 years old, and the vehicles keep to the right-hand traffic. Expats coming to the country with a non-Hungarian driver's licence will not encounter any problems: if you are an EU/EFTA national, you can easily exchange your licence for a Hungarian one. Third-country nationals can also exchange their driver's licence, but additional fees and paperwork will apply. Alternatively, you can apply for a new Hungarian driver's licence after six months of proven residence in the country.

Hungary is located in eastern Central Europe, making it very easy to access from all directions. The country shares its borders with Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. You can easily reach it by plane, train, bus, or car, and since Hungary is both a member of the EU and the Schengen area – meaning it now has open land borders with all its neighbors except Ukraine and Serbia –, most expats won't need a visa to visit Hungary. The country also has visa waiver agreements with over sixty countries, but you are advised to check with the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country to see what applies in your case.

Hungary may be a small country, but its abundance of culture, history and natural offerings is bound to impress you. There are no fewer than 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites spread across the country, from cultural and historical landmarks to marvels of nature. And with Hungary's capital city, Budapest, being a vibrant and fascinating metropolis, there's always something going on. This means your leisure time in Hungary is going to be well spent.

Staying connected to your loved ones back home is very important to an expat. Thankfully, connectivity in Hungary will definitely be no issue: the country has an extensive cellular network and consistently ranks among the top 20 globally for fixed broadband speeds, with average download speeds exceeding 300 Mbps. Most people choose to combine their TV, phone and internet into a package from a single provider. Before choosing one, however, make sure to check offers, pricing, and availability, as the market can be quite competitive depending on where you are located in the country.

Buying a house or a flat can be a good option if you are planning a long-term stay in Budapest. However, it is best to have the necessary documentation to avoid any hurdles in the process. Here is an insight into the local property market to help you make the right choice.

A beautiful bridge between West and East Europe, Hungary's idyllic scenery is dotted with spectacular history and remarkable landmarks, with the capital city of Budapest known as one of the hottest destinations for digital nomads and expats. The country has a wealth of natural hot springs, renowned for their healing and restorative ability, as well as developed urban areas with an affordable cost of living. Here's everything you need to know about Hungary.

As is the case with most Eastern European countries, accommodation in Hungary is relatively affordable compared to Central and Western Europe. However, prices have risen significantly over the past few years due to a combination of significant inflation and across-the-board price increases in the housing market. Being home to so many students, both locals and expats, Hungary offers many accommodation options, including private dormitories and shared flats. In 2026, the market is very competitive, leaving tenants with little room to negotiate rates.