Your guide to moving abroad to Hungary

Central-European, landlocked Hungary draws an increasing amount of expats to its improving economy and relaxed pace of life. Immigrants enjoy a relaxed workplace, a great work/life balance, dropping unemployment numbers and an increasing average wage.

And life outside of work? Expect a warm welcome in the country that’s home to the most inviting city of Europe. Locals are known for being helpful and friendly, and not just to foreigners. Hungarians love sitting in cafes and taking time to socialize is part of their culture. Besides being welcoming, Hungarians are straightforward and somewhat cautious in business. Trust is very important so take your time to invest in personal relationships. It will make business smoother.

Many Hungarians speak English, especially younger generations, and German is also widely spoken. But taking a language course can definitely work in your benefit and locals really appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to learn their language.

Apart from a great work culture, Hungary is a wonderful country to discover. Traveling by public transport is easy and well managed and there are many places to explore. The countryside hides more than 1000 thermal springs, 10 national parks and ‘the Hungarian sea’, which is one of Europe’s biggest lakes, with countless beaches.

Hungary Visas and Permits

Hungary is part of the EU so people with citizenship of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) can move, live and work freely in Hungary.

Youth Mobility Visa

If you are an Australian, Chilean, South Korean, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japanese or Taiwanese citizen between the ages of 18-30, you may be eligible under the Working and Holiday Visa programme. Note: you may need a letter of government support to undertake this type of visa.

To find out if you need a tourist visa to visit Hungary, please use the VisaHQ tool below.

Hungary Family Visas

If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Hungary, you are probably eligible for residency. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Citizenship by Descent

If one or both of your parents were citizens when you were born, you are probably also a citizen.
If you are a descendant of a person who was a Hungarian citizen before 1920 or between 1941 and 1945, you may be eligible for citizenship. Click here for the Application for verification of citizenship.

Citizenship by Naturalisation

If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Hungary for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
Once you have lived in Hungary for 8 years, you can apply for citizenship. As part of the application you need to pass a language skills test and meet other requirements. If you were born in Hungary or lived in Hungary before the age of 18 the residency requirement is reduced to 5 years.