Moving to Hungary will require three things: A legal reason to stay, valid health insurance, and a registered local address. Your legal basis could be a work permit, the Digital Nomad White Card, a study visa, or an investment-based Golden Visa, depending on your situation.
EU and EEA citizens can enter freely and only need to register their address if they stay for more than 90 days. Non-EU citizens must take an extra step by securing a long-term residence permit before arriving, usually through Hungary’s official immigration system, such as the Enter Hungary portal.
From our experience at Global Citizen Solutions, clients often prefer a one-stop resource for the early stages of their relocation research, and that’s exactly what this guide provides. We’ll walk you through the different visa options, compare the cost of living, share a practical moving checklist, explain how to relocate with pets, and much more.
Moving to Hungary: Key Takeaways
Who needs a visa to move to Hungary?
All non-EEA and non-EU citizens (third-country nationals) need a visa and a Hungarian residence permit to move to Hungary. EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa, but they do need to register their address with local authorities if they stay longer than 90 days.
If you’re moving to Hungary to study or work, you’ll need a study or work visa approved before you enter the country. This is not something that can be arranged after arrival.
Visa Options for Moving to Hungary
These are the visa options for anyone looking to move to Hungary long term or short term.
Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa, also known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), gives non EU and non EEA citizens the opportunity to gain Hungarian residency through investment. It also provides access to the Schengen Area for 90 days in a 180-day period and a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, Hungarian citizenship.
Applicants can choose between investing at least €250,000 in a state approved real estate fund or making a €1,000,000 donation to a Hungarian higher education institution. The process can be much easier when working with a Hungary Golden Visa lawyer from a reputable agency like Global Citizen Solutions
Hungary citizenship by descent
This is not a visa, but it can be an option for those with Hungarian descent. Hungarian citizenship by descent has no fixed generational cutoff. A parent, grandparent, great grandparent, or even an earlier ancestor who held Hungarian citizenship can all qualify you, as long as you can document an unbroken family line back to them. A Hungarian parent or grandparent is usually the easiest case because there are fewer certificates to track down. Going back to a great grandparent or an earlier ancestor means you need to provide every link in the family line, which requires more documentation and time.
Moving to Hungary as a digital nomad
Hungary’s White Card, also referred to as the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, lets non-EEA and non-EU citizens live in Hungary while working remotely for employers or clients outside the country, provided they earn at least €3,000 per month net. The visa is issued for a year and can be extended once, which makes it a low-commitment way to experience living in Hungary before deciding on something more permanent.
Moving to Hungary to study
Hungary has a stable higher-education system with a number of well-regarded universities. A study visa is the standard route for anyone planning to study in Hungary, and it needs to be secured before arrival.
Moving to Hungary to work
A work residence permit is available to foreign nationals with a job lined up in Hungary. You’ll need proof of future employment, a signed contract, a registered Hungarian address, travel insurance, and proof that your income is enough to support yourself.
Why are people moving to Hungary?
- Cost of living. According to Numbeo, Hungary’s cost of living runs roughly 25–40% lower than in Germany and about 40% lower than in the US, and rent in Budapest is 50–60% cheaper than in Berlin or Paris. That gap covers groceries, utilities, and healthcare too, which is a big part of why the country appeals to retirees, remote workers, and expats.
- Strategic location. Hungary borders seven countries, including Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, and Budapest is a day-trip or short flight to most of Central Europe: Vienna and Bratislava are roughly 2–2.5 hours by car or train, Zagreb about 3.5 hours, and Belgrade around 4 hours. Add cheap regional flights, and Budapest works well as a base for both business travel and weekend trips across the EU.
- Rich history and culture. From Budapest’s UNESCO-listed riverside architecture to its historic thermal baths and a culinary tradition dating back centuries, there’s a lot to explore beyond the practical logistics of relocating.
- Quality of life and safety. Hungary scores 68.8 on the Global Citizen Solutions Quality of Life Index, and Budapest scores 76.94 on Numbeo’s Safety Index, placing it among Europe’s safest major cities.
- Growing expat community. Hungary’s Central Statistical Office recorded 255,443 foreign residents as of January 2025, which is about 2.7% of the population and the highest figure since 1995.
- Education opportunities. Five Hungarian universities rank in the QS World University Rankings’ global top 1,000, and a range of internationally accredited schools such as such as the American International School of Budapest (AISB), The British International School Budapest (BISB), and Britannica International School.
Steps on Moving to Hungary: Practical Decision Checklist
Before you commit to a move, work through this list:
- Confirm your immigration route. EU and EEA citizens can move to Hungary freely and only need to register after 90 days. Non EU citizens must apply under the correct category, such as employment, study, the White Card, the Golden Visa, or family reunification, as each has different visa and residence permit requirements.
- Apply for a Type D long stay visa before you travel. Most non EU nationals must apply through a Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their home country or country of legal residence. You’ll usually need your passport, documents supporting the purpose of your stay, proof of accommodation, and medical insurance with at least €30,000 of EU wide coverage. A consular interview may also be required.
- Arrange accommodation before applying. Many residence permits require proof of accommodation, such as a lease agreement or property document, as part of the application.
- Apply for your residence permit after arriving. Your Type D visa is usually issued for a single entry and must be used within a limited period, often 30 days. Once you arrive, submit your residence permit application, usually through the Enter Hungary platform.
- Register your address. Register your address with the local immigration or municipal office to receive your address card (lakcímkártya), which you’ll need for services such as banking, healthcare registration, and obtaining a tax number.
- Get your tax number and TAJ card. After registering your address, apply for your tax number and, if required, your TAJ social security card, which are needed to work legally and access Hungary’s healthcare system.
- Open a Hungarian bank account. Most banks require your address card and tax number before you can open an account.
- Receive your residence permit card. Once your application is approved, your residence permit card is usually mailed to your registered Hungarian address within a few weeks.
- Renew your permit on time. Most residence permits must be renewed before they expire, often at least 30 days in advance. Permanent residency generally requires three continuous years on a qualifying permit, so missing a renewal deadline could interrupt your eligibility.
Moving to Hungary from UK and US
Moving to Hungary from the UK
Since Brexit, the biggest change for UK citizens is their legal status. In Hungary, they are now treated as third country nationals rather than EU citizens, the same category as US or Australian citizens. Here’s what that means in practice:
| Topic | What UK Movers Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Short stays | UK citizens can visit Hungary and the wider Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. This only covers tourism and short business trips and does not allow you to work or study. |
| Staying longer, working, or studying | If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, or study in Hungary, you’ll need a residence and work permit. Applications are made through Hungary’s immigration authority using the Enter Hungary platform, following the same process as other non EU nationals. |
| Already living in Hungary before 31 December 2020 | If you were living in Hungary before 31 December 2020, you may already have, or be able to renew, a National Permanent Residency card under the Withdrawal Agreement. This is a different process from applying as a new arrival. |
| ETIAS (From Late 2026) | From 2027, UK citizens making short visa free visits will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation. It is a simple, low cost online application but adds an extra step before travelling. |
| Healthcare | For most UK citizens, the EHIC has been replaced by the GHIC. The GHIC only covers medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay and does not provide full health coverage. Once you become a resident, you’ll usually need to join Hungary’s healthcare system or take out private health insurance. |
| Language and Formality | Business and social interactions in Hungary are generally more formal than in the UK. English is widely spoken in Budapest but is less common in smaller towns and rural areas. |
Moving to Hungary from the US
Moving to Hungary as a US citizen comes with different challenges than moving from the UK, mainly because the US taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live.
| Topic | What US Movers Need to Know |
|---|---|
| US Taxes | You’ll still need to file a US tax return after moving to Hungary. If your foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the year, you’ll also need to file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114). Larger foreign assets may also require FATCA reporting (IRS Form 8938). |
| Social Security | Your Social Security benefits are coordinated, not lost. The US-Hungary Totalization Agreement, in effect since September 2016, allows work credits earned in both countries to count toward benefit eligibility. Most Americans can also continue receiving US Social Security payments while living in Hungary. |
| Opening a Bank Account | Opening a bank account can take longer than expected. Because of FATCA reporting rules, some Hungarian banks are more cautious when opening accounts for US citizens. Some banks specialize in serving foreign nationals, so it’s worth asking in advance rather than assuming every branch can help quickly. |
| Bureaucracy | Administrative processes in Hungary are generally slower than in the US. Whether you’re applying for a residence permit or opening a bank account, expect more paperwork and longer processing times. |
| Pace of Life and Communication | Life in Hungary is generally slower and more formal than in the US. Longer meals and the country’s strong thermal bath culture are part of everyday life, even in larger cities |
Getting a Job in Hungary as an Expat
Non-EU/EEA citizens need a job offer before they arrive, since most work permits are tied to an employer, and Hungarian/EU candidates get hiring priority. That narrows jobs to sectors with real skill shortages, such as IT, engineering,manufacturing, and finance. Audi, Bosch, and Mercedes all have large Hungarian operations as well.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Average pay | ~HUF 725,000–765,000/month gross, about €1,900–2,000 as of 2026. IT and communications pay the highest. Take home is roughly two thirds of gross after tax. |
| Income tax | Flat 15% on income, plus an 18.5% employee social contribution. This is well below typical US/Western European rates, but so are the salaries. |
| EU Blue Card | Fast track for skilled roles: university degree (or equivalent senior experience) + job contract of at least 6 months + gross salary above ~HUF 1,001,000/month (~€2,500), or ~HUF 800,000/month for shortage occupations. Not tied strictly to one employer after 1 year, and offers a faster, streamlined pathway to permanent residence. |
| Tax residency | Triggered at 183+ days/year in Hungary. Worldwide income is then generally taxed at 15%, on top of whatever you still owe at home (see the US/UK notes above). It’s worth consulting a tax advisor before accepting an offer. |
Moving to Hungary with Pets
If one of your family members is a fur baby, then there will be additional steps to your relocation that you need to consider. These are the most important things to know when moving to Hungary with your pet:
- Pets need a microchip for identification.
- A rabies vaccination administered by a registered veterinarian, with a certificate, is required.
- Pets arriving from certain countries may need additional testing to demonstrate immunity, with specific timing requirements relative to vaccination and travel.
- All pets need a valid pet passport before traveling.
The exact list of countries and the precise testing and timing windows are details that get updated regularly. You can rely on the Hungarian government’s official pet-travel guidance for your pet’s country of origin before you book travel. Pets that don’t meet current requirements risk quarantine or being sent back.
Average Cost of Moving to Hungary
These are one-time or setup costs for the move itself, separate from the ongoing cost of living covered above. Since there are so many moving parts to moving, here are the estimated costs of moving to Hungary that we believe everyone should keep in mind.
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type D long stay visa (non EU applicants) | €110 | Official flat fee, paid at the consulate before travel |
| Residence permit application/handling fee | €110 + €25, or HUF 24,000–39,000 if filed in Hungary | Varies by whether you apply abroad or in country; renewal is cheaper (~€60 / HUF 23,000) |
| Schengen short stay visa (if applicable) | €90 (adults) | Reduced to €35 for a few countries with EU facilitation agreements |
| Private health insurance (required for most permits before you qualify for public coverage) | €20–€200/month | Basic local plans run €20–€70/month; international expat plans (Cigna, Allianz, Bupa) run €50–€200/month |
| Document translation, apostille, and notarization | €150–€600 | Depends on how many documents (birth/marriage certificates, degrees, criminal record checks) need certified Hungarian translation |
| Shipping household goods (US/UK to Hungary) | $1,500–$10,000+ | Sea/container freight is cheaper but slower (4–8 weeks); air freight is faster but pricier ($4,000–$14,000 for a full household) |
| International moving company (full service, door to door) | $6,500–$16,500 | Scales with home size; a studio or one bedroom move sits well below this range |
| Security deposit (Budapest rental) | 1–2 months’ rent (~€500–€1,000) | Landlords in Hungary commonly ask for 1–2 months upfront, on top of the first month’s rent |
| First month’s rent + agency fee | ~€500–€1,300 | Agency fees, where charged, are typically equal to one month’s rent |
| Golden Visa investment (if applicable) | €250,000 (real estate fund) or €1,000,000 (education donation) | Separate from the fees above; see the Golden Visa section for details |
| Estimated total, single person move (excluding Golden Visa investment) | €2,000–€6,000 | Covers visa, permit, insurance, translations, a modest shipment, and a rental deposit, not ongoing living costs once you arrive |
The Best Places to Move in Hungary as an Expat
Budapest
Budapest is the perfect fit if you enjoy city life. It’s loved for its café culture, famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, and historic thermal baths such as Széchenyi and Gellért. When they’re not exploring the city, locals spend time in City Park (Városliget) or on Margaret Island, a 2.5 km car free island in the Danube with running tracks, rose gardens, and outdoor swimming pools. Getting around is easy because of the 24/7 public transport network of trams, buses, and the metro.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton, particularly around Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Tihany, offers a much slower pace of life. Residents spend their free time sailing, cycling the 200 km trail around the lake, or visiting the Badacsony wine region. It’s peaceful from October to April, but comes alive during the summer tourist season. If you’re planning to live here year round, you’ll probably need a car to get around outside the peak months.
Debrecen
Debrecen is a great choice for families or anyone looking for a quieter lifestyle. Much of the city revolves around Great Forest Park (Nagyerdő), where you’ll find thermal baths, a zoo, and plenty of walking and running trails. As one of Hungary’s biggest university cities, it’s easy to get around using the two tram lines or the city’s extensive cycling network.
Szeged
Szeged, on the Tisza River, is famous for its sunny weather, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and relaxed riverside lifestyle. Much of the everyday life centers around the pedestrian- only Kárász Utca, with locals enjoying outdoor cafés, kayaking or rowing on the river, and relaxing at the Anna Thermal B
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
