Moving to Hungary: A Handy Guide to Streamline Your Relocation

Are you looking for an affordable option in Europe for your relocation? If so, Hungary might be the best possible option. Referred to as the “heart of Central Europe,” Hungary is delighted with wonderful architecture and stunning landscapes in both urban and rural areas.

If you’re looking for professional guidance, IMovingTo is here to provide you with the appropriate guidance if you desire to deepen your understanding and obtain more confidence in your decision to move to Hungary.

Brief Overview of Hungarian Culture: Things to Expect

• Hungary is one of the oldest nations in Europe — even older than France and Germany.
• August 20 is recognized as Hungary’s national day in remembrance of the day the nation was established.
• In addition to Budapest, Hungary has many historical buildings that are under Unesco protection and a wide variety of thermal spring resorts. 
• The world’s first recognized wine area is found there, even though the nation may not be well-known for its wines.
• The national dish is gulyás, also known as goulash.
• When writing or introducing themselves, the vast majority of Hungarians will use their second name.
• If the name you want for your child isn’t already on the government’s list of pre-approved names, you’ll need to apply to have it authorized.
• Due to the language barrier when moving to Hungary, expats should acquire at least the Hungarian alphabet and some key phrases.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Compared to other European countries, Hungary has comparatively modest living expenses, including those associated with renting, dining out, and other daily expenses. Without the expense of rent, the average monthly cost of living for a single individual in Hungary is about $712, which is 66% cheaper than it would be in the USA.

The most expensive places to live are in urban centers like Budapest and Debrecen, but wherever you decide to settle down, you won’t ever have to worry about being required to spend too much. Although produce is very cheap in Hungary, other items on your shopping list, such as meat and alcohol, may become more expensive.

Here are some typical examples along with their estimated average price tags for Hungary.

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $383.02
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: $293.57
• Basic bills (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for a small apartment: $127.48
• Monthly transport pass: $22.96
• Three-course meal for a couple in a mid-range restaurant: $36.25
• Cinema ticket: $4.83

Hungarian Healthcare System & Insurance

The National Health Insurance Fund, a state-owned organization, manages Hungary’s tax-funded universal health care system. Through the payroll system, employees contribute around 3% of their salary toward their health insurance. People residing in Hungary are employed lawfully, and refugees and students are eligible for public health insurance. Expats are eligible for coverage as long as they contribute the HIF’s required minimum through payroll deductions.

The private healthcare system is also flourishing. It is home to some of the top medical professionals in the nation. Many expats opt to use private healthcare because medical specialists, shorter wait times, and modern facilities are not available under public health insurance.

European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are accepted in Hungary by expats from the EU and EEA. However, free EHIC applications should be submitted by international residents of Europe before arrival.

There is also a reciprocal health agreement between Hungary and the UK. As a result, Hungary offers free healthcare to British nationals.

Moving Your Household Belongings

Since Hungary is a landlocked European country, moving your belongings there might appear challenging. However, you will transport household items and vehicles without difficulty anywhere in Hungary thanks to the comprehensive expertise and extensive experience of international moving companies.

That is precisely the reason you ought to use the assistance provided by reliable international moving companies. Taking into consideration the fact that they frequently offer international moving and packing services as well, make their assistance more desirable.

To be eligible for duty-free shipping of household items and personal effects, you should have a Hungarian residency visa. Additionally, you need to use and possess your belongings for a minimum of 6 months. One day before clearance, customs should receive all required documentation, including shipment documents, in Hungarian.

The price of moving to Hungary varies since the shipment volume and size, origin and destination, container dimensions, and the services you select are all factors that influence the cost.

How to Get Accommodation in Hungary

When compared to some of the other main cities in Europe, Hungary’s rental costs are incredibly inexpensive.

You often need to decide on an apartment quickly if you want to secure your preferred one because the housing market in cities moves very swiftly. The majority of individuals choose to look for a home in Hungary, where they may work with a real estate agent because, unlike in other countries, there is no fee for the agent because they are paid a commission by the apartment’s owner.

In Hungary, the top real estate websites include:

• dh.hu,
• oc.hu,
• flatfy.com,
• ballaingatlan.hu

Most landlords in Hungary only permit you to sign leases that are at least 1 year long. In Hungary, as in most other nations, you should pay a deposit when you sign a lease to reserve your flat. You will receive your deposit back after your lease is over.

Managing Finances & Opening Bank Account

Any foreigner residing in Hungary is qualified to open a Hungarian bank account while staying in the nation.  Passports are required for foreign nationals to open bank accounts in Hungary. A letter from an employer with evidence of income is also helpful but not necessary, and an address card is also occasionally needed. Most accounts often come with access to online banking.

Debit and credit cards are accepted in the majority of chain stores and big supermarkets in Hungary, while ATMs are extensively spread.

As their employer already deducts taxes from their paychecks each month, foreign workers in Hungary whose only source of income is their salary is exempt from filing tax returns.

Expats who stay in Hungary for more than 183 days a year are considered permanent residents and are liable to pay taxes on both their domestic and international income. The income tax rate in Hungary is 15% flat.

Job Market & Career Opportunities in Hungary

With a vibrant employment market that is constantly looking for individuals with bilingual and international expertise, advancing your career in the nation couldn’t be easier. However, in contrast to Western European nations like Germany or the UK, Hungary makes it relatively simple for non-EU citizens to find employment.

The average wage for workers in Hungary, including expats and nationals, is not very high, which is crucial to know if you’re a foreigner looking to move there. Anyone seeking a job in Hungary should search for employment online and make sure they meet all job requirements since Hungary is fully committed to the manufacturing of electronics.

The best websites to search for a job in Hungary include:

• Monster.hu
• online.hu
• job line.hu

According to data from the leading job portals in the market, the key positions that employers are looking to fill are:

• Software Developer
• Project Administrator (primarily IT, building industry, manufacturing, and engineering)
• Sales Representative

Expat Life & Socialization

Hungary, which is located in central Europe, has been gaining favor with foreigners over the past few years, confirming its reputation as an excellent place to live abroad for anyone seeking to unwind in a beautiful location.

Getting around the country is simple and secure because so many people, mostly young natives, and foreigners, are welcoming and friendly. It may take some time and effort to make acquaintances, but if you show an interest in other Hungarians, they will feel comfortable contacting you.

There are venues, groups, events, and websites that, in addition to more conventional tourist activities, can connect you with a wide range of wonderful individuals, both natives and visitors from other countries. While navigating them can be challenging at first, we’re here to help you get started and establish yourself in the social environment.

Best Places to Relocate to Hungary

Budapest

Budapest is a modern city with beautiful architecture, convenient transportation, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of places to spend your free time, including shopping, restaurants, and pubs. The economic center of Hungary, Budapest, is the place where you will succeed, whether you wish to study or start a professional career there.

Debrecen

The second-largest city in Hungary, Debrecen, is one of the most preferred places for expats to live. It’s one of the major cultural centers and has some truly impressive architecture.  Since it is home to some of the best universities in the country, the city is renowned for its youthful energy.

Eger

Known for its old castles and spectacular architecture, Eger is a wonderful place to try out if you prefer a slower pace of life and are possibly hoping to settle down with your family or retire in peace. Moreover, Eger is famous for its superb culinary reputation, as there are excellent restaurants, trendy bars, and high-quality wineries.

Szeged

The third-largest city in Hungary, Szeged is recognized for being incredibly hospitable and energetic due to its vast and youthful population. Because of its beautiful weather, it is sometimes referred to as “the city of sunshine.” Szeged is famous for its impressive cathedral as well as its abundance of historical sites and Art Nouveau architecture.

Pros & Cons of Moving to Hungary

Pros

Delightful cuisine

Hungary’s delicious and diverse cuisine will make it a paradise for gourmets. All the traditional dishes from Hungary are mouthwateringly tasty and will never cease to astonish you.

Additionally, it is well-recognized that Hungarian wines can successfully compete with French or Californian wines. Hungarians are also the greatest at making freshly squeezed lemonade, whether it’s pure or flavored with ginger, etc.

Excellent public transportation

You won’t need a car in Hungary and won’t have to worry about parking because Hungarians only use their cars for commuting outside of the city.

There are several public transportation options available here, like trams, buses, and the metro, and they are well-known for being reliable, secure, and reasonably priced.

Plenty of opportunities to travel

Hungary is quite small, so you can travel to most cities in around 2 hours, making it ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. Hungary’s seven neighbors are Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

All of this implies that you’ll have countless options for vacation trips and outdoor adventures. Wizzair also offers several links from Budapest, allowing you to choose to fly to Italy or Spain for a very affordable price.

Cons

The necessity to learn a language

If you intend to live and work in Hungary, you should have some knowledge of the local language. However, after Chinese and Arabic, the Hungarian language is regarded as one of the most difficult to practice. So, it is a good idea to enroll in an online course or some classes before you move.

Complicated legal system

The complicated legal system in Hungary is a serious drawback to doing business there. Any business operation in Hungary necessarily requires the presence of a lawyer.

All necessary documentation should be drafted and prepared with a lawyer acting as the company’s representative. This event entails the process of opening a bank account in Hungary.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, if you’re looking to relocate somewhere with wonderful architecture and stunning landscapes, Hungary is one of the best options. Therefore, don’t be hesitant to use IMovingTo’s services for international relocation; we’ll ensure that your move goes as quickly and smoothly as possible!