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An Expat Talks about Retiring in Budapest, Hungary

Submitted by budapest

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Budapest

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

I Always want to live in Europe and since I was visiting Budapest since I was a teenager my heart was always left behind in Hungary. My mother left during the 1956 Revolution, immigrated to Toronto Canada, Once I was 13 we would visit Budapest and my grandmother every couple of years . I was just not happy anymore in Toronto, I saw how the city was becoming more dangerous. In 2015 when my daughter who at the time was 15 visited Budapest, I had a surge of energy and intuition that this was the time to move to Budapest. The city portrayed entrepreneurial opportunities which exited me. Budapest was alive full of excitement but most importantly safe for my teenage daughter. It was finally time to make a change in my life in August of 2016.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

I live in Budapest permanently but partially retired.

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

I choose Hungary due to my parents. They are Hungarian/ Canadian citizens, therefore it was no problem for me to apply for my Hungarian /EU citizenship for my daughter and I and a residency for my husband. Also I speak Hungarian and Hungary is well situated in central Europe for travel.. Six and a half hours drive to the sea side in Croatia and to Lido di Jesolo by Venice, Italy. Two hours to Vienna.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

Yes, I lived in London, England for a year and travelled Asia for one year.

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

We are now living in Budapest since August 2016.

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

None

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Nothing to mention which is very serious. Patience was required In Toronto at the Hungarian consulate when I was submitting my citizenship application. From the time I made the application in Toronto to the time I received the paperwork in Budapest it was a year. Mainly due to some inefficiencies in Toronto. Yes you have to have patience with the immigration office because you may have paper work, missing then have to return. Of course I did everything myself but there are great immigration lawyers in Budapest who can manage the process for you.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

Just slowing down, enjoying very simply a café for a coffee and cake, walking everywhere, admiring the architecture, the arts and entertainment, so many cultural activities and of course the easy travel. We sold our car in Toronto and decided not to buy one here, so we found a great rental car company whenever we want to travel outside of Budapest.

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

Nothing. My husband and I took very small steps towards our goal of making the change and moving. It took a year from the time we started the planning and selling of our assets until the time we landed in Budapest.

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Yes there is an active expat community in Hungary. The foreigners living in Hungary is growing by the year because some people are here for work but then stay much longer until they retire because they like the living circumstances in Hungary.In re

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

In regards to residency of course it helps if you have Hungarian ancestry for citizenship, but I suggest an immigration lawyer or agency to manage a retirement residency.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

Yes my husband and I very quickly purchased a unrenovated apartment. I am a real estate consultant, so I believe in renovation adding value . I did not want to pay for someone else's poor renovation. The process is not difficult. You may contact me for help.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

Yes financially the cost of living is less then half of my costs in Toronto. It also depends on where you live in Hungary. I live in the heart of Budapest prices are higher but in outlying towns around Budapest with easy access by train to Budapest prices are half of that in Budapest.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

I believe investing in an apartment or house is the most important. Once you purchase the property no one can kick you out, upkeep is very cheap and you can always rent it out if you decide to return for a few months or year to the country you came from.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

Well that depends on your life style. Approximately on the average 1,500 euros - 2,000 euros per month on the high end including lots of travel. This monthly living expense is after a property purchase.

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes there is many choices . Private clinics, pay as you go. No Hungarian health care necessary or the public system health card required.

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Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

No crime like in North America.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

Public transportation is excellent in the cities in Hungary. Yes a car is best to purchase in Hungary or rent one. Not advisable to have a car shipped from your country.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes excellent high speed internet, mobile and TV service. Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime etc. all available. Unlimited talk throughout Europe with Vodafone.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

The consulate in your country is a great place to start with information about what paper work is necessary to remain in the country of your choice. It is important to be prepared and informed. If anyone needs real estate property advise please message me , I am happy to provide the help to make it easy to make a property purchase in Budapest.

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Fun, easy and effective language courses designed by language experts. Learn 41 languages from your native language. Anytime, anywhere, on any device.
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Fun, easy and effective language courses designed by language experts. Learn 41 languages from your native language. Anytime, anywhere, on any device.
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