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Expat Exchange > Hungary

Hungary

 
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: Yes (máv-start, very safe)
Bus Service: Yes (Volánbusz, relatively safe)

Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Its capital and largest city is Budapest, which is often lauded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, known for its impressive architecture and rich history. The Danube River, one of Europe's longest rivers, bisects the country and Budapest itself, contributing to the city's picturesque scenery. Hungary has a diverse landscape that includes the Great Hungarian Plain in the east, rolling hills, and the start of the Carpathian Mountains in the north. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various empires and peoples that have ruled or lived in the region, including the Romans, Magyars, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. Hungarian cuisine is famous for its hearty flavors and is best exemplified by dishes such as goulash and paprikash, with paprika being a signature spice. Hungary is also known for its thermal baths and has more thermal water springs than any other nation. The country's history is marked by significant events such as the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and its transition from a communist state to a democratic republic in 1989. Today, Hungary is a member of the European Union and NATO, and it has a growing economy with industries ranging from agriculture to technology and manufacturing. Despite its relatively small size, Hungary has made significant contributions to various fields, including science, music, and literature, and it remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its unique culture, history, and natural beauty.

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Living in Hungary

Movies Set: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Red Sparrow
Popular Foods: Traditional Hungarian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. Goulash, a spicy meat stew with vegetables and paprika, is one of the most famous Hungarian dishes. Another popular dish is chicken paprikash, chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with dumplings. For dessert, Hungarians enjoy pastries like strudel and the sweet cheese-filled pancake known as palacsinta.
Unusual Eats: Töltött káposzta, or stuffed cabbage, might be strange to some visitors as it combines pickled cabbage leaves with a filling of minced pork meat and rice, often seasoned with paprika and cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Another unusual dish is pacal, which is a stew made from cow's stomach (tripe) and is considered a delicacy by some Hungarians.
Popular Sports: football, water polo, handball, basketball
Popular Teams: Ferencvárosi TC (football), Szeged Handball Team, Alba Fehérvár (basketball)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in Hungary, it is customary to shake hands, and not doing so can be seen as rude. It's also important to avoid talking loudly in public places, as this can be considered impolite. When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a gift, such as flowers, wine, or chocolates, but avoid giving an even number of flowers as it is associated with funerals.

Best Places to Live in Hungary

Discover the top-ranked towns in Hungary. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Budapest
2
Balaton Lake Region
3
Balatonfured
4
Debrecen
5
Eger
6
Gyor
7
Kecskemet
8
Szeged
9
Tarnazsadany
10
Veszprem
11
Esztergom
12
Pecs
13
SOPRON
14
Szekesfehervar
15
Tihany
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: National "D" Visa for Residence Permit
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Hungary does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads may use the National "D" Visa for Residence Permit which allows them to live in Hungary for the duration of the residence permit, typically one year, and can be renewed.

Obtaining a residency in Hungary involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats looking to reside in Hungary typically apply for the National "D" Visa, which is a long-term visa that allows entry into Hungary for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit. The first step is to determine the appropriate type of residence permit based on the purpose of stay, such as employment, family reunification, study, or business activities. Applicants must submit their visa application at a Hungarian consulate or embassy in their home country. The required documents usually include a valid passport, proof of accommodation in Hungary, a round-trip flight reservation, proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself, and a comprehensive health insurance policy. For certain types of permits, additional documents such as a letter of invitation from a Hungarian employer or an acceptance letter from an educational institution may be required. Once the National "D" Visa is granted, it allows the holder to enter Hungary and stay while they apply for the actual residence permit. The application for the residence permit must be submitted within 30 days of arrival in Hungary at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. The processing time for the residence permit can vary, but it generally takes about 1-2 months. If approved, the residence permit is typically issued for one year and can be renewed. It is important to note that the process may require an in-person interview and additional documentation, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant. Overall, while the process involves several bureaucratic steps, it is relatively straightforward for those who prepare adequately and meet all the requirements. Expats are advised to start the application process well in advance of their intended move date to allow sufficient time for processing and potential complications.

Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary's healthcare system is a universal model funded by the National health insurance Fund (Országos Egészségbiztosítási Pénztár, OEP). All Hungarian citizens and residents, including expatriates who are registered and contribute to the social security system, have access to healthcare services. The system provides a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. Public healthcare facilities are widespread, but they may suffer from underfunding and long waiting times. Private healthcare is also available and offers faster and more comfortable services, albeit at a higher cost. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have a residence permit and are registered with the OEP. They must also contribute to the social security system to be eligible for full healthcare services. Private insurance is often recommended for those seeking immediate and high-standard care.

"Has anyone shipped a car or SUV from the states? The information I'm getting is that it will cost anywhere from 1.5 - 2 mil (HUF) just to register the vehicle in Hungary. It just doesn't make sense to me that it would cost $7500 - 10k USD to have a car in the country you plan on living in. That doesn't even include the $2500 - 3500 shipping cost. My wife is even a Hungarian citizen if that matters. I'm glad we didn't do it without researching or we might have been forced to pay or send the car back if this information is true. Anyone run into this problem? Or have any advice? Thank you in advance." - westcoa

Connect with Others on the Hungary Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Hungary is generally considered moderate when compared to other European countries. Essentials such as food, public transportation, and housing are reasonably priced, making it an affordable destination for expatriates and tourists alike.

Weather

Hungary experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are generally mild, but conditions can be unpredictable. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional heavy showers in the warmer months.

Educational System in Hungary

The educational system in Hungary is comprehensive and follows the Bologna Process, which standardizes education across Europe. Education is mandatory from the age of 6 to 16. The system is divided into four main stages: kindergarten (ages 3-6), primary school (grades 1-8), secondary school (grades 9-12), and higher education. Primary education typically starts at age 6 and lasts for 8 years, where students receive a broad education. Secondary education is either general or vocational, with general high schools preparing students for higher education and vocational schools focusing on practical skills for various trades. After completing grade 12, students take a matriculation exam (Matura), which is necessary for university entrance. The Hungarian education system is known for its strong emphasis on the sciences and mathematics, and it has produced several notable Nobel laureates and innovators throughout history. Schools in Hungary also offer language education, with English and German being the most popular choices. For families moving to Hungary, there are also international schools that offer education in English and follow international curricula.

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Guides to Cities in Hungary
Balaton Lake Region Balatonfured Budapest Debrecen Eger Esztergom Gyor Kecskemet Pecs SOPRON Szeged Szekesfehervar Szentendre Tarnazsadany Tihany Veszprem Visegrad
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