Your life in Hungary starts here
Make your move to Hungary
Budapest's thermal baths and grand riverfront anchor a country with low costs, affordable property and famously light-touch taxation. Investor and remote-work routes lead to permanent residency in time.
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Photo: Clary Garcia / Unsplash
At a glance
Hungary, in brief.
How Hungary compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Hungary ranks among the best for safety (21st of 78) and cost of living (26th of 77) and visa ease (30th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~11°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Established
Guest Investor or nomad White Card, 3yr PR
Flat 15%, US treaty terminated 2024
Life in Hungary
I'm what is known as a Cross-Cultural Kid who - at present - identifies as French-Hungarian-American, which as I keep saying, is just the tip of the iceberg.…
Health insurance in Hungary
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Hungary, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Hungary into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Hungary.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Hungary moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Hungary
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Hungary share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Hungary stories
- Budapest
Carse Ramos
My name is Carse Ramos, and I’m a PhD student in Anthropology and Sociology of Development, focusing on transitional justice and genocide…
- Budapest
Lee Samaha
I'm Lee Samaha, a retired investment manager who now runs his own business. I also write investment articles and am working on…
- Western Hungary
Steve Welsh
Planning and MovingMy name is Steve Welsh. I am English, 64 years old and I am living – permanently I hope –…
Fresh from Hungary
Latest articles.
Hungary’s Leading Hospitals: A Review for Expats Seeking Quality Care
Hungary has been increasingly recognized for its competent healthcare system, with several hospitals offering top-notch medical care and advanced treatments. For expats contemplating a…
How To Open A Bank Account In Hungary
Although Hungary is a member of the European Union, it is currently outside of the eurozone. However, it is expected to adopt the euro…
How To Learn The Language In Hungary
Hungary is a nexus-point in eastern Europe and traditionally has been on multiple trade routes. This historical fluidity is reflected in the lingustic heritage…
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