Why Move to Hungary?
Though Hungary may not be the first country someone thinks when discussing Europe, it holds more promise than it meets the eye. With countless factors playing in its favor, including cuisine, stunning architecture, safety, an attractive tax regime, and a revamped Golden Visa program, Hungary is slowly becoming the next European hidden gem.
Additionally, moving to Hungary promises new investment opportunities. With the country fully integrated into the European Union and the Schengen Zone, and a strong focus on startups and technologies, relocation to Hungary opens the path for a more secure,
Additionally, moving to Hungary promises access to a burgeoning tech scene, vibrant startup culture, and ample opportunities for professional growth. With its strategic location in Central Europe, residents also enjoy easy access to neighboring countries and diverse travel experiences, further enriching their lifestyle.
Fast facts
Despite being landlocked, Hungary has an unusually high number of thermal springs, more than 1300, and approximately 130 of them can be found in Budapest. The Rubik’s Cube, one of the world’s most famous puzzles, was invented by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian inventor and architect. Even if Hungary might not be the first country you may visualize when thinking about wine, the country houses the world’s first official wine region – in Tokaj, Hungary.
- Population: 10 million
- Capital City: Budapest
- Climate: Hungary has a continental climate with hot and dry summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
- Language: Hungarian
- Country Code: +36
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF
- Economy: Tourism, food processing, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, information technology, chemicals, metallurgy, machinery, electrical goods.
- GDP Per/Cap: USD $21,075.62
- Borders: Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Austria, Serbia, Ukraine, and Slovenia.
Lifestyle
Following a more traditional, family-driven, and structured approach, life in Hungary nonetheless provides a European-style experience, with unique, bustling cities offering a diverse range of experiences, and a picturesque countryside suitable for calm and relaxation.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Hungary is extremely reasonable, even in the largest cities, and expats working remotely to wealthier countries will have no issue whatsoever living in Hungary and will be able to lead a comfortable lifestyle.
Safety
Hungary is an extremely safe country, with low crime rates and placing a strong emphasis on public safety. In 2023, it ranked #18 in the 2023 Global Peace Index.
Healthcare
Hungary boasts a universal public healthcare system funded by taxes, which is governed by the National Health Insurance Fund, and accessible by Hungarian citizens and residents.
Education
Hungary has a public universal education system, though it also has private and international school options and renowned universities. These are almost exclusively found in the capital, Budapest, and stand out due to their excellence and affordability.
Language
The country’s official language is Hungarian, though English is also fairly spoken across the country, especially in the larger cities of Budapest and Debrecen. In 2023, Hungary ranked #17 in the English Proficiency Index.
Money and taxes
Despite being an EU country, Hungary has its own currency, the Forint, which is not pegged to the euro. Hungary also boasts an attractive tax regime, with one a flat tax rate of 15% on personal income, and one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe, at 9%.
Popular Destinations
Get to know more on Investment Visa!
Learn about our array of services and the golden visa process in our brochure.
Download Our BrochureDo I Need a Visa to Move to Hungary?
It depends on your country of citizenship. If you hail from a country not within the European Union or the Schengen Zone, you will need a Visa to relocate to Hungary.
Otherwise, if you have an EU passport, you will not need a Visa to visit the country or to move to Hungary.
Moving to Hungary as an EU citizen
As an EU and Schengen Zone member, Hungary welcomes EU nationals to enter, work, and move to its territory. If the intent is to stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days, then they must notify the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing and sign up for a Registration Certificate and Address Card.
Moving to Hungary as a non-EU citizen
Hungary offers a series of Visas targeting the countless, different reasons a person may have to relocate to the country. However, the best and fastest way to both relocate and achieve Residency status is through the Hungary Golden Visa.
Moving to Hungary Through Investment Visa Programs
The newly relaunched Hungary Golden Visa, initially planned to come into effect in September 2024, but anticipated to start in January 2024, is currently the number one program to achieve Residency status in Hungary. With several options, including funds and donations, the stand-out option is the purchase of residential Real Estate at €500,000.
How can I gain Citizenship in Hungary?
Hungary offers no direct path toward Citizenship. However, the Hungary Golden Visa sets the stage to obtain the passport as Residency is the necessary first step to unlock
Citizenship. After obtaining the Hungary Golden Visa, and spending 8 years living in the country, an investor may become a citizen and hold an EU passpor
How to obtain Permanent Residency in Hungary?
Even though the Hungary Golden Visa only grants Temporary Residency, it does so for 10 years. Permanent Residency is unlocked after living 3 continuous years in the country, which is a far more enticing prospect than Citizenship, granting many of the same benefits.
Investing in Hungary Real Estate
Featured properties from trusted partners
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The process is simple and straightforward, and the Golden Visa can be acquired in as soon as 90 days. Once you have acquired the Hungary Golden Visa and your property in the country, you and your family are free to move to Hungary
There is no fixed amount as to what the Hungary Golden Visa might cost, as there are always administrative and government fees, among others. However, to move and acquire residential property in Hungary, an initial investment of €500,000 is required.
Due to Hungary’s compact size, expat communities are mostly found in Hungary’s largest urban centers, including Budapest and Debrecen, though expats can also be found in the other most popular cities, especially in the sunny Szeged.
Yes. You can include your spouse and children under the age of 18 in the Hungary Golden Visa application. More family members, like parents, may also be included at an additional cost and only under certain conditions.
English is often studied and learned in Hungary as a second or third language from an early age. Large cities like Budapest will have a higher English-speaking population, especially with younger generations. Regardless, it is advisable to learn the basics of Hungarian to facilitate integration.
Besides its rich history, vast cultural heritage, and boundless cities and villages to explore and fall in love with, Hungary further presents a compelling case for relocation with many other factors. First, its Golden Visa program establishes a new platform for expats and investors to claim EU Residency with lower investment requirements. With Residency status, it is possible to access the country’s high-quality healthcare services, and its attractive tax system and incentives, further making the country appealing to those seeking to expand their business and find new investment opportunities in the wider EU market. With low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety, investors can rest assured they will be safe in Hungary.
Paul Smith
Investment Advisor
Talk to one of our experts
With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and networks, our team of professionals strives to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes and continuously seek innovative and unique solutions.
Schedule a Meeting
