Moving to Hungary: a how-to guide for expats

Updated: 24 November 2025

More and more people are moving to Hungary (especially to Budapest) from all over the world. Some arrive here for work, some to challenge themselves, some for the culture, and others for the living expenses. However, settling here is far from easy, so we collected the most important things you need to look out for when moving to Hungary.

Over the past few years, Budapest, in particular, has also become a hotspot for digital nomads, international students, and remote workers, which makes integration easier — but also pushes up prices in popular districts.

Four walls and a roof over your head: finding a flat

Most people will opt for the capital city, Budapest, when moving to Hungary because it offers the most work and leisure options. It is advised to find a place in central Budapest, as there are more foreigners there than elsewhere, so you will be less likely to get lost due to the language barrier (if you do not speak Hungarian).

Districts V, VI, VII, VIII and IX are usually the most popular among newcomers, while Buda offers a slightly quieter, more residential atmosphere.

If you have some friends or anyone that you can turn to, ask them first for help in finding a flat, or check out the offers of Duna House (available in English) to get an overall view of the price-location-size ratio (the number of rooms includes living rooms as well, not just bedrooms). You can even take your quest to Facebook, where you will find groups dedicated to flat-hunting.

In addition to agencies, expats often rely on Facebook groups, local classifieds pages and international housing platforms to find short- and long-term rentals.

Be sure to exercise caution if the price of an apartment is listed in euros, as these owners are targeting foreigners and usually rent their properties at prices well above their actual value.

Do not ever forget to ask for a tenancy contract.

If the owner refuses to sign such a contract, move on; it is not worth the problems that might arise later, plus a tenancy contract is needed if you wish to register as a Hungarian resident.

Here to earn money: finding a job

You need not worry if you do not speak Hungarian; you can get a job that is not just ‘temporary’ until you find a ‘permanent’ workplace. There are several large companies that employ English speakers, along with numerous websites that help you find the most suitable one for you. Hungary’s number one and most popular work portal is Profession.hu, though this does not have an English version.

Shared service centres, tech companies, tourism, and education (for example, teaching English) are typical entry points for expats. If you speak German or another major European language in addition to English, your chances improve significantly.

If you cannot find work with the help of agencies or websites, you can still turn to Facebook and LinkedIn.

Many expats also find jobs through networking at international events, co-working spaces and professional meetups in Budapest.

Where to put your money: piggy bank or bank account?

If you wish to get a job here and not just stay for an over-the-top long vacation, setting up a bank account is a must. If you do not have your ‘lakcímkártya’, which is essentially a card containing your address, received once you registered as a resident of Hungary, then you can turn to OTP, Raiffeisen and other banks, for instance.

Requirements can differ from bank to bank, so it is worth checking in advance what documents are needed (passport, residence card, address card, work contract, etc.) before you book an appointment.

However, banking is not free in Hungary, as there are fees, charges and commissions when you transfer or withdraw money. There are numerous account types, with different costs.

Some expats also choose to keep a multi-currency or online fintech account in parallel to reduce international transfer fees and to make it easier to move money between Hungary and their home country.

Be a legal alien

If you are from a Schengen member country, you can stay in Hungary for 90 days without legal consequences. After that, you will need to register, which takes hours. If you are lucky enough to be working for a multinational company, then your employer will help you along the way to speed up the process.

When you set out for the registration office, check your pockets: you need your passport or ID, an address card or tenancy contract, bank statements proving you can provide for yourself, 3-4 passport photos, and a fee stamp. You can get the stamp at the post office, though we recommend you turn to one in the city centre to make sure you find an English-speaking assistant.

This is the most onerous, most extended and knottiest task when you arrive in Hungary, be advised.

Rules and required documents can change, so always double-check the official immigration website or consult your employer’s HR department or a relocation agency before you go.

Calling your mum or going to the doctor?

Healthcare services are, without a doubt, the hardest part of living in Hungary if you do not speak Hungarian. Most family doctors and other medical employees do not speak English, and even if they do, they cannot help you unless you have attained a TAJ card, the Hungarian equivalent of an insurance card. You can get this only if you are a full-term student (not an exchange student staying for only one semester!) or are already working for a Hungarian-based company. If all else fails, you can opt for private clinics and services such as FirstMed, Mediclinic or Swiss Clinic.

Private clinics are usually more expensive, but they often provide English-speaking staff, online booking and shorter waiting times, which many expats find worth the extra cost.

Before setting out for Hungary, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card in case your TAJ card is delayed and an emergency arises.

Non-EU citizens should check what kind of travel or private health insurance is required for their visa or residence permit, and keep all documentation handy in case of emergencies.

Here for the fun (too)

It is always fun to meet new people and to explore new places where you can have fun. If you prefer the old-fashioned way of meeting people while out for a drink, you can head to the ruin pubs, one of the main reasons why tourists come to Budapest. You can discover events on Facebook, join groups and meet people online who are interested in the same things as you are. International Meeting Point is a helpful Facebook group where you can meet other expats. You can check out InterNations (areas of interest divide groups) if you are not on Facebook.

Beyond nightlife, Budapest offers thermal baths, hiking trails in the Buda hills, a growing foodie scene and countless cultural festivals throughout the year, so it is worth exploring different neighbourhoods and events before deciding where you feel most at home.

Communication: Where to get a SIM card?

It really does not matter which company you turn to (Telekom, Yettel, One), but it might be smart to find a store in a mall or near Deák square, where there are English-speaking employees.

Document-wise, you will need either your ID, passport or driver’s license and your tenancy contract (or a registration card if you have already attained it) to prove that you have a Hungarian address.

Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy if you want to get started quickly, and you can later switch to a monthly plan once you have a residence address and a better idea of your data needs.

Final thoughts: making Hungary your new home

Moving to Hungary can feel overwhelming at first – between paperwork, flat-hunting, bank accounts and figuring out how to see a doctor, there’s a lot to take in. But once the basics are in place, most expats find that Hungary – and Budapest in particular – offers a rewarding mix of culture, affordability and quality of life.

Take your time to explore different neighbourhoods, ask questions, and use expat communities both online and offline – they can save you time, money and stress. With a bit of preparation and patience, you will not only survive the practical side of relocating, but also start to enjoy the cafés, baths, festivals and everyday rhythms that make life in Hungary unique. Moving here may be a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to build a new chapter in one of Central Europe’s most exciting cities.

You can use our platform to find the best Service in English in Hungary

FAQ – Moving to Hungary

Source: theculturetrip.com