Foreigners are taking over in these two districts in Budapest

The number of foreign citizens has seen a significant surge in recent years. According to data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, two districts stand out with notably high numbers of foreign residents. The majority of these individuals hail from countries outside the European Union.

Foreign residents in Budapest

Telex reported that during the 2022 census, all residents in Hungary completed a survey, unveiling valuable insights into Budapest’s demographic makeup. The survey included both foreigners who have resided in Hungary for over three months and individuals who live abroad but maintain a Hungarian address.

As per the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, the Hungarian capital is now home to 98,319 foreign citizens, constituting approximately 5.8% of the city’s population. While one might assume that most of these individuals originate from the EU, given the ease of movement within the European Union, the reality differs significantly. Only around 30% of these foreign residents come from EU countries, with the remaining 70% originating from non-EU nations. Additionally, a recent survey indicated that three-quarters of Hungarians support the Christian culture.

Demographic breakdown of the foreign population

It would be interesting to examine the composition of the foreign population, but the latest data remains unavailable. In 2011, 3.27% (56,632 people) of Budapest‘s population hailed from other countries. During that period, a substantial proportion of these residents came from neighbouring nations like Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia and Serbia. There were also considerable numbers from Germany and Russia, with 15,741 people arriving from various Asian countries, predominantly China and Vietnam. An additional 2,595 arrived from the States, while 1,393 came from Africa.

Most preferred districts in Budapest

The prevalence of foreign residents diminishes notably in other regions of the country, with every second foreigner in Hungary residing in the capital, while the remainder is distributed throughout the countryside. The most favoured location within Budapest is Terézváros (District VI.), where approximately 24.8% of the population originates from foreign countries. This area has experienced a substantial upward trend in its foreign population. In 2001, this percentage stood at a mere 3.1%, but by 2011, it had risen to 8.4%. Should this trend continue, there may eventually be more foreign residents than Hungarian citizens in Terézváros. The district’s mayor underscores the importance of English-language communication to keep residents informed about critical news.

District V. claims the second spot in terms of Budapest neighbourhoods with the highest concentration of foreign residents. The percentage of foreigners in this district was 3.6% in 2001, and it increased to 7.9% over the following decade. Presently, it stands at 23.5%, reflecting a remarkable growth. Conversely, the District XXI. (Csepel) does not attract a substantial number of foreign citizens, with their proportion growing only from 1.2% to 1.7% over the past two decades. As previously reported, the Mayor of Budapest emphasised that “Cities should dismantle barriers and construct bridges to preserve their values.”

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8 Comments

Norbert says:

18/10/2023 at 08:53

Multilingual support and communication would be much appreciated. Saves me lots of translating, explaining and putting in calls on other, non-Hungarian speaking people’s behalf. And in line with what most if not all other EU countries are doing – and even the Swiss (who do everything in 3 languages already).
MASSIVE Improvement NEEDED: says:

18/10/2023 at 12:22

Concur – Norbert.
Example – dealing face to face with the Hungarian Immigration Department, or spending (12) twelve days in an “inner city” Hospital – the level, in my case English only ability to COMMUNICATE appalling – 3rd World country standard.
Recently released statistics of “competent” standards of English by Hungarians published remain CONCERNING.
Hungary’s population from 2001 to 2023 has FALLEN and Aged.
Hungary goes on, that annually there are more Deaths of Hungarians, than new “little one’s” being born.
This GROWS in being ANOTHER headache for the FUTURE of Hungary.

2001 less than 10% of the population – had “some” understanding of English.
2011 – 16% had “some” understanding of English.

It is CLAIMED in present time which I question/dispute – that a quarter of the Hungarian population, ranging in standards, ability understand English.

Education creates Windows of Opportunities.
We know the on-going SHAMBLES that remains in Education in Hungary.

I Rest my Case.
Sylvia M Dallos says:

18/10/2023 at 15:08

If you don’t like Ike it, go home. Try to assimilate if you are a guest of the country, of if you stay, learn the local language. Simple.
Norbert says:

18/10/2023 at 17:04

It is not that Hungarians do not speak or understand English. Many do. However, because of the (repressive) way our education system works, Hungarians tend to be ashamed, that people will deem it “not good enough”.

You will be surprised what people are actually capable of when you encourage them a bit. If someone says “I don’t speak English” just apologize (“bocsi”), say your Hungarian is worse, and let’s please try, and promise to speak slow. It is generally not the vocabulary or lack of grammar skills – it is the fear of hearing themselves speak and being put down (as their teachers always did).

You may be surprised!
janos says:

18/10/2023 at 22:39

Opportunity yes! And while we are at it… opportunity to leave. almost 1 in 10 Hungarians have left since 2010 .Opportunity is outside the fences.
Freedomofspeech says:

19/10/2023 at 11:31

Dear MASSIVE Improvement NEEDED: I recognize you by your frequent use of CAPITALS. All your comments are so negative, one would think you a true pessimistic Magyar. 😎 Instead of griping, perhaps you should LEARN the ‘lingua franca’ of where you live!
William says:

29/10/2023 at 00:32

Sylvia has the right of it in my opinion, I am learning Hungarian in hopes to move over there, learn how to fit in with Hungarian culture and values and not expect others to accommodate and adapt around me. I have been to Hungary and tried to use what little of the language I know to get by. and I have to say it is ridiculous to see some people complaining about the lack of English language in a country that does not have English as it’s first language. If you want move to and to integrate into the Hungarian way of life then by all means do so, if Hungary isn’t English enough for your tastes I would kindly recommend finding some other country that will cater to your high demands.
Csaba Farkas says:

04/11/2023 at 19:09

Chinese will continue to take over Hungary. They’re the “wealthy refugees” Mr. Orban is ignoring. But he should be concerned with the rising population of Chinese. They have money and this gives them power. Look around Budapest. The Chinese come to make money from Hungarians. The Chinese refuse to learn the Hungarian language. The Chinese refuse to learn the Hungarian history or culture.
They refuse to learn English. They create their own Chinese ghettos in Budapest and other areas of Hungary. The Chinese don’t pay taxes. They conduct business with other Chinese in cash only. They buy the properties. They buy the businesses. This gives them power.
The Chinese are more more dangerous than any refugee group because they have money – and money gives them power Mr. Orban!