Hungary ranks low in expat friendliness: how can it become more welcoming?
In recent years, Hungary has increasingly found itself in the spotlight when it comes to welcoming foreigners and helping them integrate. According to the 2024 Expat Insider survey by InterNations, Hungary ranks 44th in the ‘Ease of Settling In’ index, which measures how easily expatriates feel at home in a given country. This position is not surprising, as nine European countries are among the bottom ten on the list, including Hungary.
Expats report difficulties in Hungary
The survey assesses three main categories: ease of making friends, adapting to local culture, and the overall sense of being welcomed. In Hungary, expatriates often report difficulties in forming friendships with locals and adjusting to the culture. This trend is not unique to Hungary—similar experiences have been noted in other European countries, such as Germany, Norway, and Finland, according to InterNations.
In contrast, Central and South American countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil, perform exceptionally well in this area. Expats in these nations find it relatively easy to integrate, with locals generally being warm and welcoming. Costa Rica, for example, ranks first on the index, with 90% of expatriates considering locals friendly and 83% feeling at home.
Locals in Hungary are reserved, hard to make deep connections with
While some countries ranked even lower than Hungary, expats still face significant challenges living there. Many report that locals tend to be reserved, making it difficult to form deeper connections and that the Hungarian language presents a formidable barrier. Nevertheless, Budapest’s expatriate community continues to grow, with many foreigners finding social circles within international groups. The city’s vibrant nightlife, rich cultural scene, and relatively affordable cost of living attract many expats. However, fostering friendships remains a major challenge for those planning to settle in Hungary long-term.
How can Hungary become more welcoming?
Improving Hungary’s ranking on this index will require efforts to create a more inclusive environment and make integration easier for expats. Several measures could be introduced, including language courses, cultural programs, and community events designed to foster social connections. Language barriers often prevent foreigners from fully immersing themselves in Hungarian society, making the expansion of language education and support systems crucial.
While Hungary currently does not rank among the top destinations for expatriate friendliness, there is room for improvement.
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Part of this is the government poisoning the Hungarian minds. Even if a foreigner come as a tourist here, the customer service is just horrible. Wondering what Hungarians would feel if they travel abroad and they got this kind of rejection? This is beyond languages and cultural barriers, this is the kind of values you receive at home since you are child. But hey, good news, every year there are less a less Hungarians so just a matter of time and this issue will be solved 😀
Jose, don’t be such a giant loser.
How on earth can our government be the cause of this when the same, or worse, is in evidence in countries governed by one of your globalist-socialist-fascist masters?!?
As property prices continue their meteoric rise and strip away one of the key motivating factors for foreigners to relocate to Hungary, the welcome (or otherwise) afforded to new foreign residents will fade into insignificance. I can see many liquidating their existing property to crystallise their gains, or moving away but letting it out for a high monthly price, helping to fund a lifestyle in an all-round more appealing location. The unfortunate fact is that life in Hungary has become much more expensive in recent years, the state of the country more dilapidated and the climate significantly more febrile. I wasn’t the first to leave and I won’t be the last.
Australians.
Passport Holders – born in Australia.
Australia – a DEMOCRACY.
(7) seven years we have lived in Budapest, 1052.
We have lived in Hungary under the status of being Residence Permit Holders.
Residence Permit Holders Cards – are issued for (2) two year period in time then are in NEED of a re-application process.
They give holders of Residence Permit Cards – no Right to vote in National Elections.
Residence Permit Cards – give you NO “freebies” – from the Orban led Fidesz Government.
We do not speak nor right Hungarian.
We are “Matured” in age.
We are Self-Funded retiree’s.
We have our own personal Private Health Cards.
We are advised by our Hungarian Lawyer, a Specialist in Immigration & Migration Hungarian Law, that come the 30th June 2025, the expiry date of our current Residence Permit Cards, that in the process of re-application – we will be REFUSED to stay and live in Hungary.
The Orban led Fidesz Government – by use of “Rule by Decree” have changed the applicable LAW that covers Residence Permits and that we would be JUDGED – not meeting of the NEW criteria’s – that would get us approved and able to remain and live in Hungary.
This decision – these rejections have commenced not just on Australians, but Americans and Canadians and New Zealanders.
DEMOCRACY – we ALL are being TARGETED.
We are CRESTFALLEN.
Well, if after six years living here they didn’t deny my visa and eliminate my temporary residence permit type, I would stay. I was integrated. I had 12 letters of support with offers of more. And now, they’re making me leave the community I became part of.
Were you supplied with a reason? There appears to be a theme here. I find it bizarre that westerners from non-EU countries are having their residency permit renewals being refused. They’re generally either gainfully employed or self-financing retirees and have a positive effect on the local economy. Frankly, they also tend to be wealthier than the average Hungarian and like to lead energetic social lives, leading to an outsize benefit for the hospitality trade. The presence of ‘expats’ renders Budapest a more cosmopolitan and interesting place. You’d think they’re the sort of immigrants that Hungary wants.
I have to say that I’ve experienced the exact opposite of what the articles claims. My neighbours in my building are very friendly and helpful. We always exchange greetings and acknowledgements. When I’m in city centre I usually experience a friendliness from the locals. I myself am not particularly social and like to do things on my own but w very few exceptions always feel welcomed. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that I’m told I look Hungarian. Numerous times I’ve been asked something in Magyar and I’ve replied that I only speak a little, only to have the person say to me, “oh, I thought you were Hungarian!”
In fact I’ve felt more at home here than I have back in California which is my home state. I also have no problem with the culture and am very attracted to it. I chose Hungary for several reasons, one of which is it’s closeness to the Holy holidays and the attitude towards heritage. When asked by friends & family in America, what is it like living there? My response is that it reminds me of America 30 & 40 years ago.
It’s a shame that the Hungarian government has turned it’s back on people like me, forcing me to have to seek a life elsewhere. It will be a challenge to find another situation in Europe that is equal to that of Hungary.
What are “closeness to the Holy holidays”??
You may try next Nordic countries. Plenty of religious nut cases there too and freedom of speech unlike in Hungary. You can freely preach about Holy holidays but don’t expect anyone to listen..
There ain’t nowhere in Europe equal to Hungary, unfortunately.
@Ostanus: So, there’s no freedom of speech in Hungary? You weren’t allowed to say what you just said? LOL!
Have you also been informed your residency visa won’t be renewed?
Same.
Customer service is generally atrocious, but my neighbors are courteous and helpful. Of course, I made an effort to learn a few words of Hungarian beyond “bocsanat, nem beszelek magyarul.” Go figure!
Steiner Michael.
Your longevity using this platform as a commentator, you have, the “humble” person you are, but NOT, you have revealed that your Wife is Hungarian ?
We know, again from your contributions as a commentator, you are a Fully Paid Up Member of the Fidesz Political Party, who in fact, is a regular attendee at Political Fidesz Party meetings.
Want the date(s) and article’s – of these ADMISSIONS.
Growing is our DOSSIER on you.
As people from the East, we prefer the peaceful life in Budapest, the good security and the peaceful character of Hungarians, which is the key.
Being too enthusiastic is superficial. We Orientals prefer a pragmatic and introverted personality.
I am seeing more comments online about non EU residents Residence renewal Permits being refused. I am in that same category. If this human rights violation is not reversed I will happily take my retirement money elsewhere where it will be appreciated. I invested a significant amount of money and time here working on restoring one of their derelict properties that no one cared about preserving. There is a saying that fits our collective situation who are being refused renewal. “No good deed is ever left unpunished” pretty much explains how I feel right now.