“Germany needs Orbán too”: Why are so many Germans moving to Hungary?
In recent years, Hungary has become an increasingly popular destination for people from Germany seeking a new home. According to recent reports, the number of Germans and Austrians relocating to Hungary has surged by 40% over the past five years. This trend is driven by a combination of political, economic, and cultural factors, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership playing a significant role in attracting these migrants.
Why do so many Germans love Hungary?
According to a fresh report by 24.hu, one of the key motivations for Germans moving to Hungary is dissatisfaction with their homeland’s political climate. Many of these migrants express frustration with Germany’s handling of immigration and societal changes, citing a desire for stricter border control and policies aligned with national sovereignty. Orbán’s government, known for its hardline stance on immigration and emphasis on traditional values, resonates with this demographic. Some migrants have even remarked that Germany could benefit from a leader like Orbán, reflecting their admiration for his governance style.
Low cost of living in Hungary?
Economics also plays a crucial role. Hungary offers a lower cost of living compared to Germany, making it especially appealing to retirees and middle-class families. Popular regions like Kaposvár and areas around Lake Balaton have seen an influx of German settlers who are drawn by affordable housing, pleasant weather, and a slower pace of life. These areas are now home to thriving German-speaking communities that provide a sense of familiarity for newcomers.
Far-right politics play a key role
The influence of far-right politics cannot be overlooked in this migration trend. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), Germany’s far-right party, has openly praised Orbán’s policies and sees Hungary as a model for its own political agenda. Orbán’s recent meeting with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has further strengthened this ideological connection. While controversial in Germany, such alliances underscore Hungary’s appeal to those disillusioned with mainstream European politics.
Heritage that Germans are drawn to
Culturally, Hungary offers a unique blend of European traditions and modern conveniences that attract those seeking an alternative lifestyle without straying too far from their roots. The Hungarian government has also positioned itself as a defender of European Christian heritage, which resonates with conservative-minded migrants.
While the growing German presence in Hungary brings economic benefits and cultural exchange opportunities, it also raises questions about integration and the long-term impact on Hungarian society. Nonetheless, this migration trend shows how Orbán’s policies and Hungary’s economic advantages have turned the country into an unexpected haven for Germans seeking change.
Check out 24.hu’s video report (in Hungarian, with German-speaking interviewees) HERE.
Read also:
- Hungary ranks low in expat friendliness: how can it become more welcoming?
- Von der Leyen reappears in Orbán Cabinet’s negative poster campaign – Zelensky and Weber also targeted
Featured image: depositphotos.com
I think Hungary gets the Ossis. They miss CCCP. And they will not learn Hungarian.
Why are they moving here?
Gee, I wonder… Hmm…
Maybe because they don’t like getting raped, robbed, run over, stabbed, bombed, spat at, and their streets turned into third-world s…holes by the “New Europeans” their globalist-socialist-fascist government imported by the millions.
Germans moving to Hungary are primarily motivated by economic factors (lower living costs, affordable housing) and political alignment with Hungary’s conservative policies, not fear of immigrant-related crime. Crime data shows Germany and Hungary have comparable safety levels, with no evidence of “third-world chaos.” Hyperbolic claims about violence are unsupported, and Hungary’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is politically driven. Retirees and middle-aged migrants prioritize affordability and lifestyle, while Hungary’s government leverages these relocations to bolster its ideological image. The narrative of Germans fleeing crime is a politicized exaggeration, ignoring broader trends like labor migration (more Hungarians move to Germany for work).
Let’s call a spade a spade and recognise that at the heart of all this is money. Emigrees like to dress up a decision to relocate with florid justifications and while I don’t doubt they might sincerely appreciate certain aspects of Hungary, if the cost of a house in Dombovar was the same as Deggendorf or even Dresden, largely no Germans would move to Hungary. The draw of swapping a 500k Euro house for an 60k one in Hungary (in particular rural properties continue to be available for incredibly low prices compared to the west, largely because there are next to no jobs in the local area that pay anything above minimum wage), proceeding to live off the investment income from the difference is an appealing prospect. At its core this is property price arbitrage, cutting out the need to work for a living while simultaneously benefiting from a comparatively peaceful, low crime environment. I’d wager that precisely zero percent of Germans are gainfully employed in Hungary in their chosen locality, some might do volunteering to keep themselves busy and engage with the local community but none of them will want to work for less than 200 Euros a week.
Second this. Most Germans are “of a certain age”, not particularly interested in Hungarian politics and unlikely to integrate in any meaningful way. Moreover, German immigrant numbers to Hungary are dwarfed by the hundreds of thousands of Hungarians who have gone in the opposite direction to study or work in Germany.
Some data and facts:
https://www.destatis.de/EN/Themes/Society-Environment/Population/Migration/Tables/migration-year-03.html – look up Hungary … The 2023 number is net 7525 people in Germany’s favor. So @michaelsteiner – the net trend appears to be fleeing Hungary?
Interesting read and confirms your point re the low German working population in Hungary (read: financially contributing to Hungarian society, other than through consumption):
https://corvinak.hu/en/velemeny/2023/08/25/attractive-aspects-more-and-more-germans-are-moving-to-hungary-what-is-the-reason-for-this
I wouldn’t have anything to do with Hungary if I didn’t have family there. If you want to talk about the AfD their deputy leader is the granddaughter of Hitler’s finance minister. I will second the comments that Germans go to Hungary for cheaper real estate and better climate. There have also been long-standing Swab communities in Hungary and many Germans vacationed in the Balaton for decades.
Concur – Londonsteve.
REMEMBER – the “in-coming” Chancellor of Germany – no FAN of Victor Mihaly. Orban – that will “escalate” through the POWER of Germany in the European Union.
Germany – the message is and will LOUDEN to Orban/Hungary – conform – comply – be of the Family – that is the countrys the “other” 26 – which Hungary is the 27th member but “Judas” in its representation by Victor Mihaly. Orban – or LEAVE of your own accord or growing in PROBABILITY be VOTED out.
Germany – its investment into the car manufacturing industry of Hungary, the number of Hungarians of there employ, the Trump – the “Mate” of Orbans – his Trumps tariff introductions, will EFFECT car manufacturing industry produced componentry, its cost in EXPORT to the United States of America.
Germany, a new in-coming Chancellor, a reputation of a STERNER backbone – than that of the former German Chancellor – Olaf Scholz, the need to make hard economic & financial broadsheet decisions for the immediate and future of Germany, the largest European Economy – that the new in-coming Chancellor will INTRODUCE.
Orban / Hungary – will pay a HEFTY price through the Trump tariffs and the OBVIOUS lack of NO respect nor trust being exhibited from the new in-coming German Chancellor.
Any German doing a little googling can easily find out that Hungary is not safer so I also vote for the much lower property prices in nice surroundings and nicer climate.
https://dailynewshungary.com/orban-hungary-safety-crime-stats/