Moving to this Hungarian town requires Hungarian language skills

Anyone looking to move to a small town near the Slovak-Hungarian border must speak the Hungarian language at least at a conversational level. This requirement is backed by law, and the local municipal council voted in favor of enacting the regulation at its meeting yesterday. Additional conditions also apply to new residents.

Many towns are imposing residency restrictions

Unlike towns around Budapest or Lake Balaton, where high numbers of new residents often lead to infrastructure, education, and social issues due to real estate buyers moving in for investment purposes, northeastern Hungary isn’t known for holding onto its population. That’s why it may seem surprising that many communities in the region are using a law passed by parliament allowing municipalities to set conditions for who can move in.

Each town has different reasons for enacting local regulations. In Mezőkeresztes, for instance, critics argue that requiring proof of employment is an effort to avoid an increase in the already high unemployment rate and to steer clear of the added burdens posed by so-called “problematic” families. Some claim the true intent is to discourage Roma families from moving in. According to 444.hu, such regulations have so far been introduced mostly in towns with sizeable Roma populations.

However, the regulation in Mezőkeresztes has since been repealed following a legal review launched by the relevant government office.

Good command of Hungarian language required

A different rationale seems to be at play in Sátoraljaújhely, where the City Council passed a set of new rules yesterday. Among other criteria, only those with no criminal record, no public debts, and at least a high school diploma or vocational qualification can purchase property. Applicants must submit documents verifying these, along with proof of active employment or pension status. The council also mandated a minimum of 10 square meters of living space per person, according to 444.hu.