Whether Balaton, Puszta or Budapest - life in Hungary is diverse and offers many advantages

Hungary is one of the best countries to live in Europe because it offers a ihgh quality of life at affordable prices. The country is well-developed and has a strong economy as well as friendly and open-minded people. 

  • Lake Balaton during the summer months, adorned with sailboats.
  • The Festetics Castle, accompanied by its floral garden.
  • The viticultural region in the northwest of Lake Balaton
  • The quaint town of Tapolca, situated north of Lake Balaton.
  • Hungarian grey cattle from the lowlands face the threat of extinction.
  • Perspective of the Parliament and the Danube in Budapest

Statistical data: Comparison between Hungary and Germany

Indicator Hungary Germany Year
Capital Budapest Berlin 2022
Currency Forint Euro 2022
Area im km2 91.248 353.296 2021
Broadband access in % of households 91,0 89,0 2021
Internet usage in % of 16-74 years olds  89,0 91,0 2021
       
Nominal GDP in bn. € 154 3.602 2021
Inflation rate in % 5,2 3,2 2021
Government gross debt in % of GDP  76,8 68,6 2021
Population in 1.000 9.689 83.237 2022
Employment rate (20-64 year olds ) in % 78,8 79,6 2021
       
Students per teacher in upper secondary education 11,5 12,2 2020
30-34 year-old women with a university degree 42,0 38,6 2021
30-34 year-old men with a university degree 29,3 37,0 2021
Total public spending on education in % of GDP 3,9 4,7 2019
Research and development expenditure in % of GDP 1,6 3,1 2021
       
Hospital beds per 100,000 inhabitants 690,8 791,5 2019
Poverty and social exclusion in millions of people affected 1,9 17,0 2021
Population at risk of poverty in % of the whole population 12,7 15,8 2021
Overburdened by housing costs in % of whole population 2,5 10,7 2021
No major savings in % of households 34,8 31,9 2021
       
Manufacturing industry in % of gross value added (GVA) 22,5 24,0 2021
Manufacturing, production index in % of change compared to previous year 9,5 4,8 2021
Retail sales in % of change from previous year 3,7 0,9 2021
Building permits in % of the change in the previous year 36,0 3,9 2021
       
Energy dependence in % of energy demand 56,6 63,7 2020
Renewable energies as % of gross final energy consumption 13,9 19,3 2020
       
Source: Eurostat      

 

Official information:

Long-term stay of EEA citizens in Hungary (kmoving, registration) Information from the Embassy of Hungary, Berlin.

LONG-TERM STAY OF EEA CITIZENS IN HUNGARY

Interesting facts

 

  • The country has a rich history and culture 
  • Beautiful architecture
  • The people in Hungary are hospitable, welcoming and inclusive 
  • As an EU citizen you can stay in hungary for 3 months without a visa. 
  • After 90 days you must register with the reponsible residents' registration office 
  • Then you have to apply for the residence card (Lakcimkártya)
  • There you will receive a registration certificate, which is valid for an unlimited period. (Requirements: employment (study) or a sufficient financial means to cover living costs and health insurance. After 5 years of permanent residence in Hungary, you are entitled to a permanent residence card. 
  • Medical care in Hungary meets western standards, which is why Hungary has even become a top destination for medical tourism. 
  • Equipment and skilled personnel are at a high european level.
  • However, the same medicines aren't available as in Germany - you may need to bring your own special pharmaceutical supplies. Please inquire beforehand!
  • There is also a national health insurance scheme in Hungary. Insured people pay four percent of their gross income subject to social insurance contribution, employers pay eleven percent (self-employed individuals pay 15%). You can find detailed information on this topic here and here.  
  • Hungary has a thriving economy and is a great place to start or grow your career- The Hungarian job market is diverse and offers opportunities in many different fields. And since English is one of the country's official languages, it's relatively easy to find work even if you're not fluent in Hungarian. If you're interested in working in Hungary, you should do some research in advance about the job market, key work documents and requirements.  
  • The requirements to work as a foreigner in Hungary vary depending on the profession. In general, you need:
  1. a valid passport and 
  2. a valid work permit. 
  • As an EU citizen with a valid passport or ID card, it is relatively easy to enter Hungary and find a job. Compared to Germany, wages in Hungary are lower, but this is offset by the extremely low cost of living. 
  • In Hungary, the minimum wage is 1.000 Hungarian Forints (HUF) per hour - taht's equivalent of 2,43 €. The minimum wage per month is therefore around 487 € for a regular 40-hours week. On average, people work 8 hours per day, just like in Germany. 
  • Your gross salary is generally taxed at 15% and of course also includes contributions for health and pension insurance. However, this minimum wage is rarely relevant for German workers. Depending on their qualifications, German-speaking employees can expect better salaries in Hungary. Here you can expect a range between the equivalent of 1.200 € and 1.400 €. 

Further information is available from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Budapest

leaflet on the stay of germans in hungary

Further advantages

  • Housing, food and transport are relatively inexpensive compared to other Eastern European countries
  • Excellent universities and endless variety of leisure activities, clubs, bars and restaurants and offer young people real added value
  • Nature: There are numerous protected areas and many animal species
  • Hungary's beautiful landscape is a feast for the eyes
  • Climate: warm summers, low humidity and cold winters
  • Central location: seven neighboring countries - Austria, Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia
  • Conservative politics can be seen as an advantage or as a disadvantage (subjectively)
  • Budapest as a hotspot: many bars, restaurants, musicals, festivals, museums, sights, boat trips and the economic and cultural center of the country
  • Hungary: the country of wine! Various wine-growing regions spread throughout the country
YES, I'D LIKE TO RELOCATE TO HUNGARY

And disadvantages

  • Rural infrastructure isn't perfectly developed
  • High real estate prices in the capital and at Lake Blaton - in relation to the Hungarian average income
  • Corruption and bureaucracy
  • Language: No, it really has nothing to do with Finnish in the end, and even if it does, the average German doesn't speak Finnish either. So that doesn't help. Most authorities rarely have employees who speak German or English. Depending on the region, you can also communicate well in Geramn or English. In addition, Hungarian is certainly one of the most difficult languages in the world, but for integration it is of course much bettert to master some of the basics. Especially since solidarity and friendly interaction are extremely important to the people living there. Most residents are very understanding and are usually lenient with immigrants. But it doesn't hurt to show good will and to learn a little of the Hungarian language. "Please", "thank you", etc. are a sign of respect and politeness. 
  • Here are a few helpful words and phrases:
English Hungarian
Hello

Szia

No, thanks

Nem köszönöm

Thank you very much

Köszönöm szépen

Thanks

Köszönöm - abbreviated form: Köszi

Yes

Igen

Excuse me

Bocsánat - abbreviated form: Bocsi

Good afternoon Jó napot
Good evening Jó estét
Goodbye Viszontlátásra - abbreviated form: Viszlát
Please (when you're giving sth. to sbd.) Tesék
You're welcome Szivesen 

I'D still want to go to hungary