Key Takeaways:- Hungary is one of Europe’s most affordable and culturally rich countries, offering safe cities, good healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle for families, retirees, and professionals.
- US citizens can stay in Hungary visa-free for 90 days; long-term stays require a residence permit (Work, Student, Family, Business).
- Moving to Hungary costs $3,500–$15,000+, depending on your home size, volume, and the season.
Hungary Visa Requirements
US citizens can enter Hungary visa-free for 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a Hungarian residence permit. Here are the main options:
- EU Blue Card (Highly Skilled Workers)- For professionals in IT, engineering, finance with higher qualifications.
- Student Residence Permit (Hungary student visa)- For studying at a Hungarian university. Requires acceptance letter + proof of funds.
- Residence Permit for Other Purposes– For retirees, remote workers, family reunification, or long-term stays not tied to employment.
Residence permit through investment:
- Min. €250,000 in an approved real-estate investment fund
- Residence valid 10 years, renewable
- Family members included
Hungary Work Residence Permit for Employees
The Hungarian Work Residence Permit allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Hungary if they already have an employment contract.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Employment contract + relevant qualifications
- Duration: Typically aligned with your work contract
- Cost: Varies by consulate (approx. €110–€150)
- Requirements: Passport, accommodation, health insurance, proof of income
You can find more information about visa options here.
Employment Opportunities in Hungary
If you are looking for work in Hungary as a foreigner, the country offers opportunities in sectors such as:
- IT and software development
- Engineering and automotive manufacturing
- Tourism and hospitality
- Healthcare
- Education (especially English teaching)
For Americans moving to Hungary, Budapest offers the largest expat job market, with many companies operating in English.
How to Move to Hungary as an American
As an American, you can move to Hungary, but long-term relocation requires a residence permit. Before your move, gather key documents such as:
- Passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Accommodation details
- Health insurance
- Background check (if required)
Make sure to research which visa type fits your situation.
Hungary Immigration Requirements
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and contain available pages for visa/residence permit stickers. These include passport validity, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and demonstrating sufficient financial resources.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Hungary from the US?
The average cost of moving to Hungary from the US ranges between $3,500 and $15,000, depending on the size of your move.
| Home Size | Cost Estimate (USD) |
|---|
| 1 bedroom / small apartment | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 2 bedrooms | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| 3 bedrooms | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| 4+ bedroom / larger homes | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Updated in December 2025.
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Cost of Living in Hungary vs USA
Hungary is is 40–50% cheaper than the USA overall. Every day expenses, groceries, rent, and transportation costs noticeably less.
| Expense | Hungary (USD) | USA (USD) |
|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| Cappuccino | $2.70 | $5.30 |
| 12 eggs | $3.10 | $4.40 |
| 1 kg chicken | $6.20 | $12.26 |
| 1-month bus pass | $27.00 | $64.00 |
| 1 BD city apartment | $850.00 | $1,726.00 |
Source: Numbeo, December 2025.
Top 3 Moving Companies for Relocating to Hungary
Below are the best-rated movers for international relocations to Hungary, based on customer reviews and service quality.
8.4
106
Fort Lauderdale
7 ratings as Good Communication
7 ratings as "Good Communication"
Pros
Good communication
Professional international handling
Cons
Availability may be limited during peak season
8.1
27
Sunrise
1 ratings as Careful with furniture
1 ratings as "Careful with furniture"
Pros
Careful with furniture
Good for fragile goods
Cons
Smaller team
booking required early
8.1
3
Jacksonville
1 ratings as Helpful
1 ratings as "Helpful"
Pros
Helpful staff
Flexible services
Cons
Fewer reviews available (developing reputation)
Why Move to Hungary?
- Hungary offers a European lifestyle without the high costs of Western Europe.
- A country known for its beautiful architecture, thermal baths, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Ideal for families, professionals, digital nomads, and retirees looking for balance and quality of life.
Reasons why Hungary is a great place to live
- Cities are clean, safe, and walkable.
- Efficient public transportation makes getting around easy.
- Affordable housing compared to many EU countries.
- Budapest is widely praised for its charm, safety, and café culture, and is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s most livable cities.
How Does Life in Hungary Compare to the USA:
- Lower everyday costs (food, rent, transport).
- Shorter commutes and a calmer pace of life.
- Reliable public services and strong community values.
- A culture centered around tradition, family, and social connection.
Living in Hungary as an Expat
Living in Hungary offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities. Most expats enjoy:
- Reliable public transport
- Safe neighborhoods
- Affordable healthcare
- Walkable cities
Best Places to Live in Hungary
- Budapest: Vibrant, international, great for professionals
- Debrecen: University city with a peaceful atmosphere
- Szeged: Sunny and student-friendly
- Győr: Growing industrial and tech hub
- Pécs: Cultural, artistic, affordable
Whether you’re moving to Budapest, Hungary, or a smaller town, you’ll find friendly communities and rich local traditions.
Healthcare in Hungary
Hungary has a universal healthcare system that offers both public and private options. Foreigners typically begin with private insurance, then gain access to public care after obtaining a residence permit and registering locally.
Things to Know Before Moving to Hungary
- Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language
- Cash is still widely used
- Tipping is ~10%
- Recycling rules vary by city
- Sundays are quieter; many shops close
- The climate features warm summers and cold winters
Pros and Cons of Living in Hungary
Pros
Affordable cost of living
Safe and walkable cities
Excellent public transport
Cultural richness
Central location in Europe
Cons
Language barrier outside tourist areas
Slower bureaucracy
Lower wages than Western Europe
Moving to Hungary with a Dog
Hungary is pet-friendly and allows dogs in many parks, cafés, and public areas.
Requirements for bringing a dog:
- Microchip
- Rabies vaccination
- EU pet passport or health certificate
- Tapeworm treatment (if required)
Be sure to check official regulations before traveling.
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