Moving To Hungary From The UK
Moving to Hungary
For those of you wondering about how to move to Hungary, Britannia Movers International has expert knowledge and experience to help you. Whether you’re moving to Budapest or Lake Balaton, we’re here to support your relocation to Hungary to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Shipping Personal Effects to HungaryAll shipments to Hungary from the UK will have to clear customs on arrival and you must ensure you can provide all relevant customs documents required at destination. Your contact at your local Britannia office will assist you with which forms are necessary along with what supporting documentation you will need to provide. However, the responsibility for completion and submission of these forms now falls with the customer and it is advisable that all these formalities are prepared for prior to the move to avoid potential delays in transportation and additional charges. Once you contact your local Britannia agent, they will be able to give you more advice on transporting your goods to Hungary. |
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Hungary Customs Prohibitions and RestrictionsIn general, it is in your interest not to import the following items:
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Transit Times to HungaryTransit times may differ depending on the chosen mode of transport, destination and size of shipment. Britannia will advise you of more precise timescales once this information has been established. |
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Protecting Your Items for Transport to HungaryTo ensure no items are left behind, all shared load consignments are barcoded prior to being loaded into the vehicle. |
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Moving to Hungary with PetsIf you’re moving to Hungary with a dog or other pet, Britannia Movers International can recommend pet transport experts to assist you in this area of your relocation. Prior to your move, you will need to visit your vet to get a pet passport. |
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Importing Cars to HungaryBrits moving to Hungary permanently often need to import their car too. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to register your vehicle, and this will include paying a fee for issuing the registration certificate. |
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Hungary Currency TransferWhen you are making international payments for individuals, you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help protect you from exchange rate fluctuations an save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers:
For more information, visit the IFX website. |
Moving to Hungary with Britannia
Your Move to Hungary with Britannia – Britannia Movers has been providing removal services for relocations to Hungary for many years. House removals to Hungary include transportation by road, sea or air. You can also choose to shared load or sole use container load and we provide bar coding for groupage to ensure a reliable removal service.
Additional Removal Services – Britannia offer a range of extra services to fully support your move to Hungary including, packing, insurance, storage and pet transport.
Find out more about our European removals services or request a quote for your move.
Living in Hungary
Hungary is conveniently located in the middle of Europe, making it an ideal European expat destination. Nestled between Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine, Hungary is steeped in history with beautiful architecture and some of the richest folk traditions in Europe.
The country has been steadily growing in popularity over the years and is now a firm favourite destination among expats. The north-western part of Hungary tends to be the most popular expat area and of course the Capital city, Budapest.
As a UK citizen moving to Hungary, if you choose to live outside of the bigger cities, you may find yourself struggling with the language barrier. However, whether you choose to live in the lively hub of the Capital city or in quieter suburbs of other cities, there will no doubt be something of interest to you. Among many other activities on offer, expats in Hungary can enjoy relaxing thermal spas, treks across national parks and exciting weekend trips in one of Europe’s top city break destinations – Budapest.
Despite the relatively small size of the country, Hungary is home to several World Heritage Sites – the UNESCO Biosphere reserves, the largest natural grassland in Europe and the second largest thermal lake in the world. The landscapes are beautiful, the wildlife rich and diverse and the distinct seasons are stunning. Hungary also boasts world class cuisine, wine and interesting cafes, restaurants and attractions. All in all, Hungary offers the perfect potential for your new life abroad.
Hungary Visas
The Long-Stay Visa (D Visa) visa is suitable for UK citizens who plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days but less than one year. It is typically used for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification. The long-stay visa will allow you to apply for a residence permit once you are in Hungary.
Alternatively, the Single Permit in Hungary is a combined work and residence permit for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, who plan to live and work in Hungary for more than 90 days. It simplifies the process by combining the two permits into one application, allowing individuals to apply for both their work and residence permit at the same time.
To qualify for a Single Permit, applicants must have a job offer from a Hungarian employer, as the permit will be tied to the specific job and employer. The employer must prove that they could not find a suitable candidate from within the EU/EEA for the position. Once granted, the Single Permit will allow you to live and work in Hungary for up to one year, and it can be extended if the conditions are met.
Each visa type has specific documentation requirements and an application process. The Hungarian consulate or embassy in the UK can provide detailed information on how to apply, including the required forms, documents, and fees. It’s important to apply well in advance as visa processing times can vary.
Working in Hungary
Hungary offers a variety of job opportunities for UK citizens, particularly in industries that are experiencing significant demand. One of the largest sectors seeking foreign professionals is IT, with positions for software developers, IT consultants, and cybersecurity experts. The tech industry in Hungary is thriving, and the demand for skilled workers in programming, data analysis, and software development is consistent. Engineering is another field with high demand, particularly for mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, driven by Hungary’s strong manufacturing and industrial base.
Healthcare professionals, especially doctors, nurses, and healthcare specialists, are in high demand as Hungary’s healthcare system seeks to address a shortage of medical staff. Similarly, there is a demand for teaching English in Hungary, as English language skills are valued in the country’s education system and business environment. The finance and business services sectors are also attracting UK citizens, especially those with experience in accounting, finance, and project management.
In terms of working culture, Hungary generally has a formal and hierarchical approach to business, particularly in larger companies. Respect for authority is important, and communication can be more direct than in some other countries. The standard working week is 40 hours, and employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid leave. It’s common to address colleagues formally, especially in the early stages of a working relationship, although this can relax over time. Work-life balance is valued in Hungary, and many companies offer flexible working arrangements, especially in the tech sector. However, punctuality and keeping to deadlines are highly emphasised, and it’s important to maintain professionalism in the workplace.
Cost of Living in Hungary
The cost of living in Hungary is generally lower than the UK. According to Numbeo, the cost of living is 36% lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone is 60% lower in Hungary. Salaries are also, on average, lower in Hungary, with a difference of 66%.
You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Hungary below. Prices are shown in Hungarian forint (Ft) and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.
Item | Price in Hungary | Price in UK |
Milk (1l) | 395.83 Ft £0.82 |
599.98 Ft £1.24 |
Loaf of white bread | 517.38 Ft £1.07 |
604.66 Ft £1.25 |
Eggs (12) | 978.44 Ft £2.02 |
1,435.75 Ft £2.96 |
Bananas (1kg) | 648.76 Ft £1.34 |
575.05 Ft £1.18 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | 2,043.98 Ft £4.21 |
3,221.36 Ft £6.64 |
Bottle of water (1.5l) | 180.90 Ft £0.37 |
543.78 Ft £1.12 |
Pair of quality jeans | 27,528.89 Ft £56.70 |
31,753.35 Ft £65.41 |
Chain store dress | 12,181.99 Ft £25.09 |
15,725.67 Ft £32.36 |
Mid-range trainers | 30,737.15 Ft £63.44 |
36,238.01 Ft £74.64 |
Cinema ticket | 2,900.00 Ft £5.97 |
4,854.85 Ft £10.00 |
Fitness Club Fees (1 month) | 17,884.90 Ft £36.84 |
16,469.50 Ft £33.92 |
Interesting Facts About Hungary
- Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and as a landlocked country, the lake is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea.
- The capital, Budapest, was originally two separate cities, Buda and Pest, which were united in 1873 along with a third area, Óbuda.
- Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe – older than the UK, Germany and France.
- Due to an abundance of natural hot springs across the country, Hungary is littered with hundreds of public baths and spas.
- The Hungarian alphabet has 44 letters.
- Budapest is home to the world’s largest geothermal cave system.
- Hungary’s Tokaj wine region was declared the world’s first official wine region in 1737, over a century before France’s Bordeaux.
Choose Britannia for Your Hungary Relocation
If you are thinking about moving to Hungary and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.