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🇭🇺 Hungary

Moving Guide

Moving to Hungary is straightforward. The White Card can be applied for at a consulate or online.

Data verified August 13, 2026

Within 30 days

Address Registration

At local government office

1–2 weeks

Bank Account

OTP or K&H recommended

From €5

SIM Card

Telekom, Vodafone, or Yettel

1–2 weeks

Internet Setup

100+ Mbps fiber available

Overview

Moving to Hungary is straightforward. The White Card can be applied for at a consulate or online. Furnished apartments are the norm. Budapest has excellent infrastructure and a supportive expat community to ease the transition.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply for visa/permit — White Card via consulate or Enter Hungary online portal
  • Register address at local district government office (within 30 days)
  • Furnished apartments are standard — shipping a few boxes usually sufficient
  • Hungarians are warm but initially reserved — friendship takes time and repeated social contact
1

Before You Arrive

Essential preparation before moving to Hungary. The White Card can be applied for at a Hungarian consulate or online via the Enter Hungary portal.

  • Apply for visa/permit — White Card via consulate or Enter Hungary online portal
  • Arrange health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
  • Secure accommodation for at least the first month — Airbnb for initial apartment hunting
  • Get documents apostilled/translated — birth certificate, degree, marriage certificate
  • Notify your bank about international use and set up Wise/Revolut
  • Join Budapest Expats Facebook group (50,000+ members) for real-time advice
2

First Week Checklist

Essential tasks to complete in your first week in Hungary. Address registration must happen within 30 days of arrival.

  • Register address at local district government office (within 30 days)
  • Open Hungarian bank account — OTP or K&H Bank recommended
  • Get Hungarian phone number — Telekom, Vodafone, or Yettel (SIM cards from €5)
  • Apply for TAJ number (social security) if employed or self-employed
  • Register with local doctor (háziorvos) for public healthcare access
  • Get BKK transport monthly pass (€25) at any metro station
  • Explore neighborhood markets, shops, and your nearest thermal bath
3

Shipping & Utilities Setup

Furnished apartments are the norm, so most expats ship only a few boxes. Internet installation takes 1–2 weeks with 100+ Mbps fiber widely available.

  • Furnished apartments are standard — shipping a few boxes usually sufficient
  • Shipping to Budapest: €1,500–€3,000 (small container, Western Europe); €3,000–€6,000 (from US)
  • No special import restrictions for personal belongings
  • Electronics: 230V/50Hz, EU plugs (Type C and F)
  • Internet ISPs: Telekom (most coverage), Vodafone, Digi (cheapest) — all 100+ Mbps fiber
  • District heating (távfűtés) is cheapest; gas heating gives more control but costs more
4

Adapting to Hungarian Life

Cultural tips for settling into Hungarian daily life. Hungarians are warm but initially reserved — friendship takes time.

  • Hungarians are warm but initially reserved — friendship takes time and repeated social contact
  • Name days are celebrated as much as birthdays — know your Hungarian friends’ name days
  • Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants — tell the waiter the total when paying, don’t leave on table
  • Shop hours: close early on weekends — Saturday by 14:00, closed Sunday (except malls)
  • Thermal baths are a social institution — go weekly; Széchenyi is the classic starting point
  • Key phrases: ‘köszönöm’ (thank you), ‘szia’ (hi/bye), ‘bocsánat’ (sorry)

Tools expats in Hungary actually use

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💸

Wise

First transfer fee-free

Send money abroad at the real exchange rate

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers the mid-market exchange rate with fees 5-8x cheaper than banks. Hold 40+ currencies, get local bank details in 10+ countries, and spend worldwide with the Wise debit card. Used by 16M+ customers globally.

FAQs

Common Questions - Moving Guide in Hungary

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