Hungary is a country located in Central Europe with a population of approximately 9.8 million people. It has a rich history and culture that has been shaped by various influences over the centuries. Hungary is known for its beautiful architecture, including buildings such as the Hungarian Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Buda Castle.
In terms of its economy, Hungary is a member of the European Union and has a market-oriented economy with a strong emphasis on exports. The country is home to a number of multinational corporations and has a well-educated workforce.
Hungary has a parliamentary democracy with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, and its political landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Hungary- Beautiful country and a Must Visit Place in Europe
While Hungary has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and economic opportunities, it also faces challenges such as an aging population and issues related to corruption and media freedom. Overall, like any country, Hungary has its strengths and weaknesses, but it remains an important and interesting place in Europe.
The quality of life in Hungary varies depending on several factors, such as location, income, and access to services. Overall, Hungary ranks relatively high in terms of quality of life indicators compared to other countries in the region.
Low Cost of Living – a distinct advantge in Hungary
One of the advantages of living in Hungary is its relatively low cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. The country also has a well-developed public transportation system and good healthcare facilities, although there are some concerns about the quality of care in rural areas.
Hungary is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The country has a rich history and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic city of Budapest, the Tokaj wine region, and the Pannonhalma Archabbey.
On the downside, Hungary faces some challenges related to air pollution, particularly in Budapest and other urban areas. There are also concerns about corruption and media freedom, which can impact the overall quality of life.
Overall, Hungary offers a relatively high quality of life, with a rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, and good access to services. However, like any country, there are challenges that can impact the overall quality of life.
Thinking of Immigrating to Hungary- Here is overview of the Immigration Process
Here’s overview of the process of immigration to Hungary:
Employment:
To work in Hungary, non-EU citizens must first obtain a work permit and a residence permit. The employer must apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee, and the employee must apply for the residence permit at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in their home country. The work permit process typically involves the following steps:
Immigration Rules for Non EU Citizens to Hungary
Permission from Hungarian Labour Office to hire a non-EU Person
The employer must obtain permission from the Hungarian Labor Office to hire a non-EU citizen. This process involves demonstrating that there are no Hungarian citizens or EU citizens available for the job.
The employer then applies for a work permit on behalf of the employee. This involves providing various documents, including a copy of the employment contract, the employee’s passport, and proof of qualifications.
If the work permit is approved, the employee can apply for a residence permit at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves providing various documents, including proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
Study:
Non-EU citizens who wish to study in Hungary must apply for a student visa and a residence permit. The visa application can be made at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country, and the residence permit must be obtained within 30 days of arrival in Hungary. The process typically involves the following steps:
The applicant must apply for a student visa at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves providing various documents, including an acceptance letter from a Hungarian university or college, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means to support themselves during their stay.
After arriving in Hungary, the applicant must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.
This involves providing various documents, including proof of enrolment at a Hungarian educational institution, medical insurance, and sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
Family reunification:
Family members of Hungarian citizens or residents may be eligible for family reunification. The applicant must apply for a residence permit, and the process can be initiated at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. The process typically involves the following steps:
The applicant must provide proof of their relationship with the Hungarian citizen or resident, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
The applicant must also provide various other documents, such as proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
The applicant must attend an interview at the Hungarian embassy or consulate, and may be required to provide additional documentation or information.
Investment based Immigration to Hungary:
Non-EU citizens who wish to invest in Hungary may be eligible for a residence permit through the country’s Investor Residency Bond Program. This program requires a minimum investment of €300,000 in government bonds. The process typically involves the following steps:
The applicant must purchase €300,000 worth of Hungarian government bonds and hold them for a minimum of five years.
The applicant must also provide various other documents, such as proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
The applicant must attend an interview at the Hungarian embassy or consulate, and may be required to provide additional documentation or information.
It’s important to note that the immigration process can be complex and may involve multiple steps and requirements. It’s advisable to consult with a Hungarian immigration lawyer or an experienced immigration consultant for specific guidance on the process.
Hungary has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, and salaries are generally lower as well. However, the country offers a range of job opportunities in various fields, and the job market is growing steadily.
Salary levels:
Salaries in Hungary vary widely depending on the industry, job function, and location. According to data from the Central Statistical Office of Hungary, the average gross monthly wage in Hungary was HUF 417,400 (approximately USD 1,450) in 2021. However, this varies greatly depending on the industry and the job position.
In the IT industry, for example, salaries tend to be higher than in other sectors. According to a survey by Hays Hungary, a recruitment agency, the average salary for an IT manager in Hungary is around HUF 1.5-2 million (approximately USD 5,200-6,900) per month, while a software developer can earn between HUF 600,000-1.2 million (approximately USD 2,080-4,160) per month.
In the healthcare sector, salaries tend to be lower. According to the Hungarian Medical Chamber, the average monthly salary for a general practitioner is around HUF 450,000-500,000 (approximately USD 1,560-1,730), while a specialist doctor can earn between HUF 700,000-900,000 (approximately USD 2,420-3,120) per month.
Job prospects:
Hungary offers a range of job opportunities in various sectors, including IT, finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The job market is growing steadily, with unemployment rates decreasing over the past few years.
Demand for Software developers, IT project Managers, FInancial analysts and foreign language speakers
According to a report by the European Commission, the most in-demand jobs in Hungary in 2021 include software developers, IT project managers, financial analysts, customer service representatives, and healthcare professionals.
There is also a growing demand for foreign language speakers in Hungary, particularly in the IT and customer service sectors. English is the most in-demand language, followed by German, French, and Spanish.
Overall, job prospects in Hungary are generally positive, particularly for skilled professionals in high-demand industries. However, competition for jobs can be strong, and fluency in Hungarian may be required for certain positions.
It’s important to note that salary levels and job prospects can vary greatly depending on the industry, job position, and location. It’s advisable to research specific job opportunities and industries in Hungary to get a better understanding of salary levels and job prospects.