Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe, is one of the hotspots for digital nomads that’s growing in popularity. With its rich culture, affordable cost of living, pleasant weather, and unique towns and cities, Hungary offers an experience that’s a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- Why Hungary?
- Visas
- Best cities to stay
- Cost of living
- Accommodation
- Itineraries
- Coworking spaces
- Public places for remote work
- Must-try dishes
- Transportation
- Essential services
- Top activities
- Networking
- Best neighborhoods
- Top places to visit
- Tips
- Basic Hungarian Phrases
- FAQs
- Other useful information
Whether you are a remote worker, freelancer, or an entrepreneur, this guide provides the important information you need to know about living and working in Hungary as a nomad, from accommodations for rent in Budapest and other cities to the best coworking spaces and more.
Why Hungary?
Hungary is popular with digital nomads for various reasons:
- Cost-effective living: Hungary has a lower cost of living compared to Western Europe without compromising on the quality of life.
- Central location: The central location of Hungary makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Europe as it is very well-connected to major European cities by rail, air, and road.
- Rich culture and history: Hungary has a rich history and culture and offers endless opportunities for exploration
- High-quality infrastructure: From connectivity and modern public transport to reliable internet, Hungary offers the infrastructure needed to give digital nomads a good experience.
- Welcoming community: With a growing digital normal and expat community, you will find it quite easy to make connections and network with other traveling remote professionals.
Visas
Short-term stay
For stays of up to 90 days, many nationalities, including those from the EU, USA, Australia, and Canada do not require a visa. We recommend that you check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality.
Long-term stay
For stays longer than 90 days, you may require a residence permit. Hungary has several types of permits that you can apply for.
The application process usually involves the following steps:
- Completing the application form.
- Providing proof of employment or income.
- Submitting details of accommodation.
- Health insurance documents.
- A valid passport.
Hungary digital nomad visa
Hungary’s digital nomad visa is commonly referred to as the White Card. This visa allows individuals to work remotely in Hungary provided that their employer is not based in Hungary.
Here are some details about the Hungary digital nomad visa, including minimum financial requirements, application fees, and eligibility criteria.
Duration:
- The initial visa has a one-year validity period.
- Visa extension is possible for an additional year if eligibility criteria are fulfilled.
Income requirement:
- Minimum income of €2,000 per month.
Eligibility criteria:
- Not being a citizen of an EU or EEA country.
- Employed by a non-Hungarian employer registered outside the country.
- Work should involve telecommunications technology.
- Partner or shareholder in a company registered abroad.
Application process:
- Apply at the Hungarian consulate or embassy.
- Get an entry visa
- Apply for the White Card at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing within one month after your arrival.
- Attend an interview appointment, provide biometric information, and wait for a decision.
- Documents required include a valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of remote work, proof of monthly income of €2000, health insurance covering your stay, and accommodation proof.
Other considerations:
- White Card application fee in one’s home country: €110.
- White Card application fee in Hungary: €123.
- Online portal application fee: €76.
- Fee for visa extension: €110 (in person) or €73 (online).
- Processing usually takes about one month.
- With this visa you cannot bring your family members to Hungary.
Best cities to stay
Budapest
Budapest the capital city offers a mix of historic flair and modern amenities These are some of the key areas:
- District V (Belváros-Lipótváros): Central and close to major attractions.
- District VII (Erzsébetváros): Known for its Jewish Quarter and nightlife.
- District IX (Ferencváros): Up-and-coming area with a vibe ideal for creatives.
Debrecen
Debrecen, the country's second largest city, has a quieter environment with modern well-developed amenities and a growing community of expats and digital nomads.
Szeged
Szeged is known for its sunny weather, and it is a university town with a lively environment and affordable living costs.
Pécs
A culture hub that has beautiful architecture, rich artistic heritage, and a relaxed environment.
Győr
Situated between Budapest and Vienna, Győr has a very beautiful setting with historical sites and a relaxed environment.
Cost of living
General overview
Hungary is considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Here is a breakdown of some average monthly expenses:
- Accommodation: €300-€800 (depending on city and type of accommodation).
- Food: €150-€300.
- Transportation: €30-€50.
- Entertainment and dining Out: €100-€200.
- Internet and utilities: €50-€100.
Detailed breakdown
- Rent: €300-€500 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, €200-€400 outside the center.
- Utilities: €100-€150 (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage).
- Internet: €15-€30 for high-speed broadband.
- Groceries: €150-€200.
- Eating Out: €5-€10 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant, €20-€40 at a mid-range restaurant.
Accommodation
Types of accommodation
- Short-term rentals: Ideal for initial or short stays.
- Long-term rentals: A good choice for those who want to stay in Hungary for an extended period.
- Co-living spaces: Increasingly popular among digital nomads, co-living spaces offer a community environment.
Rent prices
- Budapest: €400-€800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
- Debrecen: €300-€500 for similar accommodations.
- Szeged: €250-€400.
- Pécs: €200-€350.
- Győr: €300-€450.
Flatio: Flexible accommodation in Hungary
At Flatio, we provide digital nomads with rental accommodations in over 300 destinations worldwide, including hundreds of properties in Budapest and other cities in Hungary. We offer visa-friendly lease agreements, flexible, and reasonably priced stays, and a variety of remote work-friendly options including rooms, flats, houses, and villas. Check out our listings and we believe you’ll find your ideal living space.
Itineraries
Budapest Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, and Matthias Church.
- Day 2: Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building and relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Day 3: Discover the Great Market Hall, enjoy an evening cruise on the Danube, and stroll along Andrássy Avenue.
Beyond Budapest
- Debrecen: Hortobágy National Park, Great Reformed Church, and Nagyerdő Park.
- Szeged: Szeged Synagogue, Votive Church, and the Tisza River promenade.
- Pécs: Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, Pécs Cathedral, and the Early Christian Mausoleum.
- Győr: The Győr Basilica, Baroque architecture, and the Benedictine Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Coworking spaces
Budapest
- Impact Hub: Central location, events, great community.
- KAPTÁR: Known for its modern facilities and friendly atmosphere.
- LOFFICE: Stylish design with a range of membership options.
Other cities
- Debrecen: Debrecen Hub, a fast-growing place with many modern amenities.
- Szeged: Regus, a space offering professional workspaces.
- Pécs: KOHÓ CoWorking House Pécs offers a pleasant coworking environment.
Public places for remote work
Cafes
- Budapest: Espresso Embassy, Madal Cafe, and My Little Melbourne.
- Debrecen: Csokonai Café, Volt Egyszer.
- Szeged: TIK Café, A2 Gastro Caffé.
- Pécs: Cooltour Café.
- Győr: Átrium Café, La Maréda.
Libraries
- Budapest: National Széchényi Library, Szabó Ervin Library.
- Debrecen: Debrecen University Library.
- Szeged: Somogyi Library.
- Pécs: Knowledge Centre Library.
- Győr: Győr-Moson-Sopron County Library.
Must-try dishes
- Goulash: A beef soup with paprika.
- Lángos: Deep-fried dough that’s topped with sour cream and cheese.
- Chicken Paprikash: Chicken stew served with a rich paprika sauce.
- Fisherman’s Soup: Spicy river fish soup.
- Dobos Torte: A layered sponge cake that comes with chocolate buttercream and caramel topping.
Transportation
Public transport
- Budapest: Extensive tram metro and bus network. A monthly pass costs about €30.
- Other cities: Well-connected by trams and buses. Monthly passes cost between €20-€30.
Intercity travel
- Train: Affordable and reliable train services link major cities tickets can be reserved on MÁV’s website.
- Buses: Long distance buses that are operated by companies like Volánbusz and FlixBus.
Biking
- Bike sharing: MOL Bubi in Budapest offers a convenient system for bike sharing.
- Cycle paths: There are dedicated cycle paths for biking safely in most cities.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Budapest
Essential services
Healthcare
- Public healthcare: Widely available, but the wait can be long.
- Private healthcare: Recommended for higher quality care and quicker access. Clinics like Rózsakert Medical Center and FirstMed in Budapest are among the popular ones.
Banking
- Opening a bank account: You can find English-speaking staff at banks like OTP Bank and K&H Bank. The necessary documents include a passport, address registration, and residence permit.
- ATMs and card payments: ATMs are widely available and you can use credit or debit cards in most places.
SIM cards and internet
- Providers: Telenor, Telekom, and Vodafone.
- Plans: Affordable prepaid plans offering ample data.
Top activities
- Thermal baths: Gellért Baths and Budapest’s Széchenyi.
- Wine tasting: Tokaj and Eger regions are known for their wines.
- Hiking: Bükk National Park and Buda Hills offer scenic trails.
- Festivals: Budapest Wine Festival, Sziget Festival, and Christmas markets.
Networking
- Meetup groups: Active digital nomad and expat communities on Meetup.com.
- Facebook groups: “Expats in Hungary” and “Budapest Digital Nomads”.
- Events: Regular events at expat bars and coworking spaces.
Best neighborhoods
Budapest
- District V: Centrally Located and close to major attractions.
- District VII: Known for its nightlife and creative vibe.
- District IX: Up-and-coming area that has a youthful atmosphere.
Other cities
- Debrecen: Downtown area good for those looking for convenience.
- Szeged: Belváros for its positive atmosphere.
- Pécs: Downtown for easy and quick access to cultural sites.
- Győr: Belváros for its historical places.
Top places to visit
- Budapest: Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Heroes’ Square.
- Lake Balaton: The biggest lake in Central Europe that’s perfect for a summer retreat.
- Eger: Known for its thermal baths and baroque architecture.
- Tokaj: Famous for its scenic vineyards and sweet wines.
- Hortobágy National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site where you can find unique landscapes.
Tips
- Learn basic Hungarian phrases: Although many speak English, it's helpful to know basic phrases.
- Use public transport apps: BKK FUTÁR for Budapest and MÁV for trains.
- Explore local markets: Great places to find fresh produce and local specialties.
- Respect local customs: Politeness and punctuality are valued.
Basic Hungarian Phrases
Hungarian, known as Magyar, is the official language in Hungary. It is also spoken by Hungarian communities in neighboring countries. This language is a unique member of the Finno-Ugric language family, which makes it different from most other European languages.
Learning basic Hungarian phrases can be very helpful for travelers, expatriates, or anyone who wants to better understand the culture of Hungary. Below you will find a compilation of some basic Hungarian phrases that can help you a lot in your daily interactions.
Basic Hungarian phrases
Greetings and polite expressions
- Hello / Hi: Szia (informal) / Sziasztok (informal, plural) / Jó napot (formal)
- Pronunciation: SEE-ah / SEE-ah-stok / YO NAH-pot
- Good Morning: Jó reggelt
- Pronunciation: YO REHG-gelt
- Good Afternoon: Jó napot
- Pronunciation: YO NAH-pot
- Good Evening: Jó estét
- Pronunciation: YO ES-tayt
- Good Night: Jó éjszakát
- Pronunciation: YO AY-sa-kaht
- Goodbye: Viszontlátásra (formal) / Szia (informal) / Sziasztok (informal, plural)
- Pronunciation: VEE-sont-LAH-tah-shrah / SEE-ah / SEE-ah-stok
- Please: Kérem
- Pronunciation: KAY-rem
- Thank You: Köszönöm
- Pronunciation: KUH-soh-nohm
- Yes: Igen
- Pronunciation: EE-gen
- No: Nem
- Pronunciation: NEM
- Excuse Me / Sorry: Elnézést
- Pronunciation: EL-neh-zesht
- You're Welcome: Szívesen
- Pronunciation: SEE-ve-shen
- How Are You?: Hogy van? (formal) / Hogy vagy? (informal)
- Pronunciation: HODJ vahn? / HODJ vahd?
- I'm Fine, Thank You: Köszönöm, jól vagyok
- Pronunciation: KUH-soh-nohm, yol VAH-yok
Common questions and responses
- What Is Your Name?: Mi a neve? (formal) / Hogy hívnak? (informal)
- Pronunciation: MEE a NEH-veh? / HODJ HEE-vnahk?
- My Name Is...: A nevem... / ...nak hívnak (if your name ends in a consonant) / ...nek hívnak (if your name ends in a vowel)
- Pronunciation: A NEH-vehm... / ...nahk HEE-vnahk / ...nek HEE-vnahk
- Where Are You From?: Honnan jött? (formal) / Honnan jöttél? (informal)
- Pronunciation: HON-nahn yut? / HON-nahn YUT-tayl?
- I Am From...: ...ból jöttem (if the country name ends with a consonant) / ...ról jöttem (if the country name ends with a vowel)
- Pronunciation: ...bol YUT-tem / ...rol YUT-tem
Directions and assistance
- Where Is...?: Hol van...?
- Pronunciation: HOL vahn...?
- Left / Right / Straight Ahead: Balra / Jobbra / Egyenesen
- Pronunciation: BAL-rah / YOBB-rah / EGG-yeh-ne-shen
- Help!: Segítség!
- Pronunciation: SHEH-geet-sheg!
- I Don't Understand: Nem értem
- Pronunciation: NEM AIR-tem
- Do You Speak English?: Beszél angolul?
- Pronunciation: BEH-sail ANG-goh-lool?
- I Speak a Little Hungarian: Egy kicsit beszélek magyarul
- Pronunciation: EDDJ KEE-cheet BEH-say-lek MAH-dyah-rool
Dining and shopping
- How Much Does It Cost?: Mennyibe kerül?
- Pronunciation: MEN-yee-beh KEH-rool?
- I'd Like to Order...: Szeretnék rendelni...
- Pronunciation: SEH-ret-nayk REN-del-nee...
- The Bill, Please: A számlát, kérem
- Pronunciation: A SAM-laht, KAY-rem
- Water / Coffee / Tea: Víz / Kávé / Tea
- Pronunciation: VEES / KAH-veh / TEH-ah
- Cheers!: Egészségedre! (singular) / Egészségetekre! (plural)
- Pronunciation: EH-gaysh-SHAY-ged-reh / EH-gaysh-SHAY-ge-tek-reh
FAQs
Is Hungary considered safe for digital nomads?
Yes, Hungary is considered to be generally safe. However, it’s always advisable to stay vigilant and follow local advice.
What’s the best season to visit Hungary?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the seasons when you can experience mild weather and fewer tourists.
Can I use my home country’s driving license in Hungary?
Yes, you can use your home country’s driving license in Hungary for up to six months. Afterward you might need to get a Hungarian driving license.
How fast and reliable is the internet in Hungary?
Internet speeds are typically high particularly in cities. Cafes and coworking spaces usually offer reliable and fast Wi-Fi.
Is English widely spoken?
English is widely spoken in Hungary, especially in tourist areas and also among younger Hungarians. However it is helpful to learn basic Hungarian phrases.
Other useful information
Emergency numbers
- Police: 107
- Ambulance: 104
- Fire brigade: 105
- General emergency: 112
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF). Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Time zone
Central European Time (CET) in winter, Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer.
Electricity
230V, 50Hz. Plugs are Type C and F.
Useful apps
- Bolt: Ride-hailing service.
- Wolt: Food delivery.
- Revolut: Currency exchange and banking.
- Google Maps: Public transport and navigation information.
Experience Hungary with Flatio
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Hungary? Discover the unique features that make us the ideal choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options (private rooms, houses, villas, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days
- Balanced, legally binding lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- Online signing of lease agreement
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
