Moving to Hungary

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Hungarian immigration system depends significantly on your nationality. For EU citizens, the process is relatively straightforward, often involving registration for a residence card after arrival if staying longer than 90 days. Non-EU citizens, however, will typically need to secure a visa or residence permit prior to entry, depending on their country of origin and the purpose of their stay.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have a job offer from a Hungarian employer.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a family member who already holds a valid residence permit in Hungary.
• Study Permit: For those enrolled in a Hungarian educational institution.
• Residence Permit for Other Purposes: This can include permits for self-employment, investment, or other specific circumstances.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and application procedures directly with official Hungarian immigration authorities or the Hungarian embassy/consulate in your current country of residence. Requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Hungary, particularly in larger cities like Budapest, can be done through various channels. Online property portals are a popular starting point, as are local real estate agencies. Many expats also find success through word-of-mouth or expat social media groups.

The typical rental process usually involves:

• Viewing Properties: Arranging visits to potential homes.
• Offer & Negotiation: Making an offer and potentially negotiating terms with the landlord.
• Rental Agreement: Signing a formal contract, which should be in both Hungarian and English if possible, clearly outlining rent, duration, responsibilities, and termination clauses.
• Deposit: Expect to pay a security deposit, typically equivalent to two or three months' rent. This is refundable at the end of the tenancy, assuming the property is returned in good condition.
• First Month's Rent: Paid upon signing the contract or before moving in.

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival while you search for a long-term rental. Serviced apartments or short-term rentals can provide a comfortable base for your initial weeks.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of your relocation to Hungary will be influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you need to move, the higher the cost of transportation and packing materials.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current home and your new residence in Hungary directly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher prices due due to increased demand.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both your origin and destination (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, parking availability) can affect labor costs.
• Extra Services: Opting for additional services such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialty item handling (pianos, artwork) will add to the total cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation can significantly reduce stress. Here's a general timeline and some packing tips:

4-8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means paying less.
• Documents: Gather all essential documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records, financial statements, academic transcripts). Keep them in a secure, easily accessible folder.
• Research: Begin researching schools, healthcare providers, and neighborhoods in Hungary.
• Notify: Inform your landlord (if renting), utility companies, and subscription services of your move-out date.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Packing Supplies: Purchase or acquire sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
• Start Packing: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong in.
• Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your current home and the connection of utilities at your new Hungarian address.
• Medical: Obtain copies of medical records and prescriptions. Arrange for any necessary vaccinations.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Essentials Box: Pack a box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers).
• Confirm: Reconfirm arrangements with your moving company.
• Cash: Ensure you have some local currency (HUF) for immediate expenses.

Request your free quote today on relocation123.com to start planning your move to Hungary.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Hungary: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Hungary can be an exciting adventure, but navigating customs and import regulations for your personal belongings requires careful planning. This guide will help you understand the requirements for a smooth transition.

If you're a returning Hungarian, EU, or EEA citizen

If you are a Hungarian, EU, or EEA citizen returning to Hungary after living abroad, you can generally import your household goods duty-free. This applies to personal effects that you have owned and used for more than six months prior to your move. The duty-free import clearance must be completed within 12 months from the date your Hungarian residence permit was issued.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Hungarian residence permit or EEA card
• Copy of your Hungarian address card (and for family members)
• Copy of your Hungarian TAX card (and for family members)
• EORI (VPID) number
• Original hardcopy of a signed inventory list in English
• Original hardcopy of a signed inventory list in Hungarian (translation can be arranged)
• Copy of a list of electric items
• Original hardcopy of a Power of Attorney authorizing your agent to clear the shipment
• Original hardcopy of a declaration stating you are changing residence and have owned HHG for over six months
• Original hardcopy of a value declaration for imported items
• Original hardcopy of an employment certificate from your origin employer (name, job title, employment period, origin address)
• Documents proving you lived outside the EU for over 12 months before moving (e.g., residence permit from origin, visa, utility bills for 12 months, lease/purchase contract, flight tickets/boarding pass to Hungary)
• Document proving deregistration from your origin country (e.g., tax authority, medical insurance, lease termination, property sale)
• Copy of your lease contract in Hungary
• Letter from your employer in Hungary
• GDPR declaration
• If relocating with family: marriage certificate, spouse's visa/residence permit from origin, spouse's passport copy, children's visa/residence permit from origin, children's passport copy, birth certificate, statement about the family.
• If children attend school: certificate of school attendance.

Good to know

• The number of shipments is not limited.
• Customs clearance in Hungary is for an indefinite period.
• Customs accepts supporting documents in English, French, German, or Hungarian.
• All required documents must be approved by Customs before your shipment arrives.
• As of January 21, 2024, all shipments are subject to physical inspection at the relevant customs office based on your Hungarian registered address.
• Customs has the right to request additional documents and may require your personal presence during clearance.
• Alcohol and food are not permitted in these shipments.

If you're a non-EU or non-EEA citizen

If you are a citizen from a country outside the EU or EEA, your household goods will generally be subject to duty payment upon import into Hungary.

What you'll need

• Contact your relocation agent for specific document requirements, as these will differ based on the duty calculation process.

Good to know

• Duty will be calculated by Customs based on the content, weight, and customs value of your shipment.
• Alcohol and food are not permitted in these shipments.

If you're moving as a diplomat

Diplomatic shipments are eligible for duty-free import for all items.

What you'll need

• Copy of your diplomatic passport or Hungarian diplomatic card
• Duty-free request form issued by the receiving Embassy in Hungary, with an apostille from the Protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• VPID number
• Copy of inventory list in English
• Original hardcopy of a signed inventory list in Hungarian with an apostille from the Protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Original hardcopy of a Power of Attorney authorizing your agent to clear the shipment
• Original hardcopy of a value declaration for imported items
• GDPR declaration

Good to know

• All required documents must be approved by Customs prior to the arrival of your shipment.
• Alcohol and food are not permitted in these shipments.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

If you are a returning Hungarian, EU, or EEA citizen, you can import your vehicle duty-free under specific conditions. Non-EU/EEA citizens will typically pay duty.

• What you'll need (Returning Hungarian/EU/EEA citizen): All documents required for household goods (passport, employment certificate, proof of living outside EU for 12+ months, deregistration, family documents if applicable, Hungarian employer letter, school attendance certificate if applicable), plus:
  • Original hardcopy of the vehicle's registration certificate
  • Original hardcopy of the invoice or purchasing contract
  • Original hardcopy of a value declaration for the vehicle
  • Original hardcopy of a Power of Attorney for customs agent
  • Original hardcopy of a declaration stating you are changing residence
  • Original hardcopy of a declaration stating you have possessed the vehicle for more than six months
  • Photos of all four sides of the vehicle, the speedometer, and the serial number
  • GDPR declaration
• Good to know:
  • You must have owned the car for at least six months before moving to Hungary.
  • After customs clearance, the car must be checked at a 'Technical Test Station.' Only cars meeting European standards can pass.
  • U.S.-made cars may require technical modification.
  • As of January 21, 2024, vehicles are subject to physical inspection at the relevant customs office based on your Hungarian registered address.
  • Customs has the right to request additional documents and may require your personal presence during clearance.
• What you'll need (Non-EU/EEA citizen): Contact your relocation agent for specific details, as duty will be calculated by Customs.

Pets

Bringing pets like dogs, cats, and birds requires specific veterinary documentation.

• What you'll need: Veterinary certificate.
• Good to know: Contact your relocation agent for detailed requirements when planning to move animals.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either restricted or entirely prohibited from import into Hungary.

• Prohibited Items:
  • Weapons and explosives
  • Alcohol
  • Foodstuff
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Pornographic or obscene material
  • Radio transmitters
• Plants and Vegetable Products: Require a phytosanitary certificate. Contact your relocation agent for details.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcohol is a prohibited item for import with household goods. Tobacco has strict quantity limits.

• Tobacco:
  • Maximum 500 cigarettes
  • Maximum 50 cigars OR 500 grams of tobacco

Frequently asked questions

Can I import food items with my household goods?
No, alcohol and foodstuff are generally prohibited from being imported with your removal goods.

Is there a time limit for duty-free import of household goods?
Yes, duty-free import customs clearance for returning Hungarian, EU, or EEA citizens is only possible within 12 months from the issue date of your Hungarian residence permit.

Will my shipment be inspected by Customs?
Yes, as of January 21, 2024, all shipments are subject to physical inspection at the relevant customs office based on your Hungarian registered address.

What if Customs requires more documents or my presence?
Customs has the right to ask for additional documents supporting duty-free entry, and in some cases, you may need to be present in person at the time of clearance.

Do I need to translate all my documents into Hungarian?
An inventory list in Hungarian is required (your agent can arrange translation). Customs accepts other supporting documents in English, French, German, or Hungarian.

What if I'm a non-EU citizen? Will I pay duty on my belongings?
Yes, if you are a non-EU or non-EEA citizen, your import will typically be subject to duty payment, calculated based on the content, weight, and customs value of your shipment.

For personalized assistance with your move to Hungary and detailed customs guidance, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →