Relocating to Hungary from the UK

If you like it big then come to Hungary

The fact that is surely moving to Hungary nationals is that their homeland is one of the top 15 holiday destinations in the world, with a capital city reckoned to be one of the most beautiful on the planet. So what else is on the offer?

The Hungary is a proud owner of the following records:

• The second largest thermal lake in the world
• The largest lake in central Europe (Lake Balaton)
• The largest natural grassland in Europe
• The largest synagogue in Europe
• The largest medicinal bath in Europe
• The third largest church in Europe
• The second largest territorial abbey in Europe
• The second largest baroque castle in the world
• The largest Christian necropolis outside Italy

Hungary joined the EU in 2004 and has been a member of the Schengen area since 2007. The capital city is Budapest and the currency the forint (Ft). (In May 2014 £1 = 374 Ft.)

The ancestors of ethnic Hungarians were the Magyar tribes, who moved into the Carpathian Basin in 896. Hungary became a Christian kingdom under St Stephen in the year 1000. The capital city, Budapest, was originally two separate cities: Buda and Pest. It straddles the River Danube, is rich in history and culture and famed for its curative springs.

Registering Essentials

If you are a British citizen you do not require a visa while relocating to Hungary from the UK. A valid British passport must be carried with you at all times. You must register at your local registration office. You will need:

• British Passport
• Reason for residency
• Bank statements
• EHIC card
• Proof of your address

It costs HUF 1 000 (about £2.68) payable by fiscal stamp available at post offices. Provided your documents are in order you will receive a residency card and an address card at the time of application. If you want to receive post, ensure your name is on your post box.

If you move to a different town in Hungary, you must register your address again at the local registry office and if you leave Hungary, you must de-register.

Customs

Although Britain is not a member of the Schengen area, and therefore customs formalities apply, because we are members of the EU, there is little of consequence to concern the average Briton relocating to Hungary.

Currency

There are no restrictions.  Free import of goods bought from the EU with some restrictions on the amount of alcohol and cigarettes. Medicines for personal use only.

Relocating to Hungary from the UK with Pets

Pets require their own pet passport, microchips, rabies vaccinations within 1 year, but not closer than 21 days from departure, and up-to-date routine vaccinations. You can check the website of the relevant Ministry in Hungary for details of how to travel to Hungary with your pet. If you intend to bring the pet back to the UK you must ensure the rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

Expats

There are several sites where you can get information about expat clubs, news and communities. These three sites will give you a taste of what is available.

Internations

BritishExpats

Top Tip on Moving to Hungary

You will be seen as fair game by some people, but expect also consideration, courtesy and generosity – as a guest you are extremely well looked after.

Check here to get a free quote on moving to Hungary from the UK.