Moving To Hungary

Hungary is prominently known for its history, culture, and natural beauty. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Parliament Building in Budapest and the Architectural Ensemble of Lake Balaton.

This Central European country is also famous for its thermal baths, wine, and gastronomy. The country also has a vibrant music scene, with Budapest being a hub for classical and jazz music. Additionally, Hungary is known for its folk traditions, including traditional dance and dress. Hungarian cuisine is also highly regarded, featuring dishes such as goulash, paprika chicken, and Tokaj wine.

When you plan to move to Hungary from the USA, plan properly to make a successful relocation to another continent altogether!

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

An international relocation is always more challenging compared to that of moving from one house to another in the local area. When you are moving to Hungary from the USA you are relocating between two continents. That is why you will need to plan carefully to handle the transition smoothly.

First of all, consider hiring an international moving company who has good exposure in handling global moves. At International Sea & Air Shipping our experienced and qualified moving professionals can handle your international relocation from A-to-Z. We have extensive experience in offering bespoke international relocation services across the globe. With us, you can look forward to customised moving services that will ensure a hassle-free international relocation to Hungary from the USA for you.

You can look forward to timely moving services at an affordable cost with us. These services include, packing your household goods, choosing the right container, and freight services, moving your car and pet, and more. We ensure that all these moving services are done on time to avoid any last-minute hazards. We will also provide valuable advice on the cost of relocation with our free moving quotations.

So, give our team a call today for your move to Hungary from the USA, and take advantage of our free moving quote.

A totally landlocked country in central Europe, Hungary has a rich cultural and historical background. Well known for being home to Lake Heviz, the largest thermal water lake in the world, as well as the largest thermal water cave, Hungary is one of the 30 most popular tourist destinations in the world. It has been estimated that every year, almost 8.6 million tourists visit Hungary- taking pleasure in the vibrant culture and lifestyle of this country.

Hungary shares borders with Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine and has the largest grassland among European countries.

Customs Regulations for Hungary

  • Passport – copy
  • Visa – from Hungarian Embassy
  • Bank Guarantee – original, from employing firms bank
  • Letter of Guarantee – from customer’s employer, stating they will pay duties if employee sells imported items or does not re-export them at the end of the work contract
  • Work Certificate – from customer’s employer
  • Work Permit – original, to be issued in Hungary in advance
  • Residence Permit – original, to be issued in Hungary in advance, valid longer than one year
  • Copy of rental or purchase agreement of residence
  • Power of Attorney – original, in Hungarian with two witness signatures
  • Authorization Letter – allowing Destination Agent to clear shipment
  • Statement of Customer – attesting household goods have been used & in their possession for at least six months
  • Itemized inventory – including values of items, dated and signed in Hungarian. All electronics and appliances must state brand and serial numbers
  • Passport – copy
  • Hungarian Identity card -“Személyi Kártya” renewed/reissued by local Hungarian Police
  • Tax Card – “Adókártya”
  • Residence Card – “Lakcímkártya” issued by local Town Hall confirming customer’s address
  • Authorization Letter – allowing Destination Agent to clear shipment
  • Statement from Hungarian Consulate or Embassy abroad attesting to customer’s stay abroad for over one year
  • Statement of Customer – declaring no goods have been sent in the prior six months and that goods have been used, and in their possession for at least six months
  • Itemized Inventory – including values of items (in HUF), dated and signed in Hungarian.
  • All electronics and appliances must state brand & serial numbers.
  • Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for foreigners with a valid Hungarian Residence Permit.
  • All required documents must be in Hungarian including transport documents and must be submitted to Customs one day prior to clearance.
  • Wine and spirits
    • Customers may import: one litre of alcohol, one litre of wine, five litres of beer
  • Tobacco
    • Duty-free import in any combination, 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos (max three grams each) 50 cigars or 250 grams of loose tobacco amounts exceeding these limits incur duties
  • Tea, coffee, cocoa and all kinds of spices except for paprika powder
  • Perfume
  • Electronics
  • Sports gear is limited to: two pairs of skis, two tennis rackets, one bike, one tent with accessories
  • Please consult your service agent for complete list with restrictions of dutiable goods
  • Weapons and explosives
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Pornographic or obscene material
  • Radio transmitters
  • Vehicles less than four years old can be imported duty-free if equipped with a catalyzer on a temporary basis – as long as the customer’s Hungarian Residence Permit is valid.
  • After vehicle clears Customs the owner is issued a Hungarian Registration number and the car can be driven in all the states in Europe
  • Invoice or value-declaration signed by customer
  • Copy of Passport, work permit and residence permit
  • Original registration papers
  • Liability insurance (not offered by insurance companies for U.S. made cars)
  • Hungarian Power of Attorney (original with two witnesses signatures)
  • Bank guarantee
  • Copy of driver’s license
  • Valid Veterinary Certificate from origin country is required

Moving to Hungary, helpful relocation information

Moving to Hungary from the USA requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s what you need to know:

Visa Requirements

Language Requirements

While Hungarian is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in areas like business and tourism.

Climate

Hungary has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

Expat Community

There are several expat communities in Hungary, including in Budapest, which can provide helpful resources and support.

Let us discuss these in a few more detail in the following sections.

Visa & residency permits for moving to Hungary from the USA

When you are moving to Hungary from the USA you will have several visa options to select from as per your purpose of entering this European country. Hungary offers –

  • Work visa
  • Study visa
  • Family reunification visa
  • Tourist visa

Work Visa

Hungary offers different types of work visas. Some of these include the following –

  • An employment visa
  • Private business visa
  • Seasonal work visa
  • Professional workers visa

No matter which work visa you are obtaining, once to a work visa you will also need to obtain the following important documents once you enter Hungary on a work visa. Take note –

  • Residence permit.
  • Social Insurance Identification Number, which is called TAJ – szám. This you have to obtain from the National Health Insurance Fund Administration.
  • Obtain a tax identification number from the tax authority

Study Visa

To pursue studies in Hungary, securing a student visa is imperative. An indispensable condition for acquiring a student visa in Hungary is gaining acceptance into a Hungarian university before initiating the application process. With a student visa, one is permitted to stay in Hungary throughout the duration of their educational program.

Once the student visa is secured, individuals enrolled in higher education institutions in Hungary become eligible for a residence permit. Possessing a residence permit allows them to apply for either a national or interim permanent residence permit over time.

Upon arrival in the country with a student visa, it is mandatory to register at the regional directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality within a span of 93 days.

Family Reunification Visa

This is the family visa that lets you help in your family reunification purpose in Hungary. There are certain eligibility criteria. Note the following –

  • Spouse of a Hungarian citizen or an individual from another country.
  • An adopted or fostered (minor) child of someone from another country, along with their spouse.
  • An adopted or fostered (minor) child of a person from another country with parental custody, where the well-being of the children depends on that individual.
  • An adopted or fostered (minor) child of the spouse of a person from another country who has parental custody, and the children rely on them.
  • An individual exercising parental authority over a minor and residing at the same address as the child.

Top reasons to move to Hungary from the USA

Hungary is one stunning European country with rich cultural and historical heritages. There are several perks for moving to Hungary from the USA. Let us mention a few –

Cost of living

Hungary has a lower cost of living compared to the USA, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money.

Rich culture

Hungary has a rich history and vibrant culture, with opportunities to explore its architecture, art, music, and food.

Healthcare

Hungarian healthcare is affordable and of high quality, with English-speaking doctors available in many cities.

Skyrocketing job opportunities

There are a large number of job openings in Hungary, particularly in sectors like IT and finance.

Favorable climate

Hungary has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination to move to.

Top place to live in Hungary

Hungary has several places where you can choose to live as per your convenience and budget. Here is a list of the top 3 locations for expats to choose housing in Hungary –

Budapest

The capital of Hungary and one of the largest cities in Central Europe. It is a popular destination for American expats due to its thriving expat community, affordable housing, and low cost of living.

Lake Balaton

The largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and a popular vacation spot for locals and expats alike. It offers a relaxed and scenic lifestyle.

Gyan

A small city in south-western Hungary near the Austrian border. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, good weather, and affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for American expats.