Living in Hungary

Visas

Residency and residencyvisas

CheckYou may want to check the entry requirements for Hungary.

You must carry ID at all times – a copy of your passport won’t be accepted.

If you’re staying more than 3 months, you must register at your local Nationalimmigration Directorateregistry General for Aliens Policingoffice (Országos Idegenrendésztei Főigazgatóság)..

You should receive your registration certificate on the spot; your address card will be delivered through the post.

If you move to a different town in Hungary, you must register your address again at the local registry office (Kormányablak).

Visas

Residency and residencyvisas after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, the Hungarian government is committed to protecting the current rights of UK nationals legally resident in Hungary from 31 December 2020.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the Hungarian government has committed to protecting the current rights of UK nationals legally resident in Hungary from the day the UK leaves the EU. ForYou information,can read find more information on the Hungarian government’s dedicated website.

In order to be eligible to stay in Hungary on the same terms after Brexit,the UK leaves the EU, the Hungarian government requiresadvises that UK nationals to register with the local NationalImmigration Directorateand GeneralAsylum for Aliens PolicingOffice (Országos Idegenrendésztei Főigazgatóság) by the day the UK leaves the EU, if they have not already done so.

If you arrive in Hungary after Brexit,the UK leaves the EU, third country national rules will apply. You will be able to either apply either for a National Residence Permitor for an EC Residence Permit. Please check the applicable rules on the website of the NationalImmigration Directorateand GeneralAsylum forOffice’s Aliens Policingwebsite.

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See our travel advice for Hungary and sign up for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Passports and travel after Brexit

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If change.the CheckUK yourleaves passportthe isEU validwith for travel before you book your trip. You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

If there is a deal, nothing will change until the end of 2020. DuringIn this time you can continue to travel freely in the Schengen area with your UK passport. What happens after 2020 will form part of the next phase part of negotiations.

If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, younew musttravel rules will apply. You should have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

You should check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You’ll need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, UK nationals will not need visas for short stays elsewhere in the EU. You will be able to stay up to 90 days in another EU, EEA or EFTA country, within a 180 day period. You mustshould retain evidence of travel (e.g. train and plane tickets), in case these are requested by national authorities. If you hold a residence permit from an EU, EEA or EFTA country, you will be able to transit through other EU, EEA or EFTA countriescountry to reach your country of residence. We will update this guidance as more information becomes available.

Healthcare

You mustneed beto make sure you are correctly registered for healthcare as a resident in Hungary, and if necessary, healthcare insurance.

Read You can read the NHS guidance on who is able to access healthcare in Hungary and how to register.

If you are employed in Hungary, state health insurance is normally arranged through your employer – they should apply for your National Insurance number. Insurance contributions will be deducted from your wages. If you’re self-employed, you can arrange to make voluntary contributions through the National Tax and Customs Administration Office.

If you’re seconded to Hungary by your company, there are special rules regarding health insuranceinsurance. – you should contact your company’s HR department.

If you are resident in Hungary, you should not usebe using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the UK to access healthcare in Hungary.

When

• you travelmay fromuse Hungaryan forEHIC to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-provided healthcare in that country. During that short stay:
  Switzerland
  • the EHIC covers treatment that is medically necessary until your planned return home
  • an EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance
  • for more information you can read our travel advice pages and advice on foreign travel insurance

  If you live in Hungary and receive an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit, you may currently be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an S1 certificate.

  IfYou youcan are a student, read the NHSNHS’s guidance on healthcare and studying abroad.

  You can find an English-speaking doctor in Hungary.

  You should also Checkcheck your prescriptions are legal in Hungary..

  Healthcare afterwhen Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, your current rights of access to healthcare in Hungary will remain the same until the31 endDecember of2020, the implementation period, as long as you remain a resident in Hungary.

  If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, your access to healthcare may change. If you are a permanent or temporary resident,resident you mustshould review the status of your healthcare cover.

  The UK has proposed maintaining current healthcare cooperation with Hungary for S1 form holders until the end of December 2020. If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, and there is no arrangement with Hungary to continue reciprocal healthcare, those receiving coverage through the S1 form will not be covered in the same way.covered.

  However,You theshould Hungariantake governmentaction hasnow committed to protectingconfirm theyour currentresidency rightsstatus ofand UKdecide nationalswhat legallysteps residentyou inneed Hungaryto fromtake the day the UK leaves the EU. Find more information on the Hungarian government’s dedicated website.

  In order to beensure eligibleaccess to stayhealthcare inif Hungary on the same terms after Brexit, the Hungarian government advises that UK nationals register with the local National Directorate General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendésztei Főigazgatóság) by the day the UK leaves the EU,EU ifwithout youa have not already done so.

  You must confirm your residency status and decide how you will ensure access to healthcare if there’s no deal. UK nationals will be able to return to the UK for treatment.

  Your EHIC may not be valid ifin there’sthe noevent the UK leaves the EU without a deal. The UK has offered to maintain the EHIC scheme ifshould there’sthe noUK leave the EU without a deal, however this is reliant on Hungary continuing to accept UK EHICs.

  ReadYou should read the NHS guidance on healthcare for UK nationals in Hungary,Hungary, and how this may change once the UK leaves the EU.

  Working in Hungary

  Read our guidance on working in another EU country.

  You may need to apply for a UK police certificate.

  Working in Hungary after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, your right to work will stay the same until the end of the implementation period.

  If there’sthe noUK dealleaves andthe EU without a deal, if you were legally resident in Hungary on the day the UK leaves the EU, you will continue to have the right to work in Hungary without a work permit. If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, UK nationals movingplanning to move to Hungary after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU will need to have work permits to have access to the labour market. For more information on employment please see the Hungarian government website.

  ReadIf the guidance on providing services after Brexit, if you’re planning to start a business, provide a service, or do a job in a regulated profession after Brexit.the UK leaves the EU, further guidance can be found here.

  Money and tax

  The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Hungary to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

  ReadYou should read the guidance on:

  • tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
  • tax on your UK income if you live abroad
  • paying income tax in Hungary

  In order to pay income tax in Hungary you need to get an income tax card (Adóigazolvány) with your tax number (Adóazonosító) from your local National Tax and Customs office.

  YouWe shouldrecommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Hungary. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Hungary.

  Declaration of assets

  All residents must declare assets outside Hungary, including bank accounts, securities, rights, insurance, annuities and property. The declaration is separate to the annual tax return, and there are severe penalties and criminal charges for non-compliance.

  National Insurance

  FindYou outmay ifbe youable canto pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

  Money and tax after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, it may become more expensive to use your UK bank card in Hungary. Read more about using a bank card, insurance or other financial service in the EU..

  BrexitThe UK leaving the EU will not change existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Hungary. SendYou yourshould direct individual taxpayer questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.

  Pensions

  You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

  If you retire to Hungary you can claim:

  • your UK State Pension and or new UK State Pension
  • contact the International Pension Centre to claim
  • your Hungarian pension, if you have worked in Hungary
  • pensions from working abroad, if you’ve worked in other EU countries

  Life certificates for UK State Pensions

  If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible.possible Your– your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

  Pensions after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  The UK government will uprate your UK state pension for the fiscal year 2019/2020 in any scenario.

  The UK government will continue to pay a State PensionPension, child benefits and disability benefits to those eligible in the EU after Brexit.the YourUK’s UKexit Statefrom Pensionthe willEU. beIf upratedthe inUK Aprilleaves 2020,the 2021EU andwithout 2022a ifdeal, you livecan inread the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

  Read our guidance on benefits and pensions ifin there’sa no deal scenario.

  If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal and you work and pay social security contributions in Hungary, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Hungarian pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after the end of the implementation period.

  Benefits

  You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Hungary. You should:

  • read our guidance on claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad
  • use our tool to check which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them

  ManyIf you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.you.

  You may be eligible to claim some Hungarian social security benefits – see Hungarian social security benefits.

  You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.

  Under existing Hungarian legislation,legislation Hungarian citizens (including those who have repatriated to Hungary and persons holding dual nationality) as well as citizens of other EU Member States over the age of 65 years can travel free of charge on public transport services in Hungary, including BKV in Budapest.

  Benefits after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  The UK government will continue to pay the UK state pension, child benefits and disability benefits to eligible UK nationals after Brexit.the UK leaves the EU.

  If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal and you work and pay social security contributions in Hungary, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Hungarian contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after the end of the implementation period.

  The Hungarian government has published information about entitlement to benefits for UK nationals after Brexit.the UK leaves the EU. Most importantly, UK nationals legally resident in Hungary on the date of withdrawal will remain entitled to social and child protection benefits.

  ReadIf the UK leaves the EU without a deal, you can read our guidance on benefits and pensions ifin there’sa no deal scenario.

  Driving in Hungary

  If you are a resident in Hungary, you mustshould exchange your UK licence for a Hungarian driving licence before the UK leaves the EU, as your UK licence may no longer be valid after the UK leaves the EU. You can still use your Hungarian licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.

  ReadFor information on driving in Hungary, read the guidance on:

  • driving licence renewal and exchange
  • what you need to drive abroad
  • driving rules in Hungary

  When driving, you should always have:

  • your driving licence
  • your car papers
  • your insurance paper
  • your MOT certificate
  • your passport or ID and those of your passengers
  • a high-visibility jacket
  • a red warning triangle
  • first aid kit

  Holders of UK driving licences who are resident in Hungary may use their UK licence for a period of one year from the date their residence in Hungary began. After one year, they should exchange their UK licence for a local driving licence. There is no requirement to retake any exams during this process, both for EU and non-EU citizens.

  Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Hungary

  Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

  ReadYou should read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in Hungary. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.

  Driving after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  If therethe isUK leaves the EU with a deal, driving licence rules will stay the same during the implementation period. Please read our guidance on driving in the EU after the UK leaves the EU.

  If there’sthe noUK leaves the EU without a deal, the process for renewal and exchange of driving licences outlined above will remain in place. For more information please see the Hungarian government driving licence webpage.

  Read our guidance on driving in the EU after Brexit.

  Voting

  You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

  • check if you are able to vote
  • register as an overseas voter if you would like to vote

  If you’re resident in Hungary, you can vote in local municipal and European Parliamentary Elections.

  Voting after Brexitthe UK leaves the EU

  AfterOnce Brexit,the UK leaves the EU, UK nationals resident in Hungary will continue to be able to vote in local elections. You will no longer be eligible to vote in European Parliament elections.

  Births, deaths and getting married

  If your child is born in Hungary, you will need to register a birth abroad.

  If someone dies in Hungary:Hungary you can:

  • read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
  • read bereavement information for Hungary
  • find English-speaking funeral directors in Hungary

  Find out how you can get married abroad.

  Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Hungary.

  Accommodation and buying property

  See buying a property abroad.

  Pets

  YouWhen the UK leaves the EU, you will still be able to travel to and from the UK with a cat, dog or ferret when the UK leaves the EU, but the rules will change. ReadYou can read guidance on pet travel to Europe after Brexit.

  While the UK is still a Member State you’ll be able to travel with your pet to the EU under the current pet travel rules using your current EU pet passport.

  If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time youyou’ll musthave to visit your vet to get a pet passport.

  Read guidance on returning your cat, dog or ferret to the UK.

  For moving pet horses and other equines read guidance on export horses and ponies: special rules.

  Emergencies

  As well as the European emergency number 112, Hungary also has:

  • 104 – ambulance and emergency medical services
  • 105 – fire-brigade, rescue services, civil protection
  • 107 – police

  See Hungary – emergency numbers.

  If you need urgent help, contact the British Embassy Budapest.

  Other useful information

  • English-speaking lawyers in Hungary
  • English-speaking translators and interpreters in Hungary
  • notary services in Hungary
  • see moving or retiring abroad

  Returning to the UK

  ReadYou should read our guidance on:

  • accessreturning to benefitslive andin servicesthe UK
  • returning to live in the UK ifin there’sthe nocase dealof no-deal
  • bringing your family to the UK
  • access to higher education, 19+ further education and apprenticeship funding
  • importing vehicles back to the UK
  • bringing your pet back to the UK
  • checking your tax status after returning to the UK

  You should tell the UK and Hungarian authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.

  Before you leave the country, you must return your registration certificate to your local immigration office and your address card (lakcímkártya) to any Kormányablak.

  To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.

  If you get healthcare in Hungary through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

  Disclaimer

  Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Hungarian authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.