Original document : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-hungary
Change description : 2020-11-10 08:57:00: Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers. [Brexit]
Showing diff : 2020-09-07 14:03:14 +00:00..2020-11-11 08:42:14 +00:00
Official information for UK nationals moving to or living in Hungary, including guidance on residency, healthcare, driving and the Withdrawal Agreement.
You should follow the advice of the Hungarian Government and your local authority. You can also read our Hungary travel advice for our latest guidance.
You should:
The British Embassy regularly holds events across Hungary for UK nationals. Attend one of our citizen outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Hungary.
You can also:
The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.
If you are resident in Hungary at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Hungary.
Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations. Read this guidance page for more information
In the meantime, make sure you are registered as a resident in Hungary. We will update this guidance as soon as more information becomes available.
You should also read our guidance on living in Europe.
Check the entry requirements for Hungary.
You must carry your ID or passport at all times – a copy of your ID or passport won’t be accepted.
If you are resident in Hungary before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, you will be able to stay. The Hungarian government is committed to protecting the current rights of UK nationals legally resident in Hungary from 31 December 2020.
If you’re staying more than 3 months, you must register at your local National Directorate General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendészeti 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).
For more information read the Hungarian government’s guidance for UK nationals living in Hungary.
If there are changes to residency registration processes, we will update this guidance as soon as information is available.
The rules on travel will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to travel to countries in the Schengen area or elsewhere in the EU with your UK passport.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
You can Applyapply for or renew your British passport online from Hungary.Hungary .
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.
From Your1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport shouldto betravel validto formost thecountries proposedin durationEurope (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Hungary, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you renewed your stay.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’llYou will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
WeAs a non-EEA national, different border checks will updateapply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped for visits to these pagescountries.
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To upstay for updateslonger, to thiswork guidance.or study, or for business travel, you will need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travelling. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.
Periods of stay authorised under a visa or permit will not count against the 90-day limit. Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.
Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.
Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
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.
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.
Read the guidance on:
When driving, you should always have:
Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.
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.
If you are living in Hungary or move there permanently before 31 December 2020, you’llyou will have life-long healthcare rights in Hungary as you do now, provided you remain legally resident.
You must be registered for healthcare as a resident in Hungary, and if necessary, healthcare insurance.
If you are employed in Hungary, state health insurance is normally arranged through your employer. Insurance contributions will be deducted from your wages. If you’re self-employed, you can arrange to make voluntary contributions (in Hungarian) through the National Tax and Customs Administration Office.
If you’re seconded to Hungary by your company, there are special rules regarding health insurance. You should contact your company’s HR department.
The Hungarian government has committed to protecting the current rights of UK nationals. Find more information on the Hungarian government’s dedicated website.website.
Read our guidance on whohealthcare isin ableHungary and make sure you’re correctly registered.
If your UK employer has sent you to Hungary temporarily, your access to healthcare inis Hungarydifferent. andFind out how to register.access healthcare as a posted worker.
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Read our guidance on howusing to get an S1 form.form in Hungary to ensure you’re correctly registered for healthcare.
If you are resident in Hungary, you must not use your UK-issued EHIC fromfor the UK to access healthcare in Hungary.
When you travel from Hungary for a temporary stay in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, you can use an EHIC to access state-providedstate healthcare infor thatfree country.or Duringat thata shortreduced stay:cost.
If you’re a UK student in Hungary or have a registered S1 you may be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC. coversThis treatmentEHIC thatwill isremain medicallyvalid necessaryfrom until1 yourJanuary planned2021. returnApply home
An EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance
For more information read our travelguidance adviceon pageshealthcare when travelling in Europe and advice on foreign travel insurance
You should also read guidance on:
healthcare and studying abroad
finding an English-speaking doctor in Hungary
Checkingchecking your prescriptions are legal in Hungary
Read our guidance on working in an EU country.
You may need to apply for a UK police certificate.
If you are resident in Hungary on or before 31 December 2020, your right to work will stay the same, as long as you remain resident in Hungary.
If you live in Hungary and commute to work in an EU or EFTA country, from January 2021 you may need a permit to prove that you are a frontier worker.
We will update this guidance when more information is available.
If you are resident in Hungary on or before 31 December 2020, your right to study in Hungary will stay the same, as long as you remain resident in Hungary.
Read the guidance on continuing your studies in the European Union.
If you have already been recognised by an EU country as holding valid professional qualifications, this will remain valid after 31 January 2020.
If you have not had your professional qualifications recognised, you can submit an application under the current rules until 31 December 2020.
Read the Hungarian government’s guidance on how to request recognition of your qualifications.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Hungary to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Hungary have not changed following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Read guidance on:
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.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Hungary. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Hungary.
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.
Find out if you can pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
If you are employed or self-employed in the EU or EEA and you have a UK-issued A1/E101 form, you will remain subject to UK legislation until the end date on the form.
Most people living in Europe should not see any change to their banking after 31 December 2020. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.
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.
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:
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.
If you are living in Hungary by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.
If 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 31 December 2020.
If you are considering moving to Hungary on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
You can continue to receive your UK State Pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
You may still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you live in Hungary.
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 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, 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.
There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.
If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.
If 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 31 December 2020.
If you are considering moving to Hungary on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.
If you are permanent resident in Hungary before the transition period ends on 31 December 2020 you can vote in local municipal elections.
You cannot vote in European Parliament elections.
You may be able to vote in some UK elections.
If your child is born in Hungary, you will need to register a birth abroad.
If someone dies in Hungary:
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Hungary.
Current pet travel rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
If you’re travelling with your pet for the first time you must visit your vet to get a pet passport.
Read guidance on bringing your pet to the UK.
As well as the European emergency number 112, Hungary also has:
See Hungary – emergency numbers.
If you need urgent help, contact the British Embassy Budapest.
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.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Hungarian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
Education and professional qualifications information added.
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
EU Exit update: We have added information to 'Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU' section
EU Exit update: New information added into passports and travel, pensions and returning to the UK sections.
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit added to healthcare, visas and residency, driving and money and taxes section
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
Double taxation section updated.
EU Exit update: new outreach events added to EU Exit section.
EU Exit update: added latest information for UK nationals living in Hungary under the visas and residency section.
EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
EU exit update: added in link to information about new outreach events in Hungary
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
Amended April 2017
First published.
2024-10-24 12:45
Information on the introduction of the EU Entry Exit System (EES) has been added.
2024-09-03 12:53
Information added on the EU Entry/Exit System and on buying property.
2022-09-28 14:59
Updated information on travel, visas, and taxation.
2022-04-28 09:41
Clarifying the rules for British citizens on passport stamping.
2022-03-11 08:00
Important information in the Working in Hungary, and National insurance sections if you work in Hungary, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
2022-01-13 12:01
Updated information in the Studying and Benefits sections about travel discounts.
2022-01-01 07:00
Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
2021-03-03 10:41
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
2021-01-28 08:47
Visas and residency section updated with latest information on registration
2020-11-10 08:57
Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
2020-09-07 15:00
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
2020-01-23 13:00
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-11-25 10:11
Education and professional qualifications information added.
2019-09-23 17:34
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 17:55
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-06-04 09:46
EU Exit update: We have added information to 'Passports and travel after the UK leaves the EU' section
2019-04-17 10:39
EU Exit update: New information added into passports and travel, pensions and returning to the UK sections.
2019-04-09 13:27
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit added to healthcare, visas and residency, driving and money and taxes section