Working in Hungary, what are your options?

Why Live and Work in Hungary

Living and working in Hungary can appeal to those looking for an affordable lifestyle, rich culture, beautiful architecture, nature, and a warm climate. If you're an Indian national dreaming of living and working in Hungary, it's essential to understand the necessary steps to take. This article provides information on living and working in Hungary, including job opportunities, job search strategies, and other important details to consider before moving.

Unearthing Opportunities: Your Guide to Working in Hungary

Since joining the EU in 2004, Hungary has attracted many international companies, significantly boosting employment opportunities. Its beautiful capital city, Budapest, is an elegant and romantic hub with a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, making it a prime location for finding work. Other appealing cities include Szeged, Pécs, and Debrecen, while inland areas boast picturesque villages, mountains, rivers, and lakes, with Lake Balaton being the most famous. Additionally, the low cost of living and friendly people make Hungary an attractive destination for Western European emigrants.

Understanding the Hungarian Job Market

Hungary boasts a diverse job market, ranging from multinational corporations to thriving startups. The IT sector, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare are among the key industries offering promising prospects for both locals and expatriates.

Navigating Legalities: Work Permits and Visas

Before embarking on your professional journey in Hungary, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements. Securing the appropriate work permit and visa is imperative. The process may vary depending on your nationality and the nature of your employment.

Embracing Cultural Nuances in the Workplace

Adapting to the work culture in Hungary is pivotal for a successful career. Hungarians value punctuality, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Building strong interpersonal relationships is highly regarded, and proficiency in the Hungarian language can be a significant asset.

Employment Options for Expatriates

As an expatriate, you have various options for employment. You may choose to work for a multinational company, teach English as a foreign language, or even explore opportunities in the thriving tourism sector.

you most likely to find a job in Hungary

Hungary offers employment opportunities in various sectors due to its size. The promising sectors in Hungary include the agriculture and food industry, healthcare, transport and logistics, IT, and engineering. However, the corona crisis has affected the car industry and tourism, previously promising sectors until 2020.

The working culture in Hungary: The working culture in Hungary differs from that of other foreign countries. Although the working hours and number of vacation days are similar, the atmosphere is more formal with a hierarchical structure. Communication is less direct, and Hungarians tend to follow fixed processes and instructions from their superiors. It's essential to keep these dissimilarities in mind when working in Hungary.

Salaries and cost of living: The salary in Hungary is not high, with the minimum being €495 per month and the average around €635 per month. The currency used in Hungary is the Forint, with one Euro worth approximately 368 Forints. However, the expense of living in Hungary is also lower, with restaurant meals starting at €5, and supermarket prices may be lower than in other countries abroad.

Which preparations must be made in order to live and work in Hungary

There are a few things you should remember:

Work and residence permit: If you stay over 90 days, you must apply for a registration and residence card from the Hungarian Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Contact the Hungarian embassy for the latest information.

Open a bank account: Opening a bank account in Hungary is possible with a registration card. Popular banks include OTP Bank, K&H Bank, Erste, and CIB Bank, and though there are associated costs, they are generally low.

Learn the language: In Budapest, most young people speak English well, but learning Hungarian helps them communicate with older people in remote areas. Speaking the language will help you connect with people and feel more at home.

Find a home: If you're uncertain about the duration of your stay, consider renting first. It's advisable to seek assistance from a trustworthy English-speaking real estate agent for buying or renting a property.

Applying for a position in Hungary

Two choices are available for applying for a job in Hungary: searching online for job vacancies and applying online, or moving to Hungary and personally searching for a job. However, the latter option is only recommended if you have sufficient savings to finance your living expenses until you secure employment. The job application process is similar to that in other foreign countries, so a current CV, a well-written cover letter, and professional attire are necessary.

Also, building a network can be beneficial when seeking employment in Hungary. You can connect with people in your industry online through LinkedIn or Facebook or attend networking events to meet them in person. 

Living and working in Hungary can be an exciting opportunity part-time for Indian students. Hungary is known for its affordable cost of living, quality education, and vibrant culture. Indian students can pursue higher education in Hungary and enjoy a unique study experience while exploring the country's beautiful landscapes, architecture, and historical landmarks.