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If you want to move to Hungary and get your administration in order, there are a number of important steps you must follow. Below you will find an overview of the administrative tasks you need to arrange to live legally and comfortably in Hungary.
Registration of your stay – EU citizens (such as Dutch and Belgians) may stay in Hungary for up to 90 days without further registration. If you want to stay longer, you must register.
Address registration: You must apply for a "Lakcímkártya" (address card) at the local immigration office (Bevándorlási Hivatal). For this, you need a rental agreement or proof of ownership.
Applying for a tax number ("Adószám") – To work or open a bank account, you need a tax number. You apply for this at the Hungarian tax authority (NAV). You will need a passport or ID card, and sometimes an address card (Lakcímkártya).
Social insurance ("TAJ") – To access the Hungarian healthcare system, you must apply for a TAJ number (health insurance number). This can be done through your employer if you are employed, or independently at the Hungarian social security office (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő). If you have private insurance, you do not need to arrange this.
Opening a bank account – For daily payments and tax matters in Hungary, you need a local bank account. Popular banks include OTP Bank, K&H Bank, and Raiffeisen Bank. Requirements: passport/ID, address card (Lakcímkártya), and sometimes your tax number (Adószám).
Working in Hungary – As an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit. Your employer will register you with the Hungarian authorities and withhold your tax and social security contributions. If you want to become self-employed, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce (Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara).
Driver's license and vehicles – Your EU driver's license is valid in Hungary. If you live in Hungary permanently, you can convert your license into a Hungarian driver's license at the local transport authority (Kormányablak). To import a vehicle, you must register it and apply for a Hungarian license plate.
Taxes and registration as a resident – Once you live in Hungary, you become subject to taxation. This means you pay income tax on your worldwide income. If you live in Hungary for more than 183 days a year, you are considered a tax resident.
Language and official documents – Most official institutions operate in Hungarian. It can be helpful to bring an interpreter or translator if you do not speak the language. Some documents, such as your birth certificate or marriage certificate, must be officially translated into Hungarian.
Health insurance – You can choose public health insurance via the TAJ system, or you can take out private insurance through an international provider such as Allianz or Cigna.
Help and support – Do you need help with a specific step, such as drafting a purchase agreement, a will, applying for the Lakcímkártya, or setting up a bank account? I can guide you or provide more details! You can also come to our office.