Working in Hungary
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy. Last updated April 2026.
Average Salary
The average gross monthly salary for full-time employees in Hungary is approximately HUF 714,400 (€1,828); this varies widely depending on industry, with higher salaries typically found in sectors such as IT, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and finance. Budapest generally offers the highest salaries in the country, while smaller cities and rural areas tend to have lower average earnings.
Expats working in technical or specialist roles often earn significantly above the national average. Professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, data science, or finance can expect typical monthly salaries ranging from HUF 900,000 to HUF 1,800,000 (approximately €2,303 - €4,605), depending on experience, qualifications, and employer. International companies based in Budapest often offer competitive packages which usually include additional benefits such as relocation support or housing allowances.
General information
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Official language
Hungarian
Conversational languages
English German
Time zone
Winter period: Central European Time (UTC+01:00) Summer period: Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Hungary offers a range of employment and contracting arrangements that accommodate both traditional employees and independent professionals. Employment contracts are typically governed by the Hungarian Labour Code, while contractors and freelancers may operate under different legal structures depending on their business model.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Hungary
Hungary offers a vibrant lifestyle combining historic architecture, rich cultural traditions, and modern urban living. The capital, Budapest, is a major hub for international businesses, tourism, and expat communities. Hungary is relatively homogeneous compared with some Western European countries, but larger cities – especially Budapest – have increasingly diverse international populations due to multinational companies and universities attracting expats and overseas students.
The overall cost of living is generally lower than in Western Europe, although prices have increased in recent years. Budapest is the most expensive place to live, particularly for housing, while cities such as Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs tend to be more affordable.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop is HUF 15,000 – 30,000 (€38 - €75) per person
- Monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property costs HUF 250,000 – 700,000 (€650 - €1,800) depending on location (Budapest and premium areas being at the highest end of the scale)
- Private nurseries and preschools cost roughly HUF 80,000 – 320,000 (€235 - €950) per month
- Fuel prices fluctuate often due to regional and global oil markets. Petrol costs approximately HUF 595 (€1.52) per litre, while diesel costs around HUF 615 (€1.57) per litre
Vehicles in Hungary drive on the right-hand side of the road. EU/EEA driving licences are generally recognised and can be used without conversion. Non-EU residents may need to exchange their licence for a Hungarian one or obtain a local licence after a certain period of residence. The process typically involves registering with the Hungarian transport authority and, in some cases, completing medical checks or driving tests.
Weather in Hungary
Hungary has a temperate continental climate, characterised by warm summers and cold winters. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with relatively dry conditions compared with coastal regions of Europe.
Summers are typically warm to hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, although occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, with average temperatures between -1°C and 4°C. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant, making them particularly popular times for outdoor activities and tourism.
Language and integration support
Hungary provides a range of integration and language-learning opportunities for expats. Universities, cultural institutes, and private language schools offer Hungarian language courses, while community organisations and expat groups in cities such as Budapest often host networking events and language exchanges. Some municipalities and NGOs also provide integration assistance for newcomers – typically orientation sessions and information about living and working in the country.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Hungary
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Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
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Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
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