Hungary ranks low in expat friendliness: how can it become more welcoming?
In recent years, Hungary has increasingly found itself in the spotlight when it comes to welcoming foreigners and helping them integrate. According to the 2024 Expat Insider survey by InterNations, Hungary ranks 44th in the ‘Ease of Settling In’ index, which measures how easily expatriates feel at home in a given country. This position is not surprising, as nine European countries are among the bottom ten on the list, including Hungary.
Expats report difficulties in Hungary
The survey assesses three main categories: ease of making friends, adapting to local culture, and the overall sense of being welcomed. In Hungary, expatriates often report difficulties in forming friendships with locals and adjusting to the culture. This trend is not unique to Hungary—similar experiences have been noted in other European countries, such as Germany, Norway, and Finland, according to InterNations.
In contrast, Central and South American countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil, perform exceptionally well in this area. Expats in these nations find it relatively easy to integrate, with locals generally being warm and welcoming. Costa Rica, for example, ranks first on the index, with 90% of expatriates considering locals friendly and 83% feeling at home.
Locals in Hungary are reserved, hard to make deep connections with
While some countries ranked even lower than Hungary, expats still face significant challenges living there. Many report that locals tend to be reserved, making it difficult to form deeper connections and that the Hungarian language presents a formidable barrier. Nevertheless, Budapest’s expatriate community continues to grow, with many foreigners finding social circles within international groups. The city’s vibrant nightlife, rich cultural scene, and relatively affordable cost of living attract many expats. However, fostering friendships remains a major challenge for those planning to settle in Hungary long-term.
How can Hungary become more welcoming?
Improving Hungary’s ranking on this index will require efforts to create a more inclusive environment and make integration easier for expats. Several measures could be introduced, including language courses, cultural programs, and community events designed to foster social connections. Language barriers often prevent foreigners from fully immersing themselves in Hungarian society, making the expansion of language education and support systems crucial.
While Hungary currently does not rank among the top destinations for expatriate friendliness, there is room for improvement.
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