Surprising number of foreigners now live in Hungary: Most Asian nationals ever recorded
Hungary is seeing a steady rise in foreign residents, with recent statistics revealing that more than 255,000 foreigners currently live in the country. Notably, nearly 100,000 of them are of Asian origin: a dramatic increase over the last decade.
Foreigners make up nearly 3% of Hungary’s population
According to Hungary’s Central Statistical Office (KSH), as of 1 January 2025, a total of 255,443 foreign citizens reside in the country, representing 2.7% of the population. The number has been steadily growing over the past ten years, with the only notable decline recorded during the COVID-hit year of 2021.
According to Növekedés.hu, one of the most striking trends is the growing proportion of Asian nationals. In 2013, only 23% of foreign residents came from Asia, but that share has now jumped to 39%, amounting to nearly 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the proportion of foreigners from neighbouring countries dropped from 36% in 2015 to just 25% this year.
KSH data also shows that 5% of Hungary’s foreign population is from Africa and 3% from the Americas. European citizens, while still the majority, now represent only 53% of all foreign nationals, down from 69% a decade ago.
Why are more Asians moving to Hungary?
Experts attribute this trend to several factors. Péter Klemensits, senior research fellow at the Eurasia Centre, told Növekedés.hu that the integration of Filipinos is often smoother due to cultural and religious similarities: most come from a predominantly Roman Catholic background.
For Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, long-established communities in Hungary make relocation and adaptation easier. Many of them already have contacts or extended family living in the country, which helps newcomers adjust to their new environment.
While many initially come for work or better economic opportunities, Klemensits noted that Filipinos often plan to stay long-term. Those with families are particularly likely to remain in Hungary, using their earnings to support their children’s future.
Migration patterns of Hungarians: Austria still the top destination
Meanwhile, the migration of Hungarian citizens continues. In 2024, approximately 41,300 Hungarians left the country, while 28,900 returned home. The majority of those leaving, 55%, moved to Austria, followed by 19% to Germany. Migration to Switzerland and the Netherlands has stabilised, while the number of Hungarians relocating to the UK continues to decline.
After a dip during the late 2010s, outward migration has been on the rise again since 2021. Read our report on why Hungarians leave the country HERE!
Internal migration also on the rise
Movement within Hungary is also increasing. In 2024, 243,000 people changed their permanent residence and 285,000 their temporary one: an almost 5% rise compared to the previous year.
The most popular destinations for internal migrants were Pest and Győr-Moson-Sopron counties, which recorded the highest migration gains. On the flip side, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén counties experienced the greatest population losses due to domestic migration.
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