Moving to the UK from Hungary: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended. New Hungarian arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Budget approximately 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 HUF for visa and IHS.
- •Hungary permits dual citizenship.
- •Hungarian community in the UK numbers approximately 80,000 to 100,000.
Hungary joined the EU in 2004, giving Hungarian citizens the right to live and work in the UK. Brexit changed this. New Hungarian arrivals need a visa since 1 January 2021. This guide covers the current options.
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Visa Routes After Brexit
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Hungarian passport.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests available in Budapest.
- Erkolcsi bizonyitvany. Certificate of good conduct from KEKKH.
- Certified translation. Hungarian documents must be translated into English.
Costs in Hungarian Forint
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 680,000 to 1,400,000 HUF)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 980,000 HUF)
- English test: approximately 80,000 to 100,000 HUF
See our UK visa fees guide.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
The Hungarian Community in the UK
Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 Hungarian-born people live in the UK, concentrated in London, Manchester, and several smaller towns. Hungarian shops, cultural events, and community associations are established in most major cities.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
Path to Settlement
After 5 years, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Hungary permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.