Moving to Spain from Hungary: Complete 2026 Guide
Hungarian citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. No visa required. Simply register after 90 days and discover the Mediterranean lifestyle that attracts thousands of Europeans each year.
Key Facts for Hungarian Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Hungary allows dual citizenship, but Spain requires renunciation
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Hungarian citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership since Hungary joined in 2004. You can enter Spain with your Hungarian passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.
Why Hungarians Choose Spain
Spain offers Hungarian citizens an attractive alternative with numerous advantages:
- Climate: Trade Hungarys cold continental winters for Spains Mediterranean warmth and 300+ days of sunshine
- Economic Opportunities: Larger economy with diverse job market, especially in tourism, hospitality, and services
- Cost of Living: Comparable to Hungary in many areas, with significantly better weather
- Healthcare: Excellent public healthcare system accessible to EU residents
- Quality of Life: Outdoor Mediterranean lifestyle, beaches, mountains, and world-class cuisine
- Direct Connections: Regular flights between Budapest and major Spanish cities
- Growing Community: Increasing number of Hungarians choosing Spain as their new home
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Hungarian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.
Important dual citizenship consideration: Hungarian law permits dual and multiple citizenship without any restrictions. You can hold both Hungarian citizenship and citizenship of another country without any special conditions or limitations. However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Hungary.
This means that while Hungary has no objection to you holding multiple citizenships, Spain will require renunciation of Hungarian citizenship when naturalizing. Since Hungary does not require renunciation from its side, the practical situation depends on Spanish enforcement. Many Hungarian residents in Spain choose to maintain their Hungarian citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Hungary
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Hungary
Spain maintains diplomatic representation in Hungary:
Emergency contact for Spanish citizens: +36 30 924 8092 (for serious situations only. Accidents, arrests, hospitalizations).
Note: Spains embassy in Budapest is the only Spanish representation in Hungary. Honorary consulates may be available in other major cities like Szeged and Debrecen for basic assistance.
Tax Considerations
Hungary-Spain Tax Framework
Both Hungary and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Hungarian Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type under the tax treaty. Coordination between Hungarian and Spanish authorities required
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Tax Rate Comparison: Hungary has a flat 15% income tax; Spain has progressive rates. Planning is essential.
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax that Hungary does not. Important for high-net-worth individuals
- Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hungarian useful in Spain?
Hungarian has no linguistic connection to Spanish, but many Hungarians speak English which is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning Spanish is highly recommended for integration and will significantly improve your experience and job prospects.
Can I keep my Hungarian citizenship if I become Spanish?
Hungary permits dual citizenship without any restrictions. However, Spain requires renunciation of Hungarian citizenship when naturalizing, as Hungary is not among Spains dual citizenship treaty partners. Most Hungarians in Spain choose to maintain their Hungarian citizenship.
Where do most Hungarians live in Spain?
Hungarian communities can be found in major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as coastal areas popular with expats including the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. The Canary Islands also attract Hungarian residents seeking year-round warmth.
How does healthcare work for EU citizens?
As an EU citizen, you can access Spanish public healthcare if youre working (and contributing to social security), receiving a Spanish pension, or have private health insurance. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency care during visits.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Hungarian citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Hungary and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Hungary as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.