Let me just say this straight out: if I had a forint for every time someone asked me whether they could retire in Hungary, I’d have enough to buy a Balaton villa and still have change for a few bottles of Olaszrizling. Andrew and I have spent more time on the phone with the UK pension office this year than I have with some family members – and I like my family. But here’s the thing: the question isn’t just “Can I retire in Hungary?” It’s “Can I retire in Hungary without losing my mind (or my pension) in the paperwork?” So if you’re dreaming of finishing your days in a thermal bath rather than an overpriced city flat, you’re not alone – and you’re in the right place.

As of 28 July 2025: Most non-EU retirees cannot legally retire in Hungary with just a pension – the main exception is investing through the Golden Visa Guest Investor Program (GIP). EU/EEA citizens can still settle without a dedicated retirement visa.

Quick Answers (2025)

Q: Can I retire in Hungary with only a pension in 2025?
A: For most non-EU citizens, no. Hungary no longer offers a standard retirement or financially independent residency permit for pensioners. The main exception is investing via the Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa). EU/EEA citizens may settle as before, but without a retirement-specific visa.

Q: What is the Golden Visa and who qualifies?
A: The Golden Visa (Guest Investor Program, GIP) permits residency for non-EU nationals who invest a minimum €250,000 in qualified real estate funds registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) or make a large public trust donation. This is the best practical route for retirees without EU citizenship.

Q: Is the cost of living still attractive for retirees?
A: Yes – costs remain 40–50% lower than Western Europe, with single-person expenses (excluding rent) at €640–€860/month. Private healthcare is popular with expats.

Q: Are changes expected?
A: Ongoing discussions in 2025 may lead to new retiree-friendly permits, but no new laws are yet in effect.

Can You Actually Retire in Hungary in 2025?

• Non-EU/EEA Pensioners:
  Retiring in Hungary in 2025 purely on pension income is not permitted for third-country nationals. The only practical exception is for those investing via the Golden Visa (Guest Investor Program).

• EU/EEA Citizens:
  You can move and register residency in Hungary under existing EU free movement rules – no investment or pension test required. However, there’s no dedicated “retirement visa,” just standard registration for legal stay.

• No Retirement Visa:
  Hungary discontinued the previous permit for “financially independent retirees” following reforms in 2024. If you cannot invest via GIP and lack EU citizenship, legal long-term residence as a pensioner is not currently possible.

Budapest’s Parliament and Danube at sunset, a popular retirement city.

How the Golden Visa Works (2025 Update)

• Minimum Investment Required:
  €250,000 in government-approved real estate funds or a large trust donation.

• Residency Rights:
  10-year renewable permit for you and immediate family.

• Legal Pathway:
  Investment grants legal residency, not citizenship; further requirements apply for permanent residency later.

• Admin:
  All documents in Hungarian; using an expert advisor is strongly recommended.

Find official details on the Hungarian Immigration Authority portal.

Cost of Living & Healthcare: Real Numbers for 2025

• Groceries, transport, and utilities remain affordable by Western standards.

• Healthcare: Legal residents can access Hungary’s public health system. Private clinics (with English-speaking staff) are preferred by most expats for faster access and higher comfort.

• For live cost comparisons, see Numbeo’s Hungary breakdown: (Numbeo – Cost of Living in Hungary)

Best Places for Retirees (If You Qualify)

• Budapest: Cosmopolitan, cultural, top medical care, most English spoken.

• Lake Balaton Region (e.g., Keszthely): Picturesque, peaceful, expat communities.

• Cities like Pécs, Szeged, Sopron, Győr: Cultural perks and slower pace.

  See my guide to: Waterfront Holiday Homes in Hungary

Key 2025 Residency Takeaways

• For most non-EU pensioners, Hungary is only an option if you can invest via the Golden Visa.

• EU/EEA nationals can stay with residence registration, not a retirement scheme.

• No generic pensioner or “passive income” permits are available; previous options are now closed.

• Monitor official Hungarian government channels for pending “tax-benefit” retiree permits, which are not yet enacted as law.

Expert Insight: What’s Life Like Day to Day?

• Weather: Pleasant four seasons. Think long sunny autumns and proper summers. Just be ready for chilly winters.

• Language: Hungarian is tough; expat life is easier in larger cities and tourist regions. Especially in the west of the country where German is surprisingly common. Thank the Austrians, holiday homeowners, and multilingual waiters for that.

• Bureaucracy: Expect paperwork in Hungarian; patience, a good fixer, and my HOW TO HUNGARY guide to help you stay (mostly) sane.

“Speaking as someone who’s lived here long-term and regularly advises others, I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay up to date on immigration rules and verify the requirements before making any retirement plans in Hungary.” Anikó Woods

Retire in Hungary without sacrificing style. This contemporary Budapest apartment offers all the comfort of modern living.

Retire Smart, Not Sorry

Retiring in Hungary can be a dream – but only if you get the details right. I’ve seen too many people caught out by hidden rules, outdated blog posts, or well-meaning but totally wrong Facebook advice. My expert reviewed HOW TO HUNGARY ebook walks you through everything from healthcare access to tax implications, property rules to pension quirks, with practical steps and trusted contacts. It’s like having a personal adviser in your pocket – without the €150/hour price tag. Use code SUMMER15 for 15% off and save yourself the kind of costly mistakes that turn dream retirements into bureaucratic nightmares.

Is retiring in Hungary right for you in 2025? For most, only if you’re an EU/EEA citizen or investor. Watch this space for future policy updates, and always verify with the Hungarian government’s official resources before taking the plunge.

Note: Individuals who have been legal residents in the EU since before Brexit – even if not EU citizens or Hungarian residents -generally retain the same rights to reside in Hungary as EU citizens when retiring, thanks to transitional arrangements under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Anikó Woods

Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches – fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.