Why are Russian pensioners moving to Hungary?

Retirees and emigration

In the Russian Federation, the proportion of retirees who wish to and have the opportunity to move abroad is significantly lower than the figures observed in European countries. Currently, not every elderly person can easily adapt to a new way of life, including changes in legislation, language barriers, and cultural differences in other countries. However, there has recently been an increase in the number of Russian retirees who plan to purchase or have already become owners of real estate in a country like Hungary.

Buying real estate in Hungary

Many Russian retirees prefer to buy affordable country houses or cozy apartments located near thermal resorts. Some of the appealing factors contributing to this choice include:

• reasonable prices for real estate;
• the rich cultural and historical heritage of Hungary;
• picturesque natural landscapes;
• clean air.

A particularly popular destination is the area around Lake Balaton, known as one of the key resort regions with numerous mineral and thermal springs.

Climate and Nature

The climate in Hungary also makes it attractive for living: winters are mild with minimal snowfall, springs and autumns are long, and the summer months can be truly hot. Additionally, the landscapes of the Hungarian plains sometimes resemble those of Russia, which can also contribute to the comfortable adaptation of Russian retirees.

European retirees in Hungary

In Hungary, there is also a significant number of retirees from other European countries, particularly from Austria and Germany. This is due to the absence of taxes on pension payments here. Additionally, Hungary attracts Russian tourists, some of whom consider buying property after their vacation.

In the real estate segment of the country, a large Russian community has not yet formed; however, the significant presence of German-speaking people requires new owners to have at least a basic knowledge of one of the local languages – German or Hungarian, although sometimes you can encounter Hungarians who speak Russian.

Obtaining a visa and residence permit

New homeowners in Hungary have the opportunity to obtain a type D visa, which allows them to apply for a residence permit. Each application is considered individually. One of the ways that retirees can obtain a residence permit is through medical and wellness programs, for which a referral from Hungarian medical institutions will be required.

Pension transfer

To transfer your Russian pension to Hungary, you need to prepare a written application, which should be submitted to the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation. You will also need a document confirming your permanent residence outside the country. It is important to familiarize yourself with the existing restrictions in advance to avoid potential difficulties when processing all the necessary paperwork. By approaching the process with a clear understanding of all the nuances, retirees can easily arrange their lives in a new country.

Appeal to the Pension Fund of Russia

Before leaving the country, it is strongly recommended to visit the regional office of the Pension Fund of Russia to submit an application for your pension. In this document, you should specify a convenient method for receiving the funds, which may include a transfer to a bank card of any Russian credit institution.

Medical services for pensioners in Hungary

It is important to note that only Hungarian citizens who are retirees have access to free medical services and transportation, while foreign retirees cannot expect such benefits.

A trip to Hungary for exploration.

To better understand the characteristics of the country and choose the most suitable region for future living, you can visit Hungary in advance on a tourist visa and stay in a hotel or guesthouse.

The rental price during the summer months

In the summer months, the cost of renting apartments at Lake Balaton resorts starts at around 30 euros per day, while in Hévíz, prices typically begin at 40 euros.

During your stay here, you will have the opportunity to:

• Evaluate the infrastructure;
• Take a ride on the local public transport.
• Talk to the locals;
• Gather a wealth of useful information.

This will help you better understand whether you really want to move to Hungary and consider the pros and cons of such a step.

Budget for living in Hungary

For a couple to live comfortably in Hungary, you should budget between 800 to 1000 euros per month. This amount will cover basic needs, but if you plan to regularly visit restaurants, theaters, or cinemas, you should account for additional expenses.

Considering the relatively low pension payments in Russia, you will needadditional sources of incomefor living in Hungary.

Residence permit for foreign pensioners

Retirees from countries outside the European Union have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Hungary. If they are not employed, they have a chance to apply for it.medical insurancein local medical institutions. Otherwise, all medical services will be paid. The approximate costs for such health insurance range from 1500 to 2000 euros per year.

Medical care in Hungary

In most European countries, the amount of monthly contributions for healthcare increases with age, as older people are at a higher risk of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Medical insuranceincludes:

• Doctor consultations;
• Examinations;
• Getting recipes;
• Other important services.

If retirees only need supportive or rehabilitative procedures, this insurance can fully meet their needs. However, for dental services or more complex surgeries, separate health insurance may be required.

If you have decided to pay for medical services on your own, you should consider that the prices for medical services and treatment in Hungary are quite competitive. Treatment in public clinics is often cheaper compared to private medical institutions.

Features of health insurance for retirees

An important point is that the process of obtaining health insurance for people over 65 in European Union countries can be quite complicated.

Conclusion

In concluding my thoughts on the migration of Russian retirees to Hungary, I realize that this process is becoming increasingly relevant and in demand. Although not every elderly person is ready for change, the number of those who seek to alter their surroundings is growing. Hungary, with its picturesque nature, cultural heritage, and affordable housing, presents an enticing alternative for those looking for comfort and tranquility in the twilight of their lives.

Reasons for choosing Hungary

Moving to another country is always a difficult decision, and it's important to approach this step thoughtfully. As practice shows, many retirees choose Hungary not only because of its attractive real estate offers but also due to the opportunity to enjoy a warm climate and low taxes on pensions. This certainly becomes a significant factor in favor of choosing this country.

Difficulties of moving

Nevertheless, it is important to consider some challenges. As a foreign retiree, a person needs to plan all aspects of life in advance, including:

• medical expenses;
• insurance;
• language selection.

Communication with locals and integration into a new culture can be crucial for comfortable living abroad. I want to emphasize that learning the basics of the Hungarian language, or at least German, can significantly ease the adaptation process.

Advantages and challenges

In any case, Hungary offers a lot of advantages and challenges. If you're considering moving, I recommend taking a preliminary trip to assess how well this country meets your expectations. Since understanding the place you choose to live is key to successful integration, it's important to consider both personal and financial aspects.

Result

Thus, Hungary can become not just a vacation spot, but also a new home for many Russian retirees who are ready for change. I hope that in the future, the number of such relocations will grow, enriching both the emigrants themselves and the local community. The main thing is the quality of life that we strive to achieve and the ability to enjoy every moment of our lives, regardless of where we are.