After being hit hard by the economic crisis of 2008, Hungary returned to growth in 2013. It is now in a healthier economic situation with 4.6% growth in 2019 and an unemployment rate of 3.4%. These results are attributable to the government's economic policy which combines welcoming foreign investment and State investment, with an increase in purchasing power.

Source : Country profile Business France

Good to know :

Language Spoken : Hungarian
Local Currency : Hungarian forint (HUF)
Capital : Budapest

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Budapest

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.  

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Hungary

To go to Hungary as a V.I.A, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit. 

Cultural work codes in Hungary

In Hungary, being polite is a cardinal virtue. So bear in mind that etiquette and local traditions are observed in both professional life and private life. Without being excessively stiff, Hungarians will expect you to show respect for women, your elders and your superiors. Gallantry is, for example, considered to be good manners in Hungarian culture - offering your seat or holding the door open for a woman is thus considered polite. To make a good impression, in addition to these rules of polite behaviour, make sure you dress formally and neatly. The Hungarian dress code is quite conservative - i.e. a suit for both men and women.

As far as communication is concerned, the business language in Hungary is English. Indeed, as Hungarian is a very complex language, few foreigners speak it fluently. Although you are not expected to master Hungarian, learning a few words or phrases will go down well with your colleagues, who will appreciate your efforts. When it comes to the topics of conversation to be preferred and avoided - do not hesitate to talk about things other than work but avoid discussing politics, religion, salary, sexual orientation or your private life. There are, however, certain subtleties - although it may be polite to ask about a colleague’s family if they are married, do not ask a single person about their family life !

Establishing solid and lasting professional relationships with Hungarians requires establishing a personal relationship based on trust. The work culture prioritises face-to-face meetings and be sure to maintain your network up-to-date. Although they may be somewhat reserved when they first meet you, Hungarians are passionate and direct in business as well as in their private life. This frankness may be surprising at first sight ! Don’t think of it as a criticism or a lack of politeness towards you - in Hungary, you don’t just say what you think, you also argue your position while remaining open to discussion. So don’t be shy and show that you too are simple, honest and patient.

Things that may surprise you in Hungary

- If you like challenges, Hungary offers you one big one - learn to speak Hungarian ! If you thought your knowledge of Latin, English or Germanic languages would help, it won’t. Hungarian is a Finno-Ugric language, that came from Asia, and does not resemble any European language. Its closest cousin would be Finnish, but this relationship is itself very distant. In short, Hungarian has a complex grammar and a vocabulary that is difficult to assimilate... a major challenge even for an experienced polyglot !

- In terms of leisure in Budapest, there is something for everyone! Culture lovers will find their desires fulfilled in its rich heritage - the Roman ruins of Obuda or Buda Castle, for example; sports lovers will enjoy hiking or skiing in the hills of the city, party-goers will love its intense nightlife and gourmets will appreciate its cafes and tea rooms reminiscent of Central Europe.

- If you venture out of Budapest, we recommend soaking and relaxing in the thermal baths. A Roman heritage, perpetuated by the Turks and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, there are more than 500 hot springs across the country. You can also add a tour of the great lakes to your itinerary, such as Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in central Europe. Finally, if you’re a fan of Sisi, you must without fail visit the baroque Royal Palace of Gödöllö, the favourite resort of the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary.

- When it comes to public transport, you will find it very familiar. Budapest has a thoroughly French metro, inaugurated in 2015, the result of the combined work of the RATP, VINCI and Alstom. Fully automated, this line is worth a visit because each of its stations is decorated by a different architect.

- The most famous Hungarian celebrity is without doubt the renowned composer Franz Liszt, who founded the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, which is highly influential in Europe. Hungary is also a country of great inventors. You may not know their names but their creations are certainly not unknown to you ! These include the ballpoint pen, the Rubik’s Cube, the helicopter, colour television, the floppy disk and Microsoft Word and Excel software.

- It is difficult to talk about Hungary without mentioning its gastronomy, which is probably the European cuisine combining the widest diversity of influences - German, Austrian, Turkish, Slavic, Italian and French. The key ingredient in Hungary is paprika, which, contrary to popular belief, is not very spicy. Specialities include soups such as goulash, which are served in winter and summer, and meat stews. The portions are often very large and the dishes tend to be rather invigorating - you have been warned. 

- In so far as concerns food, expect to be a little disoriented with regard to meal times ! Indeed, Hungarians eat at any time and it is sometimes difficult to know what fate has in store for you. You have been invited to a friend’s or colleague’s home ? It is difficult to know whether or not you will get a meal.  What do you risk ? Ending the evening with an empty stomach or - more likely - having two dinners !

- There is no shortage of spirits in Hungary ! The most famous is pàlinka, the national Hungarian drink that is drunk before a meal as an aperitif rather than after. Beer is also a popular drink but beware, don't toast with a glass of barley beer. This might stir up bad memories for your Hungarian counterparts ! A bit of history - in 1848, the Hungarian independence movement was crushed by the Austrian Empire, which celebrated its victory - and a bloodbath - by toasting with beer.