The number of Hungarians living in Austria has increased significantly in recent years, and the number of Hungarians in Austria could reach more than 100,000 by early 2024. Reasons include better job opportunities, a more stable healthcare system and higher incomes.
In an interview with Szeretlek Magyarország, the Császár couple explained their decision to move to Austria: They decided to move because of their child’s health problems, as they could not find adequate care in Hungary. According to them, the Austrian healthcare system is so advanced and reliable that their child is already receiving the treatment he needs.
The basics of living in Austria
In addition to the healthcare system and higher wages, cost coverage is an important consideration in Austria. For instance, a family of three must have an income of EUR 2,000 to obtain a residence permit, which ensures that the family can live on its own. Rental prices are relatively similar in the countryside and in Vienna, usually between EUR 600 and EUR 800, which includes a share of the rent. Car maintenance, internet and telephone costs are also considerable, but two earners can live comfortably.
In terms of food prices, meat and services are more expensive than in Hungary, but the difference in quality makes it worthwhile for many. Rental prices in eastern Austria and western Hungary are converging, so some families are moving to areas close to the border.
When working in Austria, German language skills are a priority, especially for those looking for graduate jobs. Although English may be sufficient for certain professions, such as programming or medicine, it is mainly spoken in Vienna. In rural areas, German is almost essential. There is less demand for language skills in catering and in lower-skilled jobs such as cleaning or dishwashing, but even here, at least a basic knowledge of the language comes as an advantage.
The situation is somewhat easier for skilled workers, as there is a high demand for this type of labour. They can find employment without language skills, as practical skills predominate. Factory workers working three shifts can earn up to €2,000, well above what they can earn at home.
Hungarian Communities and Integration
Austrian society is basically inclusive and does not discriminate between nationalities. This is partly due to the fact that the culture and customs of Hungarians are in many ways similar to those of Austrians, which facilitates integration. Hungarian communities are active, with many Hungarians living in small towns and schools close to the border. Hungarian language assistance is also available in educational institutions and government offices.
A good example of the cohesiveness of Hungarians in Austria is the Hungarians in Austria website and related Facebook group, set up by the Császár couple. The site offers practical advice and helps people navigate the Austrian system, which is very different from the Hungarian system.
Challenges and the possibility of returning
For those moving to Austria, the biggest challenges are language barriers and bureaucracy. Those who set off unprepared are often forced to return home at short notice. However, those who start with careful planning, sufficient financial resources and at least a basic knowledge of the language are more likely to find a permanent job and a home.
The idea of repatriation is often raised, especially by older people, but the conditions for this are currently poor in Hungary. Improvements in the health and pension systems would be key to encouraging people to consider moving home. Subsidies from the Austrian government, such as family allowances or the climate bonus, also make living there more attractive.
The situation of Hungarians living in Austria is varied: higher incomes and better healthcare make the country attractive to many, but language skills and lack of preparation can be a barrier. Integration is generally smooth, thanks to Austria’s welcoming society and the activism of Hungarian communities. Although the idea of returning is sometimes raised, Austria’s more stable economic and social system currently offers more attractive opportunities.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
Lucky Hungarians. You have a neighbor with a better quality life overall, wondering what woudl those hungarians living in Austria do in case of HUXIT? Surely they will not go back to Fidesz arms….
“100.000 by early 2024” – HOW old is this article ???
DOES this mean – being LATE 2024 – it’s exceeded the 100.000 ?
Imagine it has, as Orban “sinks” Hungary further into the “mire”.
I believe this figure isn’t correct, it actually underestimates the number of Hungarian nationals living in Austria which I believe is 200k according to official Austrian figures when you include the retired and children under 18. Hungarians form one of the largest foreign national groups living in Austria and are second only to Germans on the job market where 125k Hungarians are registered as being in full time employment, which includes cross border commuters. This figure doesn’t account for those in part time work or the self employed which must make up a significant proportion of the expat Hungarian workforce, particularly as so many of them will be skilled tradespeople such as construction workers who tend to ply their trade in a self employed capacity. 100k is probably the number of Hungarian citizens of working age employed or self employed in Austria while also living there. Further distorting the figures is the fact that since 2013, Hungarians that have emigrated aren’t obliged to de-register from their Hungarian address, thus they can retain a Hungarian lakcim kartya showing their former Hungarian address. If this weren’t the case and those that have emigrated were correctly represented in the Hungarian statistics, the apparent rate of Hungarian emigration would be all the more visible.