In recent years, Europeimmigrantsbecome a popular choice for investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees worldwide, with theHungaryrespond in singingPortugalIt has become a popular destination for immigrants because of its unique immigration policies, livable environment and cost of living. Then.Immigration to Hungaryrespond in singingImmigration to PortugalWhich one is more suitable for long-term residence? In this article, we will look at immigration policy, cost of living, climate, employment opportunities, medical benefits, social and culturaland many other comparisons to help you make an informed choice.
I. Comparison of immigration policies: who is more likely to get status?
🔹Hungarian Immigration Policy
- investment immigration(Reintroduced in 2024) - Long-term residency can be obtained by purchasing property or treasury bonds.
- business migrant--Registering a company in Hungary allows you to apply for a business residence permit.
- work visa--Residency through employer sponsorship, suitable for skilled personnel.
- Study Abroad Immigration--After graduation, you can apply for a work visa, which will lead to long-term residence.
- family reunification-Spouse and children can obtain residence with the main applicant.
📌 Change of status to permanent residence: usually in5 yearsAfter that, you can apply for permanent residence, and after 8 years you can apply for naturalization (you need to pass the Hungarian language exam).
🔹Portugal Immigration Policy
- Golden Visa (GV)-Investment of 500,000 euros in real estate (from 280,000 euros in some areas) leads to 5 years of residency.
- D7 Visa(Passive Income Immigration) - Suitable for retirees, remote workers who need to prove a stable income of more than **€760** per month.
- D8 Visa(Digital Traveler Visa) - Suitable for freelancers and requires a monthly income** of €3,040** or more.
- work visa-Employed through a Portuguese company and can apply for residency.
- family reunification--Spouse and children can immigrate with them.
📌 Change of status to permanent residence::5 years laterIt is possible to apply for permanent residence or naturalization, and the Portuguese passport is one of the strongest passports in the European Union.
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ HungarySuitable for business start-ups, low investment costs and relatively easy to obtain residency.
✅ PortugalThe Golden Visa, D7/D8 visa friendly, can be naturalized in 5 years, and the passport contains more gold.
II. Cost-of-living comparisons: where's the better deal?
| Cost category | Hungary (Budapest) | Portugal (Lisbon) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 residence in the city center) | €500 – €800 | €900 – €1,500 |
| House price (per square meter in the city center) | €3,000 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| Restaurant regular meal | €10 – €15 | €12 – €20 |
| monthly transportation pass | €30 | €40 – €50 |
| public health care | free (of charge) | free (of charge) |
| Private medical insurance | €50 - €150/month | €50 - €200/month |
| daily expense | lower (one's head) | slightly above |
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ Hungary(used form a nominal expression)Lower house prices, rents and daily living costs, suitable for immigrants with limited budgets.
✅ PortugalHigher cost of living, especially for real estate, but overall higher quality of life.
III. Comparison of climatic environments: which country is more liveable?
| perspective | Hungary | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Climate type | Temperate continental climate with cold winters and hot summers | Mediterranean climate with warm winters and cool summers |
| average annual temperature | 3°C - 27°C | 10°C - 30°C |
| sunlight adequacy | Approximately 2000 hours per year | Approx. 3000 hours per year |
| air quality | Good, slightly hazy in winter | Excellent, fresh air on the coast |
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ More comfortable climate in Portugal, for those who love the Sunshine Coast.
✅ Hungary has colder winters, but with four distinct seasons for those who prefer the traditional European climate.
IV. Comparison of employment and business opportunities
| perspective | Hungary | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| minimum wage | €640/month | €820/month |
| average wage | €1,200 – €1,800 | €1,500 – €2,500 |
| Popular Industries | IT, Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare | Tourism, technology, real estate, finance |
| business environment | Low Taxes (CIT 9%) | Ideal for remote workers and digital nomads |
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ Lower taxes in Hungary, it's easier to start a business, and it's suitable for starting a company.
✅ Slightly higher salaries in Portugal, suitable for remote work and international corporate employment.
V. Comparison of health and welfare systems
| perspective | Hungary | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| public health care | Free, but long lines | Free, better system |
| private medical care | Optional, about €50-€150/month | Optional, about €50-€200/month |
| medical insurance coverage | Residents are entitled to | Residents are entitled to |
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ Portugal has a better healthcare systemThe quality of public hospital services is high.
✅ Healthcare is cheaper in HungaryHowever, the queues at public hospitals are long.
VI. Sociocultural and security comparisons
| perspective | Hungary | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| public security | Safer, some areas need to watch out for pickpockets | Extremely safe, one of the most peaceful countries in the world |
| Immigrant acceptance | General, low English penetration | Friendly, with a high prevalence of English |
| language requirement | Hungarian is more difficult | Portuguese is relatively simple, but English is common |
🔍 Comparative conclusions::
✅ Portugal is safer and more culturally inclusive, suitable for English speakers.
✅ Slower pace of life in Hungary, suitable for people who like Eastern European culture.
Conclusion: which country is better for long-term residence?
✅ Reasons for choosing Hungary:
- Low cost of living and low taxes for entrepreneurs and immigrants with limited budgets.
- Suitable for those who like the cultural and historical atmosphere of Eastern Europe.
- Ideal for people who want to obtain Schengen residence more easily.
✅ Reasons to choose Portugal:
- High quality of life and comfortable climate for retirees and remote workers.
- 5-year naturalization policy with a stronger passport.
- Immigrants are well accepted, socially inclusive and better policed.
📌 Conclusion:
👉 If you have a limited budget and want to start a business, invest in real estate, choose Hungary!
👉 If you value quality of life, climate comfort and stability of immigration policies, choose Portugal!
