EU, EEA or TCN? There are huge differences in terms of Relocation

When it comes to relocation to Hungary, there’s some essential info you can’t ignore. Are you an EU citizen, or are you a TCN? And do you know the difference? Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your head spin.

EU Citizen or TCN?

An EU citizen is someone who holds the nationality of one of the 27 EU countries. These lucky folks enjoy freedom of movement: you can pack your bags and move across the EU with very little paperwork.

The 27 EU countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

A TCN - or Third-Country National - is anyone not a citizen of an EU country. For TCNs, moving to Hungary (or anywhere in the EU) comes with visas, residence permits, and sometimes quite a bit of paperwork.

What about the EEA and Schengen?

The EEA (European Economic Area) includes the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. This gives citizens of those countries almost the same rights as EU citizens when it comes to living and working in Hungary.

Schengen borders are another essential piece of the puzzle. Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel across most of Europe. But if you’re a TCN, you need to know the rules: entry visas and residence permits still apply, even if you’re traveling within Schengen.

Money matters: who uses the Euro?

Not every EU country uses the euro — which matters when relocating! In the EU, the Eurozone countries (using the euro) are:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain.

Hungary, for example, still uses the forint, so if you’re moving here from a euro-using country, you’ll need to plan for currency exchange.

The next country to join the Eurozone might come as a surprise. Starting from January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the Euro as its official currency, becoming the 21st member state of the Eurozone.

Key takeaways for relocating to Hungary

• EU citizens: easy move, minimal paperwork, freedom to work.
• TCNs: visas, residence permits, careful planning needed.
• EEA citizens: enjoy nearly the same rights as EU citizens.
• Schengen: travel freely across borders, but TCNs still follow visa rules.
• Currency: Hungary uses the forint, not the euro.

Whether you’re packing boxes, hunting for a new apartment, or just daydreaming about your first gulyás in Budapest, understanding the essentials will make your relocation much smoother.