Hungary offers affordable tech talent with salaries up to 60% lower than London or Berlin.
Budapest leads the country, but emerging tech communities in Debrecen and Szeged are growing fast.
Use platforms like Qureos, Profession.hu, and local meetups to find top-tier developers in Hungary.
Imagine you’re tasked with building a world-class development team. You’ve got the skills to find great talent, but the salaries in Western Europe are draining your budget. Enter Hungary. With some of the most highly skilled tech talent in Central Europe, Hungary is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. And the best part? Tech talent in Hungary costs up to 60% less than in cities like London or Berlin.
If you’ve been wondering how to hire software developers in Hungary or how to build a remote team in Budapest, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from salary benchmarks to the best places to find talent. Let’s dive in!
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Why Hungary? The Best Kept Secret for Tech Talent
If you’re not looking at Hungary for tech recruitment, you’re missing out. Here's why Hungary should be on your radar:
- 80,000+ professional software developers with a strong educational background
- Up to 60% lower costs than major Western European cities
- Global validation: Major tech companies like Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Prezi already have development hubs in Hungary
- High English proficiency among younger developers
- Strong emphasis on math and engineering in Hungary’s educational system
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Hungary’s Tech Landscape in a Nutshell
If you’re thinking about hiring in Hungary, here’s what you need to know:
Top Cities for Tech Talent:
- Budapest – Hungary’s tech capital, home to the majority of developers
- Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs – Emerging tech communities with fresh talent
What Skills Are In Demand?
- Java, JavaScript, Python, C++
- Growing expertise in cloud computing, AI/ML, and cybersecurity
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The Legal Side of Hiring in Hungary
When hiring tech talent in Hungary, you have a few options, each with its own pros and cons.
- Local Legal Entity
Full control over operations but requires significant setup and compliance with Hungarian labor laws.
- Employer of Record (EOR)
If you’re hiring remotely or don’t have a local entity, the EOR can handle payroll, taxes, and compliance for you.
- Freelancers/Contractors
Ideal for short-term projects but be careful with misclassification penalties. Always ensure they meet the legal definition of an independent contractor.
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Salary Expectations in Hungary
Wondering how much to pay your Hungarian developers in 2025? Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay for tech talent in Hungary:
Extra Benefits to Offer:
- Cafeteria benefits system (a tax-efficient perk unique to Hungary)
- Private health insurance
- Home office allowance
- Training budgets for conferences or courses
- Performance bonuses
- Stock options (many candidates may not be familiar with their value, so educate them)
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Where to Find Tech Talent in Hungary
Finding the best developers isn’t just about salary; it’s about knowing where to look.
Best Places to Find Talent:
- Qureos:
For senior and mid-level positions, LinkedIn is a goldmine.
- Profession.hu and CV Online
Excellent for reaching a broad spectrum of Hungarian candidates.
- Local Meetups & Tech Conferences
Great for meeting passive candidates in person (and yes, it’s still one of the best ways to build relationships with Hungary’s best devs).
Timeline Expectations:
- Total time to hire: 3-6 weeks
- Sourcing & Screening: 1-2 weeks
- Technical Interviews: 2-3 weeks
- Offer Negotiation: 1-2 weeks
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The Interview Process
When it comes to interviewing developers in Hungary, keep things relevant and efficient. Developers talk, and if your hiring process is slow or frustrating, it’ll cost you the best talent.
Typical Interview Structure:
- Technical Screening:
This is where you test their coding skills, either through a challenge or a phone screen.
- Technical Interview:
Here, they’ll meet with potential teammates and work through problems.
- Culture Fit:
Don’t skip this. Developers in Hungary value transparency and respect in management.
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Legal Compliance: Navigating Hungary’s Labor Laws
Here are a few basics that every recruiter should know about hiring employees in Hungary:
- Contracts are required: Always have a written agreement.
- 40-hour workweek: With limits on overtime.
- Minimum paid leave: 20 days annually, increasing with tenure.
- Personal income tax: Hungary uses a flat rate of 15%.
And don't forget about GDPR! It’s mandatory to handle employee and candidate data responsibly.
Cultural Nuances to Keep in Mind
Understanding Hungarian work culture is key to successful hiring and retention. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Communication Style:
Professional titles and surnames are the norm at first. Be respectful and direct.
- Work Ethic:
Developers in Hungary are serious about their craft. They appreciate challenging work and recognition for their skills.
- Work-Life Balance:
Developers value flexibility (remote and hybrid work options are essential) and career growth.
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Final Thoughts
Hungary’s tech talent pool is rich, diverse, and incredibly affordable compared to Western Europe. With the right strategy, you can tap into this talent and build a world-class development team without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, Hungary offers quality and value that will help your company grow and succeed.
Start by understanding the local market, offering competitive compensation, and respecting Hungary’s unique work culture. In the end, Hungary isn’t just a place to save money, it’s where you’ll find talented, motivated developers ready to make an impact.
