Teach English in Hungary

You can teach English in Hungary at private language schools, in business English, at bilingual and international schools and with private students, mainly in Budapest. Most employers want a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours and many prefer a degree. EU citizens can work freely, while UK, US and other non EU teachers need a single residence and work permit. Language schools usually pay by the hour, and a full-time contract must meet Hungary’s 2026 minimum wage, HUF 322,800 gross a month, or HUF 373,200 for jobs that require qualifications.

Teaching English in Hungary at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Hungary?

Private language schools. The most common employer, teaching adults and teenagers general and exam English, including the language exams Hungarian students need for university. Classes are usually in the afternoon and evening.

Business English. Budapest has a large base of international companies and shared service centres, so in-company English is in steady demand and pays the best hourly rates.

Bilingual and international schools. Hungary has many bilingual secondary schools and several international schools in Budapest. They usually want a degree, a teaching qualification and experience.

Private and online students. A common way to add income on top of a school timetable.

How much do English teachers earn in Hungary?

Language schools commonly pay by the hour, with business English at the top of the range and Budapest paying more than other cities. Hungary sets two minimum wages: HUF 322,800 gross a month for jobs that need no qualification, and a guaranteed minimum of HUF 373,200 for jobs that require secondary or vocational qualifications, which usually covers teaching roles. Both apply from 1 January 2026 under Government Decree 394/2024. Many teachers work part time across several schools, so check how many paid hours you are guaranteed. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Hungary?

Most language schools want a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours and native or near native English. Many prefer a degree, which also helps with a non EU permit, and bilingual and international schools usually want a teaching qualification. Business English and exam preparation skills are especially useful. The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Hungary?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Hungary freely and register their residence if they stay longer than three months. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit, so UK, US, Canadian and South African teachers need a single residence and work permit, applied for with a job offer through Hungary’s National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. Hungary has tightened its rules on non EU workers in recent years, so check the current requirements with the Hungarian embassy and our Visa Desk before you accept an offer.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Hungary?

Budapest, the capital, has most language schools, business English work and international schools, and the highest rents. Debrecen and Szeged are large university cities with lower costs. Pécs in the south and Győr in the industrial west have smaller markets.

What is it like teaching and living in Hungary?

Hungary offers a central European lifestyle at a lower cost than western Europe, with thermal baths, a strong café culture and good train links across the region. Students are usually motivated, especially exam candidates and professionals. Hungarian is famously hard to learn, but some basics help with daily life outside Budapest.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Residence and work permit rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Hungarian embassy and your employer before you travel.