Residence permit in Hungary «Golden visa»

For investment programs in real estate funds or donations to a Hungarian university

Program

01

permanent residence permit in the EU

02

opening an account in a European bank

03

visa-free travel within the Schengen area

Residence permit in Hungary - for a comfortable life in the European Union

Since 2024, Hungary has been offering a unique opportunity to obtain a residence permit (RP) through the Golden Visa investment program. This is an excellent chance for investors to settle in one of the most attractive countries in the European Union, enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen area and eventually become an EU citizen.

The minimum investment amount is €250,000, which can be invested in accredited real estate investment funds or donated to Hungarian universities. All conditions of the program are set out in Bill No. T/6079 of November 14, 2023.

Advantages of Residence Permit in Hungary

01

Visa-free travel within the Schengen area

Holders of a Hungarian residence permit can freely visit 29 Schengen countries without the need for a visa. During a 180-day period, it is allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, while the time spent in Hungary itself is not included in this limit.

02

Moving to an EU country with a high standard of living

The Golden Visa grants the right to permanent residence, work, study and business in Hungary. The country has an affordable cost of living - it is 1.5 times lower than in Germany or Sweden, which makes it an attractive place to move.

03

«Backup Airfield» for Safety and Freedom of Movement

The investor does not have to permanently reside in Hungary to maintain the resident status. This is an ideal solution for those who want to have a reliable “safety net” in case of instability in the country of citizenship.

04

Tax optimization

Hungary offers some of the most favorable tax conditions in the EU:

Income tax - 15%.
Corporate tax - 9%.

This makes the country attractive for businesses and private investors.

05

Opening an account in a European bank

It is much easier for Hungarian residents to open a bank account in the EU, which is convenient for international transactions and safe storage of capital.

06

Permanent Residence Permit in the EU

After 5 years of residence in Hungary, a foreigner can obtain the status of a permanent resident of the European Union, which allows him to move to any EU country with the right to work or do business.

07

Citizenship of Hungary and the European Union

After 3 years of residence with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, and after 8 years, you can apply for citizenship. In this case, you are allowed to retain your previous citizenship.

Who can obtain a residence permit in Hungary?

The program is designed for investors and their families:

Main applicant:

Citizens of countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area.
Age from 18 years.
No criminal record.
Proven source of income.
Rented or owned housing in Hungary.
Health insurance.

Family members:

Spouse (official marriage or partnership).
Children under 18 (including children from previous marriages with the consent of the second parent).
Children 18-25 years (subject to education and financial dependence).

Investment options

1. Investments in real estate funds

– Minimum amount: € 250 000.
– Shares cannot be sold for 5 years.

2. Donation to Hungarian University

– Minimum amount: € 1 000 000.
– The contribution is directed to a public trust for educational or scientific purposes.

Documents for obtaining a residence permit

Personal documents:

International passport (valid for at least 12 months).
Applicant’s application form.
3×4 cm photographs (taken no earlier than a month before submission).
CV indicating education and work experience.

Financial documents:

Proof of source of income (bank statements, tax certificates).
Proof of funds for living in Hungary.
Undertaking to fulfill the investment condition.

Family documents:

Marriage certificate.
Children’s birth certificates.

All documents require translation, notarization and apostille.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit

01

1 day

Preliminary check

Lawyers analyze documents to minimize the risks of refusal.

02

2 weeks

Preparation of documents

Preparation and certification of all necessary documents.

03

1 month

Registration of a guest investor visa

The visa is valid for 6 months, during which the investor must enter Hungary and fulfill the investment conditions.

04

up to 3 months

Investment execution

Purchase of fund shares or donation to the university.

05

1 month

Obtaining a residence permit

Submitting an application to the migration service, submitting biometrics and obtaining a resident card.

06

in 10 years

Extension of Residence Permit

A one-time extension for a similar period is possible.

Path to Hungarian citizenship

Permanent residence permit (PR): after 3 years of residence with a PR, provided there are no long trips outside the country.
Citizenship: after 8 years of residence with a PR and passing the Hungarian language exam.