> Residency by Investment > European Residency > Hungary Golden Visa

Hungary Golden Visa - Residency by Investment

Processing Time

2 – 3 months

REAL ESTATE

Starting From €250,000

VISA-FREE ACCESS TO

Schengen zone

Overview of Hungary Residency by Investment Program

The Hungary Residency by Investment scheme, also referred to as the Hungary Golden Visa or the Hungarian Guest Investor Program (GIP), presents a fantastic chance to obtain residency in Europe. With its array of advantages, this initiative is highly appealing to individuals aiming for prolonged residency in a European nation. Notably, it stands out as one of the swiftest and most cost-effective golden visa programs accessible in Europe today.

Why choose Hungary?

  • High-quality healthcare with modern facilities
  • Mild climate with four distinct seasons
  • Affordable cost of living and housing
  • Strong education system with reputable universities
  • Rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene
  • Well-connected transportation network across Europe
  • Safe and welcoming environment for families
  • Scenic landscapes with parks, lakes, and thermal baths

Living in Hungary

Quality of Life

Hungary provides an excellent quality of life, combining affordability with a rich cultural and social atmosphere. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with access to scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, and a wide range of recreational activities. The country’s efficient public services, low crime rates, and well-preserved natural environments contribute to a comfortable and fulfilling living experience for individuals and families alike.

Business Environment

Hungary offers a dynamic business environment with a well-developed infrastructure and strong connections to the European market. Its central location, competitive tax rates, and skilled workforce make it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs and multinational companies.

Healthcare

Hungary boasts a high standard of healthcare, combining modern facilities with highly trained medical professionals. Both public and private healthcare options are available, providing accessible services to residents at an affordable cost.

Education

Hungary has a robust education system, with many schools offering international curricula. Its universities are well-regarded, particularly in fields like medicine and engineering, making it a great place for families seeking quality education for their children.

Community and Lifestyle

Hungary offers a rich cultural life with vibrant communities, welcoming both locals and expatriates. Its diverse lifestyle includes bustling city life in Budapest, charming countryside, and a variety of leisure activities, from festivals to outdoor recreation.

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Processing Time

2 – 3 months

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Real Estate From

Starting From €250,000

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Visa-Free Access To

Schengen zone

Taxes

To become a tax resident in Hungary, you must reside in the country for more than 183 days each year. Once you meet this requirement, the Hungarian Tax Authority (NAV) will issue you a tax ID card, which is advisable to obtain for tax purposes.

Cost of living in Hungary

The cost of living in Hungary is relatively affordable compared to many other European countries, offering good value for housing, groceries, and daily expenses. Residents benefit from a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs often associated with major European cities. Whether in bustling urban centers like Budapest or quieter towns, Hungary offers a range of options to suit different budgets, making it an attractive destination for both individuals and families seeking a balance between quality and affordability.

Key Facts

Capital

Budapest

Languages

Hungarian and other languages

Currency

The forint (sign Ft)

Population

10.07 million (2024)

Quick Facts

Fact Details
Guest Investor Visa Allows initial entry to declare investment commitment.
Validity 10-year residence permit
Extension Can be extended for another 10 years with a valid investment
Travel Benefits Visa-free travel within the EU (Schengen Area)
Eligible Family Members Investor, spouse, minor children (under 18), dependent parents
Minimum Stay Requirement No minimum stay requirement
Language Skills No language skills required
Tax Liability Arises only on effective residency for worldwide income
Personal Income Tax Rate 15%
Estimated Processing Time 60-90 days
Permanent Residence Obtained after 3 years of living in Hungary.
Citizenship Eligibility After 8 years as a permanent resident, not leaving for more than 45 days per year. Requires language and history exam.

Hungary Residence by Investment Options

  • Residential Real Estate Purchase (From 1 January 2025)

Investors can qualify by purchasing residential real estate valued at €500,000 or more. 

  • Investment in Real Estate Funds

Investors can opt to invest €250,000 or more in real estate fund units issued by funds registered with the Hungarian National Bank.

  • Donations to Higher Learning Institutions

Another avenue for qualification involves donating €1,000,000 or more to an institution of higher learning supported by a public interest trust foundation. The institution must be dedicated to education, scientific research, or artistic endeavors.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Hungary Golden Visa?

  • Be a non-EU and non-EEA citizen aged 18 or above.
  • Undergo due diligence and background verification checks at various stages.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and family members, with a requirement to disclose the source of wealth.
  • Obtain approval from competent authorities to purchase residential property.
  • Provide evidence of having the necessary funds to buy a residential property in Hungary and complete the purchase within a specified timeframe.

Hungary Golden Visa Required Documents

To apply for a Hungary Guest Investor Visa and residence by investment, the investor needs to provide the following documents:

  • A passport with at least 12 months of validity
  • Two 3×4 cm photos taken within the last month
  • Proof of health insurance
  • A written statement confirming the intent to meet the investment requirement
  • Evidence of legal income
  • A bank statement showing sufficient funds
  • CVs for each family member over 18 years old
  • Marriage certificate, if relevant
  • Birth certificates, if applicable
  • A completed residence permit application form

When applying for a residence permit, additional documentation is necessary to prove that the investment conditions have been satisfied. These include:

  • A share certificate for investments in real estate funds
  • A signed purchase and sale agreement for real estate investments
  • A certificate from an educational institution if the investment is a donation to education.

Starting investment for Hungary Golden Visa is €250,000

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    How to obtain Hungary residence permit by investment?

    How to Apply: Step-by-step procedure

    An applicant needs to get a Guest Investor Visa and confirm their plan to choose an investment option when applying, but they don’t have to complete the investment at that point. After getting the visa, they must travel to Hungary and finish the investment within three months. Then, they can apply for a Guest Investor Residence Permit through the immigration office or the Enter Hungary platform within 93 days of arriving, showing proof of the investment. Once approved, the applicant, along with their spouse and children, will receive a 10-year residence permit, which can be renewed if the investment is kept.

    Application Timeline

    Processing times for residence by investment applications can vary depending on the investment option selected. Please contact us for more detailed information.

    Hungary Golden Visa Price

    In addition to the investment requirements mentioned above, applicants should also account for various legal, application, and processing fees. These costs can vary based on the number of family members applying and the chosen investment option. Please reach out to our advisors for a personalized quote.

    Family Members Eligible for Hungary Residency

    The applicant can include:

    • Their spouse in the application.
    • Children under 18 in the application.
    • Children over 18, provided they can prove financial dependency, are studying, and are unmarried.
    • Parents who are 65 years or older in the application.
    • Parents do not need to prove financial dependency.

    Differentiating Between Guest Visa, Residence Permit, and Citizenship in Hungary

    The Guest Investor Visa is the first step for individuals looking to invest in Hungary. This visa allows the investor to enter the country and declare their commitment to an investment option. It is not a long-term solution, as it is intended for initial entry into the country.

    The Residence Permit, on the other hand, is obtained after the investor has finalized their investment. This permit is valid for 10 years and allows the investor to live, work, and study in Hungary. To transition to Permanent Residence, an individual must live in Hungary for at least three years and spend a minimum of 183 days in the country each year. Permanent residence is granted for life, but the ID card must be renewed every five years.

    After living in Hungary as a permanent resident for eight years, a foreigner can apply for citizenship. To qualify, they must not leave the country for more than 45 days each year during their residency period. Additionally, applicants are required to pass an exam on the Hungarian language and demonstrate knowledge of the country’s history. This process allows investors to fully integrate into Hungarian society while enjoying the benefits of citizenship.

    Program Summary

    Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.

      Similar Residence by Investment Programs

      Hungary Golden Visa Benefits

      • 10-year residence permit in Hungary (European Union)
      • Extendable for another 10 years with a valid investment
      • Visa-free travel within the EU (Schengen Area)
      • Residence permits available for investor, spouse, minor children (under 18), and dependent parents
      • No minimum stay requirement
      • No language skills required
      • Tax liability only on effective residency for worldwide income, with a personal income tax rate of 15%
      • Estimated processing time of 2-3 months.

      Read more: 

      How can the Migrate World Help You?

      Migrate World assists you at every step of the Hungary Golden Visa application process, providing comprehensive consultations to clarify eligibility and investment options. Our knowledgeable team helps you gather and prepare necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements for a smooth application. With personalized support and in-depth expertise, we navigate the complexities of immigration, allowing you to focus on your future in Hungary while we handle the details.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      After maintaining a residence for eight years, investors may qualify to apply for Hungarian citizenship.

      Yes, Hungary is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, visas and residence permits issued by Hungary are recognized in all Schengen countries, including Switzerland.

      Yes, you can acquire Hungarian citizenship and a passport after living in Hungary for eight years via naturalization. You will also be required to pass a Hungarian language test and take an oath of allegiance.

      No, this program is exclusively available to non-EU/EEA nationals from third countries.

      No, there is no language requirement for the Golden Visa program. However, you will need to pass a language test if applying for citizenship after eight years.

      With the Hungary Golden Visa, you can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

      The minimum investment begins at €250,000 in a real estate investment fund.

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