A foreign national considering moving to Hungary for an extended period must obtain legal status. One of the grounds for receiving a residence permit is an investment of at least €250,000 in an investment fund or a donation of at least €1 million to a public fund. Since the program's launch in 2013, more than 6,000 applications for a golden visa have been submitted, with nearly 5,000 approvals.
The investment-based residence permit is issued for 10 years. Upon expiration, residents can extend their status for another 10 years. After 3 years of legal residence in the country, they are eligible to apply for permanent residence, and after another 8 years, they may apply for citizenship.
Holders of a residence permit in the republic can travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries. This greatly facilitates business trips, vacations, and family visits. They also gain access to a favorable tax system. The personal income tax rate is just 15%, and the corporate tax rate is 9%, making the country attractive to entrepreneurs and investors. There is no tax on worldwide income for non-residents, which benefits those conducting business abroad.
A Hungarian passport allows unrestricted or simplified travel to more than 180 countries, including EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea.
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Advantages of a residence permit in Hungary
- Relocation to Europe with family. The "Golden Visa" program allows the investor to include their spouse, minor children, and financially dependent parents in the application. Family members are entitled to work, run a business, study, and receive medical care anywhere in the country.
- Eligibility for permanent residence and citizenship. Temporary residents may apply for permanent residence after 3 years of living in Hungary. They may then apply for citizenship after an additional 8 years of uninterrupted residence (during this period, they may spend no more than 45 days per year outside the country).
- Affordable cost of living. Prices for food, transport, utilities, rental, and property in Hungary are lower than in most European countries. The average monthly living expenses for one person (excluding rent) are approximately HUF 257,026 (€638), while for a family of four, it is around HUF 904,142 (€2,243). This makes immigration to Hungary attractive for both working professionals and retirees.
- Modern healthcare. The Central European country offers a high-quality and affordable healthcare system, including public and private clinics. Residents are entitled to medical services on par with citizens, including emergency care, preventive services, and planned treatment.
- High-quality education. Hungary has international schools and universities offering programs in English, such as the University of Szeged and the University of Debrecen. Diplomas from local educational institutions are recognized across Europe. Education costs are lower compared to Western countries, and students can apply for various scholarships.
What is the Golden visa in Hungary?
From 2013 to 2017, there was an option to legalize residence by purchasing houses and apartments in Hungary. Initially, the minimum investment threshold was €250,000, but it was later raised to €300,000. This program is currently closed. The last residence permit in Hungary through real estate investments was issued on December 22, 2023. The local authorities considered relaunching it with a minimum investment of €500,000, but this plan was not implemented. In the summer of 2024, a new investment option was introduced, offering the purchase of investment fund units or a charitable donation.
How to get a golden visa to Hungary
Investment options
| Investment option | Minimum amount | Investment requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase of investment fund units | €250,000 | The fund must be on the list approved by the State Security Office, and at least 40% of its assets must be invested in apartments and houses in Hungary. |
| Donation to a public fund | €1,000,000 | The funds must be allocated to support artistic or scientific activities within the country. The fund must support local educational institutions. |
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary
Citizens of non-EU, non-EEA countries and stateless persons can apply for a residence permit in Hungary through capital investments. Applicants must not be subject to deportation from Hungary, nor pose a threat to public order, national security, public health, or state policy. The application may be rejected if the foreign nationals:
- fail to disclose any criminal convictions;
- have been deported from the country for violating visa regulations;
- provide incomplete or false personal information.
The process of obtaining a residency permit in Hungary through investment
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparing and submitting documents for a visa | To enter Hungary and apply for residence, the applicant must first obtain an investor guest visa. This requires preparing documents, notarized translations and copies, and filling out official forms. The applicant may delegate these tasks to legal representatives, who will prepare and submit the documents to the consulate. |
| Fulfilling the investment requirements | The investor guest visa is valid for 30 days. During this time, the applicant must visit Hungary, complete the required investment under the selected option, and submit a residence permit application. |
| Submitting the residence permit application | The application can be submitted online via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at an immigration and citizenship office. Applicants residing in Budapest or Pest County are recommended to apply at the Central Regional Office. Processing typically takes a few days. If approved, the applicant will be invited to visit the office. |
| Receiving the residence card | At the scheduled appointment, the applicant must present their passport and original documents, provide fingerprints, and have their photo taken. The residence card will then be issued and sent by post within 21 days to the address specified in the application. Personal collection is only possible if the applicant cannot receive the card at the designated address. |
| Residence permit extension in Hungary | The renewal application can be submitted via the Enter Hungary platform. It must be filed no later than 30 days before the current residence permit expires, and the resident must be physically present in Hungary at the time of renewal. |
Processing time and cost of residence permit in Hungary
The application processing period is 21 days. This period may be extended if the immigration and citizenship office requests additional information from the investor.
Foreigners who want to get a residence permit in Hungary through capital investments will incur the following costs:
- Application fee for the investor guest visa – €110
- Investment amount – €250,000 or €1,000,000
- Health insurance policy with coverage of at least €30,000 – starting from €300
- Translator and notary services – approximately €1,000 (depending on the number of applicants)
List of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary
To obtain a residence permit and an investor guest visa for Hungary, the following documents must be provided:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 1 year;
- A completed visa application form;
- A letter confirming the applicant’s intention to fulfill the conditions of the investment program;
- Two photographs, size 30 x 40 mm, taken within the last month;
- Health insurance policy;
- Bank statement confirming sufficient funds for living expenses;
- Proof of legal income;
- Confirmation of accommodation in the country (certificate of ownership, rental agreement, document confirming free use of housing, or confirmation of booked and paid accommodation);
- Chronological resume of each adult applicant;
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children;
- Certificate from the management of the investment fund registered with the National Bank confirming the purchase of units worth at least €250,000, or a certificate from an educational institution confirming receipt of a donation of at least €1,000,000.
In addition to the mandatory list, the immigration and citizenship office may request additional documents.
Popular Questions
Yes, after 3 years of legal residence in the country, a foreign national may apply for permanent residence. After eight years of continuous residence with permanent resident status (no more than 45 days abroad per year), they may apply for citizenship.
The naturalization period is reduced to five years for individuals born in Hungary, those who obtained a residence permit before the age of 18, or stateless persons. It is reduced to three years for spouses and adopted children of citizens, parents of minor citizens, and refugees. For individuals of Hungarian origin, the period is reduced to one year.
The status grants foreign nationals the right to reside in Hungary, visa-free entry to Schengen Area countries, employment, entrepreneurial activities, and access to medical and educational services.
The legalization process through capital investments includes obtaining an investor guest visa, fulfilling investment requirements, and submitting an application via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the immigration office.
If a foreign national spends more than 183 days a year in Hungary, they become a tax resident. This status requires them to pay taxes on all income, including income earned abroad. The income of tax non-residents is subject to taxation only if it is sourced within the country.
The total cost of obtaining a residence permit includes:
- Investor guest visa fee – €110;
- Investment amount – €250,000 or €1,000,000;
- Health insurance policy – from €300;
- Translator and notary services – approximately €1,000.
