Hungary is one of the top European destinations offering residency programs for investors. It provides attractive opportunities for those seeking permanent residency through various investment routes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Hungary residency by investment program, commonly referred to as the Hungarian Golden Visa, highlighting the conditions, benefits, and available investment options for foreign investors.
Types of Residency in Hungary
Hungary offers a wide range of residency types depending on your reason for traveling or settling there. Whether you're a student, investor, employee, or simply looking to start a new chapter in your life, there's a suitable residency option for you. Let’s explore the most common types:
🔹 Student Residency
This type of residency is granted to students accepted into accredited Hungarian universities or institutes. It usually lasts for the duration of the academic program and can be easily renewed. After graduation, students are allowed to stay for a limited time to search for employment.
🔹 Work Residency
If you have a valid job offer from a Hungarian company, you can apply for a work residence permit. The employer typically assists in the application process. This residency is renewable and may lead to permanent residency after a certain number of years.
🔹 Family Reunification Residency
This residency is for individuals who have immediate family members legally residing in Hungary. It includes spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. It allows families to live together under legal residency status.
🔹 Residency by Investment or Self-Employment
Although Hungary’s investment bond program has been discontinued, it's still possible to gain residency by establishing a business or self-employment. This requires a solid business plan and a real investment that contributes to the Hungarian economy.
🔹 Humanitarian or Special Residency
This type of residency is granted in special cases such as asylum seekers or humanitarian circumstances. Each application is assessed individually according to international human rights standards.
🔹 Permanent Residency
After legally residing in Hungary for several consecutive years (typically 3 to 8 years depending on the residency type), you can apply for permanent residency. This status offers rights similar to Hungarian citizens, including unrestricted work, education, and access to certain social services.
What is the Hungarian Golden Visa?
The Hungarian Golden Visa is a residency program granted to non-EU investors who make qualifying investments in Hungary. The goal is to attract foreign capital and boost the local economy.
This visa grants a 10-year renewable residency permit and allows family members (spouse and dependent children) to be included in the application.
Eligible Investment Options
The program offers three main investment pathways:
1. Investment in Real Estate Investment Funds
- Minimum Investment: €250,000
- Duration: 5 years
- Description: Purchasing units in real estate investment funds approved by the Hungarian National Bank. These funds must be officially registered and allocate a large portion of their assets to residential real estate projects within Hungary.
2. Purchase of Residential Property
- Minimum Investment: €500,000
- Duration: 5 years
- Description: Purchasing residential real estate that is officially registered and free from any legal obligations. This option is expected to be available starting January 2025.
3. Donation to Educational Institutions
- Minimum Contribution: €1,000,000
- Description: A non-refundable donation to a recognized Hungarian educational, research, or cultural institution to support their mission.
Benefits of Residency by Investment in Hungary
- Long-term residency: A 10-year renewable residence permit.
- Family inclusion: Spouse and minor children can be included.
- Schengen access: Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
- Right to live, work, and study: Full access to Hungarian residency benefits.
- Low taxes: Hungary has one of the most investor-friendly tax regimes in Europe.
Conditions for obtaining residency in Hungary
- Minimum Age: 18 years or older
- Citizenship: Non-EU and non-EEA citizens
- Financial means: Proof of ability to finance the investment and living expenses
- Clean criminal record: No criminal background
- Health insurance: Valid insurance coverage for the duration of stay
Steps to apply for residency in Hungary
- Choose the investment option that suits you.
- Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of funds, and health insurance.
- Submit your application to the relevant Hungarian authorities.
- Wait for approval, which usually takes a few months.
- Finalize the investment and receive your residence permit.
Obtaining Residency in Hungary
Obtaining residency in Hungary has become an attractive option for many people looking to start a new life in Europe. Hungary is not just a charming tourist destination, but also a practical choice for those seeking to study, work, or even retire in a peaceful and affordable environment. The Hungarian government offers various types of residency, including student visas, work permits, family reunification, and in some cases, residency through investment. The relatively smooth and simple procedures compared to other European countries make Hungary a preferred choice for many nationalities.
The Easiest Way to Get Residency in Hungary
Among all the options, a student visa is considered the easiest way to obtain residency in Hungary. Hungarian universities are internationally recognized and offer many programs in English across various fields. International students are granted residency for the entire duration of their studies, and it can later be extended for employment or business opportunities. Additionally, it’s possible to get residency by establishing a small business — a popular option among Arabs and other foreigners seeking opportunities in the European market.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Residency in Hungary
Advantages of Residency in Hungary
Residency in Hungary is a golden opportunity for anyone looking for a stable lifestyle in Europe at a lower cost. Here are the top reasons Hungary is such a popular choice:
🔹 Low cost of living: Compared to Western European countries like France or Germany, life in Hungary is significantly more affordable — whether it's housing, transportation, food, or entertainment.
🔹 Strategic location: Hungary lies in the heart of Europe, giving you easy and quick access to nearby countries like Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Essentially, all of Europe becomes easily reachable.
🔹 Strong educational system: Hungarian universities are globally ranked and attract thousands of international students each year, especially in medicine, engineering, and pharmacy. Many programs are available in English.
🔹 Safe and stable society: Hungary has low crime rates, and a general sense of safety is present in both big cities and smaller towns — making it ideal for families or individuals seeking a peaceful life.
🔹 Path to permanent residency or citizenship: After a certain number of years (typically 8 years for residency, or less for investors and spouses), you can apply for permanent residency or Hungarian citizenship, granting full access to the EU.
🔹 Beautiful nature and rich culture: If you love nature and culture, Hungary is a dream come true. With its rivers, mountains, lakes, historic sites like Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament, and year-round festivals, life there is never boring.
Disadvantages of Residency in Hungary
While Hungary offers a beautiful and secure lifestyle, there are a few challenges to keep in mind before making the move:
🔸 The Hungarian language: It's considered one of the most difficult languages in the world and is not widely spoken internationally, making daily interactions and official procedures harder without some knowledge or willingness to learn.
🔸 Bureaucracy: Government processes can be slow and complex, especially for foreigners. Applying for or renewing residency often requires many documents and a lot of waiting.
🔸 Limited job market: Without knowledge of Hungarian, your job opportunities might be limited, especially in sectors that require direct communication with locals.
🔸 Service disparities: In Budapest, everything is modern and accessible, but in smaller towns or villages, you might experience limited services or less developed infrastructure.
🔸 Discrimination or cultural isolation: Like some European countries, you may encounter occasional discrimination or cultural differences, particularly in less diverse areas — though this is not very common.
Living in Hungary
Living in Hungary feels like stepping into a history book! Historic cities like Budapest and Szeged blend classical architecture with modern amenities. The calm atmosphere, fresh air, and convenient transportation make life enjoyable and relaxed. Hungarians are generally kind, though somewhat reserved, but many are helpful toward foreigners — especially in larger cities. Additionally, the healthcare system is reliable, and housing costs are more affordable than in much of Europe.
How to Buy Residency in Hungary
For a period, Hungary offered a “residency-by-investment” program allowing foreign investors to gain residency through the purchase of government bonds. While that program has since been discontinued, there are still similar routes available. Today, buying residency in Hungary usually involves investing in real estate or opening a business. This requires submitting a legal file that proves the source of your funds and shows how your investment will benefit the local economy. Typically, residency is granted for 1 or 2 years, renewable, and after that, you may qualify for permanent residency or even citizenship depending on the requirements.
Comparison with Other European Golden Visas
Country
Minimum Investment
Residency Duration
Family Inclusion
Schengen Travel
Hungary
€250,000
10 years
Yes
Yes
Portugal
€500,000
5 years
Yes
Yes
Spain
€500,000
2 years
Yes
Yes
Greece
€250,000
5 years
Yes
Yes
As shown, Hungary offers one of the most flexible and affordable investor residency programs in Europe.
Expert Tips for Investors
- Legal consultation: Hire an immigration lawyer to assist you in the process.
- Verify fund legitimacy: Make sure the investment fund is approved and compliant.
- Financial planning: Plan ahead for both the investment and your living costs in Hungary.
Residency in Hungary by investment is a golden opportunity for investors seeking to establish themselves in the heart of Europe. With long-term residency, travel freedom, low taxation, and access to European living, this program stands out.
By choosing the right investment path, you can secure a bright future for yourself and your family in one of Europe’s most charming and strategically located countries.
