Hungary Golden Visa Program
The Hungary Golden Visa Program offers a streamlined pathway to long-term residency in Hungary, a key EU member and Schengen area state. The program provides a renewable 10-year residency permit that allows investors and their families the right to live, work, study, and travel visa-free across the Schengen zone. Applicants can satisfy the eligibility requirements by making a qualifying investment—either by purchasing investment fund units or through a designated donation—without the need for a physical residency.
Hungary Golden Visa Program Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- No physical residency requirement.
The main applicant can include the following dependents:
- Legally married spouse;
- Minor children; and
- Dependent parents
Travel and Quality of Life
- Hungary is an EU Member State – Within the Schengen area.
- Residency permit valid 10 years – Renewable for a further 10 years.
- Right to travel within Schengen area visa free for 90 days in every 180 days period.
- Tax liability only arises on effective residency: in such case worldwide income taxed at 15%.
Ease of Access
- Potential pathways to Permanent Residence and Citizenship, subject to conditions (including substantial physical presence in Hungary and knowledge of Hungarian language and of constitution).
Hungary investor visa requirements
- Non-Hungarian or EEA Citizen.
- Make a qualifying investment.
- Hold the investment at least 5 years (but similar investment must be in place to renew).
- Proof of accommodation at time of applying (incl. hotel).
- Proof of health insurance.
Hungary Investor Visa Options
Investment Fund
Option 1: EUR 250,000 worth of units in approved investment fund (regulated by the Hungarian National Bank) that has at least 40% of its net asset value in Hungarian residential properties
Option 2: EUR 1,000,000 donation to a specific higher education or cultural institution, to support educational, scientific research or artistic creation
Hungary Golden Visa Program Process
Processing time 6 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Due diligence and documents collection for visa application and securities account opening (c. 1 month)
- Submission of Guest Investor Visa application of the main applicant at the nearest Hungarian Consulate. Attend local Consulate in person (as biometric collected) and obtain visa (c. 1 month)
Approval And Investment
- Main Applicant enters Hungary and has a maximum of 3 months from issuance of the visa to make the qualifying investment
- Apply for residence permit within 6 months of visa issuance for whole family – In parallel family members to obtain travel visa to visit Hungary – Investor and dependents visit immigration authority in Budapest
Residency
- Issuance of Residency Cards (c. 2 months to receive residency cards)
Request Program Details & Price Breakdown
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hungary Golden Visa program?
The Hungary Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors the opportunity to reside, work and study in Hungary by investing a minimum of EUR 250,000 worth of units in approved investment fund that has at least 40% of its net asset value in Hungarian residential properties (or donation of EUR 1 million). This is a 2 steps process: the main investor obtains a Guest Investor Visa first, and then immediately afterwards applies for the Guest Investor Residence Permit.
Note that the Investment Fund option is not available to Russian (unless holder of a European residence permit), Ukrainian and Americans.
What are the benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa?
Hungary is an EU Member State within the Schengen Area. The visa holders have the right to live, work and study in Hungary. They also have the right to travel within the Schengen Area visa free for 90 days in any 180 days rolling period.
Can the applicant’s family also benefit from the Hungary Golden Visa?
Yes. Legally married spouse, minor children, and dependent parents may also apply for Residence Permits.
How long is the Residence Permit valid for?
A residence permit is issued for 10 years. Note that there is 5 years holding period during which the investor must hold on to the investment. Also, the same or a similar investment must be in place at the time of renewing the Golden Visa for another 10 years. After the initial 10 years, a residence permit may be renewed for another 10 years if the investment remains in place.
Is there a language requirement to apply for the Golden Visa?
No, there is no language requirement to apply for (or renew) the Hungarian Golden Visa.
Are there any physical residency requirements?
No, there are no physical residency requirements to apply for, maintain, or renew the Hungarian Golden Visa.
Are there any physical residency requirements for holders of the Hungary Golden Visa?
The Hungary Golden Visa does not require physical residency for application, maintenance, or renewal.
Can holders of the Hungarian Golden visa apply for Hungary permanent residence permit or citizenship?
What are the investment requirements?
Option 1: EUR 250,000 worth of units in a qualifying investment fund that has at least 40% of its net asset value in Hungarian residential properties.
Option 2: EUR 1,000,000 donation to a specific higher education or cultural institution, for the purpose of supporting educational, scientific research or artistic creation.
Proof of health insurance (long term private insurance with minimum of 6 – 12 months validity) required at the same of applying or renewing.
Do the applicants need to visit Hungary?
Yes, there is a need to visit Hungary at least once for main applicants and dependents. Main applicant to visit after obtaining the Guest Investor Visa to open securities account/make investment. Main applicant and family members to visit Hungary to visit immigration authorities to apply for residency permits.
Can the investor make other investment in Hungary in addition to the qualifiying investment?
Yes, the investor is free to make additional investments or other acquisitions.
Can residence permit holders apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship?
The Hungarian Golden Visa program is a potential pathway to Hungarian permanent residence subject to meeting conditions including (1) 3 continuous years in Hungary (meaning less than 4 months outside Hungary each year and less than 270 days outside Hungary in aggregate over the past 3 years); (2) cultural written exam in Hungarian; (3) long-term accommodation; (4) adequate livelihood; (5) health insurance; (6) Hungary’s best interests (integration) and (7) no criminal record. (Not included in this residency program)
The Hungarian Golden Visa program is a potential pathway to Hungarian citizenship subject to meeting conditions including (1) 8 continuous years in Hungary after obtaining Permanent Residency; (2) no criminal record; (3) means to live in Hungary; (4) long-term accommodation; (5) adequate livelihood; (6) health insurance; (7) not a threat to public order or national security; (8) exam in Hungarian and knowledge of Hungary Constitution. (Not included in this residency program)
Does Hungary allow dual citizneship?
Yes, Hungary allows dual citizenship.