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
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hungarian Golden Visa program and how does it work?
The Hungarian Golden Visa program, officially known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP), was reintroduced on July 1, 2024, allowing non-EU and EEA nationals to obtain residency in Hungary through investment. This program aims to attract foreign investment and provides residency benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Harvey Law Group, founded in 1992, is a leading multinational law firm that provides comprehensive support throughout the Hungary Golden Visa application process.
Who is eligible for the Hungary Golden Visa program?
To be eligible for the Hungary Golden Visa, applicants must be non-EU/EEA citizens, aged 18 or above, and have a clean criminal record. The program is available to a wide range of nationalities, including those from the United States, Russia, and Iran. Harvey Law Group's experienced immigration specialists can assess your eligibility and guide you through the requirements.
What are the investment options for the Hungary Golden Visa?
The Hungary Golden Visa program offers two main investment options: investing a minimum of €250,000 in a state-approved real estate investment fund with a mandatory 5-year holding period, or making a non-refundable donation of €1 million to a higher education institution in Hungary for scientific research or artistic activities. Harvey Law Group can help you choose the most suitable investment option based on your financial circumstances and goals.
How long is the Hungary Golden Visa residence permit valid?
The Guest Investor Residence Permit granted through the Hungary Golden Visa program is initially valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10-year period, effectively granting long-term residency in Hungary. After 5 years of continuous residency, holders can apply for permanent residency. Harvey Law Group provides ongoing support for permit renewals and permanent residency applications.
Can family members be included in the Hungary Golden Visa application?
Yes, one of the key advantages of the Hungary Golden Visa is the ability to include family members in the application. Spouses, minor children, and even dependent parents can be granted residency under the family reunification provisions, providing the same residency rights and privileges. Harvey Law Group ensures that all eligible family members are properly included in your application.
What are the main benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa?
Key benefits include visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, no minimum stay requirements, exemption from tax obligations for non-residents, the right to live, work, and conduct business in Hungary, and a potential pathway to Hungarian citizenship after 8 years of continuous residency. Harvey Law Group helps maximize these benefits through strategic planning and expert guidance.
How long does the Hungary Golden Visa application process take?
The application process for the Hungary Golden Visa is relatively streamlined, with a processing time of approximately 4-8 weeks, provided that all required documents are submitted and the investment condition is met within the specified timeframe. Harvey Law Group's efficient process management ensures timely submission and processing of your application.
Can I obtain Hungarian citizenship through the Golden Visa program?
Yes, the Hungary Golden Visa provides a potential pathway to Hungarian citizenship. After 8 years of continuous residency in the country, investors can apply for naturalization, subject to passing a Hungarian language proficiency test and demonstrating adherence to the country's cultural and constitutional principles. Harvey Law Group provides comprehensive support throughout the citizenship application process.
What are the advantages of investing in Hungary compared to other EU countries?
Hungary offers significant advantages including affordability with a lower cost of living compared to other European countries, economic stability with a flat income tax rate of 15% and corporate tax rate of just 9%, high quality of life with world-class healthcare and education systems, and Schengen Area access. Harvey Law Group can help you understand these advantages and how they apply to your specific situation.
Can the investment be financed for the Hungary Golden Visa?
Yes, financing options may be available for the investment required under the Hungarian Golden Visa program, depending on the specific investment avenue chosen and the applicant's financial circumstances. Harvey Law Group can guide you through available financing options and help structure your investment appropriately.
What are the potential risks and considerations of the Hungary Golden Visa?
Potential risks and considerations include investment risks, strict compliance requirements, tax implications, and additional requirements for the citizenship pathway, such as language proficiency and cultural integration. Harvey Law Group provides comprehensive risk assessment and guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for Hungary Golden Visa holders?
No, one of the key advantages of the Hungary Golden Visa is that there are no minimum stay requirements, providing flexibility in terms of residency. This makes it ideal for investors who need mobility for business or personal reasons. Harvey Law Group can explain how this flexibility benefits your specific situation.
What is the Guest Investor Visa and how does it work?
The Guest Investor Visa is a temporary visa valid for up to 6 months that allows applicants to enter Hungary and fulfill the investment requirements. Once the investment is made, applicants can then apply for the 10-year Guest Investor Residence Permit. Harvey Law Group manages this entire process to ensure smooth transitions between visa stages.
Is there a Hungary citizenship by investment program available?
No, Hungary does not offer a direct Hungary citizenship by investment program. Instead, Hungary offers the Golden Visa program (Guest Investor Program) which provides a pathway to residency through investment, with the possibility of applying for citizenship after 8 years of continuous residency. Harvey Law Group can guide you through the Golden Visa process and help you understand the long-term pathway to Hungarian citizenship.
How can Harvey Law Group help with my Hungary Golden Visa application?
Harvey Law Group, founded in 1992, is a leading multinational law firm with offices across Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Our experienced immigration specialists provide comprehensive support throughout the Hungary Golden Visa process, from initial eligibility assessment to investment guidance, document preparation, application submission, and ongoing support for renewals and citizenship applications.