Hungary Residence Permit & Golden Visa
For property buyers, investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads
3 ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary
1. Hungary residency by investment of €250,000, also known as the Hungary Golden Visa. To acquire a residence permit, an investor purchases investment fund units, residential property, or donates money to a higher education institution. The minimum investment threshold depends on the type of investment:
- €250,000 — real estate fund units;
- €500,000 — residential property;
- €1,000,000 — donation to a university.
Along with the investor, residency permits are granted to their spouse in a registered marriage, as well as to children under 18 and parents.
A Hungary residence permit by investment is valid for 10 years. After five years, property and shares in the real estate fund can be sold. Residency can be extended for the same period by maintaining investments or reinvesting.
2. Hungary residency by business registration. The founder of a company in Hungary is granted a residence permit for one year, which can be extended once for two years. After three years, the entrepreneur can obtain a new residence permit if they maintain ownership of the company.
The applicant invests at least 3,000,000 HUF, or €7,800, in the company. This is the minimum amount of registered capital of a Limited Liability Company in Hungary. The entrepreneur also provides a business plan, confirming that the company will generate a monthly income of €1,500.
Family members get Hungarian residency after one year upon the renewal of the main applicant's residency permit. Residency acquired by company registration does not grant the right to obtain a permanent residence permit or citizenship.
3. Hungary residence permit for digital nomads, or the Hungary White Card. The applicant may work remotely as an employee of a company, as a freelancer, or manage their own business.
A residence permit is granted to foreigners who earn at least €3,000 per month outside Hungary. Only active income is considered, such as salary and service contract payments. Dividends qualify if received from a company registered outside Hungary and owned by the applicant. Rental income does not meet the criteria for a residence permit.
The applicant must also confirm a bank account balance of at least €10,000.
The residence permit for digital nomads is valid for one year and can be extended once for an additional year.
Residency by investment
€250,000+ Minimum investment
6+ months Obtaining period
10 years Validity period
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Residency by business registration
€7,800+ Authorised capital
6+ months Obtaining period
Up to 3 years Validity period
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Residency for digital nomads
€3,000+ Monthly income
3+ months Obtaining period
Up to 2 years Validity period
Find out more
Comparison of different types of Hungary residence permits
Validity period:
- residence permit by investment — 20 years. It is issued for 10 years with the right to extend once for the same period;
- residency by company registration — three years. The permit is issued for one year with the right to extend once for two years;
- residency for digital nomads — two years. It is issued for one year with the right to extend once for one year.
The residence permit for digital nomads and residency obtained by company registration can be renewed upon expiration. To do so, one must leave Hungary and acquire a resident visa at a Hungarian consulate. There is no need to register a new company for the residence permit: confirming ownership of an existing company in Hungary is enough.
Property requirements:
- residence permit by purchasing residential property — minimum value of €500,000;
- other types of residency — rental or purchase of property of any value, with a minimum living area of 6 m² per person.
For the residency by investment, both primary and secondary market residential properties are acceptable.
Real estate for Hungary residency
Income requirements:
- residency by investment — no specific requirements, but the applicant must verify the source of the investment funds;
- residency by business registration — a bank account balance of at least €10,000 and a personal income from the company of €1,500 or more per month;
- residence permit for digital nomads — a bank account balance of at least €10,000 and an active income from outside Hungary of at least €3,000 per month.
Entrepreneurial income for the residence permit by company registration is confirmed by a business plan or bank statements if the company is already operational.
Practical guide on the Hungary Golden Visa
- Step-by-step procedure
- Requirements for applicants
- Required documents
- Answers to frequently asked questions
PDF, 36 pages, 12 МB
9 benefits of Hungarian residency
Immigration to Hungary
Residents can live in Hungary for the entire duration of their residence permit. They can also enter the country at any time, even if the borders are closed to foreigners.
For investors, moving to Hungary is an option, not an obligation, as there are no residency requirements for them. Holders of other types of residence permits must spend at least 90 days in Hungary within any 180-day period.
Visa-free travel in Europe
Hungarian residents can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Holders of a Hungarian residence permit can also enter Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey without a visa, which is not an exhaustive list of countries.
Opportunity to obtain Hungary citizenship
Holders of a residence permit by investment can apply for permanent residency after three years of living in Hungary. After another eight years, they become eligible to apply for Hungary second citizenship.
A Hungarian passport allows visa-free travel to 171 countries, including the USA, the UK, Japan, and Singapore.
Access to good quality medicine
Healthcare in Hungary meets European Union standards, while the cost of medical services in the country is lower than in Germany or the Scandinavian countries.
Residents of Hungary have access to both public and private clinics. They can also obtain a European Health Insurance Card, which allows them to receive medical treatment in EU and European Economic Area countries either for free or at a reduced cost.
Hungary is a popular destination for medical tourism. Foreigners come for the thermal springs, of which there are more than a thousand in the country.
European education
Seven Hungarian universities are ranked among the best 1,000 universities in the world, according to QS Top Universities. These include universities in Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen. The institutions offer programs in English, French, German, and Hungarian.
Higher education in Hungary follows the Bologna system, ensuring that degrees from local universities are recognised internationally.
Low cost of living
The average cost of living in Hungary is €600 per month per person, excluding rent. A family of four would need an average of €2,000 per month.
The cost of living in Hungary is 1.5 times lower than in Germany or Sweden.
Attractive tax system
The income tax rate in Hungary is 15%. By comparison, it can be as high as 47.5% in Germany and 55% in France.
For legal entities, the tax on profit is 9%, the lowest in the EU.
Opportunity to work or open a business in Europe
Investors with a Hungary residence permit by investment can be employed, register a company, and obtain the status of a sole proprietor or self-employed person.
Access to European banks
Hungarian residents can open both local and international bank accounts using only a passport and residence permit. A Hungarian bank account allows quick money transfers to other EU countries via the SEPA system.
Use the time wisely: ensure priority in document submission and a place within the capped quotas.
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Requirements and processing time for obtaining a Hungarian residency
General conditions for all types of residence permits:
- meet the applicant requirements — a foreigner must be over 18 years old from a country outside the European Union and the EEA, without an entry ban to Hungary;
- rent or purchase residential property in Hungary;
- purchase medical insurance.
A clean criminal record is not a specific requirement for applicants. However, a residence permit will not be issued to a foreigner who poses a threat to public order and national security in Hungary.
Hungary residence permit by investment can be obtained within a few months. The process consists of five stages:
- Prepare the documents and submit the application to the Hungarian consulate.
- Receive approval and a Guest Investor Visa.
- Travel to Hungary and invest in funds, real estate, or education.
- Submit biometrics and apply for a residence permit card.
- Receive the residence card by post at your residential address in Hungary.
The Guest Investor Visa is valid for 6 months, during which the applicant must travel to Hungary to make the investment. Upon arrival, the foreigner has only 93 days to complete the investment and apply for the residence permit card.
A residence permit by investment does not require the holder to live in Hungary permanently.
Residency by business registration can be obtained within six months. The main stages of the process are:
- Prepare a business plan and register the company in Hungary.
- Travel to Hungary on a Schengen Visa to open a bank account for the company.
- Prepare the necessary documents and submit the residence permit application to the Hungarian consulate.
- Receive approval and a Guest Investor Visa.
- Travel to Hungary, submit biometrics, and apply for the residence permit card.
- Receive the residence permit card by post at your residential address in Hungary.
The company can be registered remotely or in person, but the bank account must be opened in person.
The holder of a residence permit by business registration must spend at least 90 days in the country within a six-month period to maintain the residence permit.
Residency for digital nomads is issued within three months or more. The applicant prepares the necessary documents, confirms their income and savings, and submits the residence permit application to the Hungarian consulate. After approval, the foreigner is granted a Guest Investor Visa. The applicant travels to Hungary, submits biometrics, and applies for the residence permit card.
Hungary Golden Visa
The investor purchases shares in an investment fund, residential property, or makes a donation to a university.
The residence permit is valid for 10 years, with the right to renew for an additional 10 years.
Along with the applicant, the investor's spouse, their children under 18, and parents are also eligible for a residence permit.
€250,000+ Minimum investment
6+ months Obtaining period
Hungary residence by business registration
The entrepreneur registers a company in Hungary and provides a business plan to demonstrate that the company will generate at least €1,500 per month for the founder.
The residence permit is valid for one year, with the right to renew it once for an additional two years.
The applicant’s family members can obtain a residence permit after one year when the residence permit is renewed by company registration.
€7,800+ Investment in a company
6+ months Obtaining period
All about Hungary RP by business
Hungary residence for digital nomads
A digital nomad is a remote worker with income from outside Hungary, such as a full-time employee, freelancer, or entrepreneur.
The applicant must verify an income of at least €3,000 per month for the past six months and a bank balance of at least €10,000.
The residence permit is valid for one year, with the right to renew it once for an additional year. Family members cannot be included.
€3,000+ Monthly income
3+ months Obtaining period
Obtaining Hungary permanent residence and citizenship
Hungary residence permit by investment provides a pathway for foreigners to acquire permanent residency and citizenship. However, a residence permit obtained by company registration or as a digital nomad does not grant this right.
To get permanent residency in Hungary, one must reside in the country for at least three years. This period counts as long as the foreigner has not left Hungary for more than four consecutive months and has spent no more than 270 days outside the country within three years.
Hungary PR is granted for life, but the permanent residence card must be renewed every five years.
Hungary citizenship can be obtained after eight years of living in the country with permanent residency. Applicants are allowed to spend no more than 45 days per year outside Hungary.
Citizenship candidates must pass an exam on Hungarian language, culture, and the Constitution. Applicants over 65 years old, graduates of Hungarian universities and language courses, people with disabilities or health issues are exempt from the exam.
Hungary allows dual citizenship, meaning one does not need to renounce their other passports unless required by their country of primary citizenship.
Schedule a meeting
Let’s discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Zlata Erlach, Investment Programs Expert
Why investors choose Immigrant Invest
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of residence permit and citizenship investment programs. We have been working since 2006, and during this time, we have helped more than 5,000 families obtain citizenship and residence permits.
We consider the nuances of each applicant's situation, and thanks to our expertise, 99% of our clients' applications are approved. This is the highest rate in the industry.
Immigrant Invest offices are located in seven countries: Hungary, Austria, Turkey, Portugal, Grenada, Malta, and Cyprus.
Immigrant Invest helps investors at every stage of obtaining status: analyses the situation of each investor, offers a suitable program, and helps select real estate. Lawyers accompany clients from the moment the contract is signed until they receive their residence permit card or passport.
How can Immigrant Invest help with buying property in Hungary?
Real estate experts from Immigrant Invest help investors choose a suitable property at their request, organise a viewing, and check the seller's reliability and the transaction's purity.
Lawyers obtain permission to purchase real estate, help conclude a purchase and sale agreement, register the property, and forward proof of ownership to the Hungarian Immigration Service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can one obtain a residence permit in Hungary?
A Hungary residence permit can be obtained by investment, by registering a company, or by demonstrating a stable income from outside Hungary.
To get a Hungary residence permit by investment, a foreigner can choose one of the following options:
- purchase shares in Hungarian real estate investment funds worth at least €250,000;
- buy residential property in Hungary worth at least €500,000;
- donate at least €1,000,000 to a university.
Founders of Hungarian companies can obtain a residence permit if their business generates an income of at least €1,500 per month. For a new company, a business plan confirms this income. The minimum share capital for a company in Hungary is €7,800.
A foreigner with an income of at least €3,000 per month from outside Hungary can get a residence permit for digital nomads. This income includes the salary of a remote worker or fees from service contracts.
What are the benefits of a Hungary RP?
Hungary resident permit offers several benefits:
- the opportunity to live in Hungary during the entire validity period of the document;
- visa-free travel within the Schengen countries;
- access to free healthcare;
- studying at European universities;
- the prospect of obtaining permanent residence and Hungarian citizenship.
How to apply for a residence permit in Hungary?
A foreigner submits the residence permit application to the Hungarian consulate in their country of citizenship or residence.
How to get a Hungarian residency?
Foreigners obtain a residence permit in Hungary by investment or by starting a company. Hungary also issues residence permits to digital nomads, remote workers with a stable income from abroad.
How long can foreigners stay in Hungary?
Foreigners can stay in Hungary for different durations depending on their residence permit status:
- residence permit by investment allows staying in Hungary for up to 10 years with the opportunity to extend the status once for the same period;
- residency by company registration is valid for one year and can be extended once for two years;
- digital nomads can reside in Hungary for up to two years.
How long do you have to live in Hungary to become a citizen?
One can apply for Hungary citizenship after 11 years of living in the country: three years with a temporary residence permit and an additional eight years with permanent residency.
Can I get residency in Hungary if I buy a house?
Yes, you can. A residence permit in Hungary can be obtained by purchasing residential property worth at least €500,000. After finalising the sale contract, you must maintain ownership of the property for at least five years.
What rights does a Hungary residence permit grant?
A residence permit in Hungary allows one to live in the country for the entire duration of the permit. Hungarian residents can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area. Investors are also permitted to conduct business in Hungary.
How can I move to Hungary permanently?
To move to Hungary permanently, you can start by obtaining a temporary residence permit by investment, company registration, or as a digital nomad. After living in Hungary for at least three years with a temporary permit, you can apply for permanent residency.
Do I need a residence permit in Hungary?
Yes, if you plan to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days, or if you wish to live, work, or study there, you will need a residence permit.
How much to invest in Hungary to get citizenship?
You cannot obtain Hungary citizenship by direct investment. To obtain citizenship, you first need to reside in Hungary for three years with a temporary residence permit, followed by an additional eight years with permanent residency.
To obtain a Hungary Golden Visa for 10 years, you need to invest at least €250,000.
Schedule a meeting
Let’s discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Zlata Erlach, Investment Program Expert