Holders of a Hungarian passport can live, work, study, and seek medical treatment in any EU state, with visa-free access to over 170 countries.
For foreigners without Hungarian relatives, eligibility for citizenship by naturalisation requires at least 11 years of residence in the country.
The Hungary Golden Visa for investors offers a pathway to citizenship in one of the safest countries in the EU.
Hungarian citizens travel to over 170 countries without a visa, including all EU and EEA states and the United Kingdom. To visit the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, they obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is faster and cheaper than a regular visa.
Foreigners who have not yet acquired Hungarian citizenship can also enjoy some travel benefits. They can visit any EU country visa-free by obtaining residency in Hungary.
Hungarian citizens can enter the country at any time, even if borders are closed, and stay indefinitely. They can also live, work, and study in any EU state without special permission.
For stays in other EU countries exceeding 90 out of 180 days, Hungarian citizens must only have a permanent address and register with the local police department.
Hungarian higher education diplomas are recognised across Europe. Five Hungarian universities rank among the top 1,000 globally, according to QS Top Universities. These include the universities of Szeged, Debrecen, and Pecs, as well as Eötvös Loránd University and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
Hungarian citizens can seek treatment at public and private clinics in Hungary. They are also eligible for a European Health Insurance Card, allowing medical treatment in EU countries free of charge or at a reduced cost.
The country is also a popular destination for medical tourism. Budapest is often referred to as the world’s spa capital due to its thermal springs.
Hungary allows dual citizenship. Foreigners who obtain a Hungarian passport do not need to give up their original nationality unless required by the country of their first citizenship.
Dual citizens can live, work, and study in either country, enjoying civil rights and privileges in both. They also benefit from travel opportunities granted by both passports and can receive consular assistance from Embassies and Consulates of both countries.
Citizens of Hungary can set up businesses in the country and benefit from various incentives, including tax deductions and government grants.
The corporate tax rate in Hungary is just 9%, the lowest in the EU. Furthermore, the development tax incentive allows for the deduction of up to 80% of the annual payable corporate income tax.
Hungarian citizens enjoy a relatively low personal income tax rate of 15%. For context, the peak rate is 47.5% in Germany and 55% in France.
With a Hungarian passport, individuals can open bank accounts in Hungary and other European countries to keep money in hard currency and facilitate international transactions.
The banking system of Hungary is recognised as the healthiest and most developed in the CEE region. The country has about 40 banks, including major European institutions like OTP Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and Erste Bank. Hungarian banks offer a full range of services, including debit and credit cards, loans, mortgages, and brokerage services. Almost all services can be accessed online.
Hungary is one of the most affordable EU countries. According to Eurostat, prices for consumer goods and services are 32% below the EU average, and gas, electricity, and fuel prices are the lowest in the EU.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is the most expensive city in the country but remains more affordable than other European capitals. For example, the average property price per square metre in the city centre is about half the cost compared to Vienna, Rome, or Berlin.
Hungary ranks among the 20 safest and most peaceful countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. Public security has significantly improved in the past decade, with the government dedicating around 2% of the country’s GDP to this purpose.
Hungary has lower crime rates than many other countries, including those in Europe. The country’s homicide rate is 0.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, below the OECD average of 2.6.
Hungary is located at the centre of Europe and is well connected to other countries. A trip to Vienna by train or a flight to London or Paris takes less than 3 hours.
Hungary’s diverse geography includes mountains, rivers, and Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Europe. These natural attractions make Hungary an ideal place for outdoor activities.
By birth, descent, or ancestry. A child with at least one Hungarian parent has the right to obtain a passport, regardless of where they are born. Citizenship can also be claimed if one can prove that a parent, grandparent, or more distant ancestor was a Hungarian citizen.
By marriage. Marrying a Hungarian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship, but it simplifies the process. The spouse of a Hungarian passport holder can apply for citizenship under one of the following conditions:
By naturalisation. To qualify for citizenship by naturalisation, a candidate must live in the country for eight years with permanent resident status and pass a Hungarian language test.
To obtain permanent residency, one must first get a residence permit and live in Hungary for 3 years. Residence permits are issued on the following grounds:
Hungary Golden Visa is a program that offers investors a pathway towards a residence permit through one out of three options:
The first and third options are already available for investors who wish to participate in the Hungary Golden Visa program, while the option to buy real estate will come into effect starting January 1st, 2025.
The residence permit is valid for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period. The main applicant can add their spouse, minor children and financially dependent parents in the application.
Regardless of the chosen investment option, obtaining a Golden Visa takes up to 6 months. Immigrant Invest lawyers assist investors throughout the whole process.
A Certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts a thorough verification of the investor’s data against international databases. This confidential and mandatory procedure reduces the risk of application refusal to as low as 1%.
Immigrant Invest lawyers draw up a list of documents required to apply, including passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of sufficient funds, and a written commitment to fulfilling the investment condition.
The lawyers translate and notarise documents and complete government forms.
With a Guest Investor Visa, the investor travels to Hungary to apply for a residence permit. The visa is valid for 6 months and allows multiple entries into the country.
Applicants who have the right of visa‑free entry into Hungary do not need to obtain a Guest Investor Visa.
The investment must be made within 3 months of the first entry into Hungary with a Guest Investor Visa.
The application can be submitted remotely or in person to the relevant immigration authority.
The investor visits the migration office at a designated time, presents their passport and original documents, provides biometrics, and has a photograph taken for the residence permit card.
The card is mailed to the investor’s address within 21 days.
Hungary is an EU country, meaning its citizens can live, work, and study in any of the 29 member states. Hungarian passport holders can also travel to over 170 countries without applying for a visa.
Other Hungary citizenship benefits include living in one of the safest countries, with relatively low costs and well-developed healthcare. After acquiring Hungarian citizenship, one is not required to renounce their first passport unless required by their original country.
There are multiple ways to obtain a Hungarian passport. Some of the fastest paths include proving Hungarian ancestry or marrying a Hungarian citizen. For foreigners with no Hungarian relatives, naturalisation is the only way. To be eligible, they must live in the country for eight years with permanent residency.
Foreigners cannot obtain a Hungarian passport directly by investment. However, investors can get a 10-year residence permit under the Hungary Golden Visa program. For more information, one can visit the official website of National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
After 3 years of living in the country with a residence permit, one becomes eligible for permanent residency. To qualify for citizenship by naturalisation, they must live in Hungary for eight years as a permanent resident.
Hungarian citizens can travel to over 170 countries without applying for a visa at a consulate. They don’t need a visa to visit EU and EEA states or the United Kingdom.
To visit the United States, Canada, or Australia, Hungarian passport holders obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization, which is faster and cheaper than a regular visa.
The timeline for obtaining a Hungarian passport depends on the applicant’s chosen path.
For foreigners with Hungarian ancestors, the process takes six months to two years. Spouses of Hungarian citizens can get their passport in 3—10 years, depending on the circumstances. Obtaining Hungary citizenship by naturalisation takes 11 years.
Yes, Hungary allows dual citizenship. You will not be required to renounce your first nationality after becoming a Hungarian citizen unless the country of your first citizenship prohibits dual nationality.
Yes, Foreigners wishing to become Hungarian citizens by naturalisation must pass a language test to prove at least an intermediate level of Hungarian.
The difficulty of obtaining Hungarian citizenship depends on the chosen path. Simplified naturalisation through ancestry is generally considered the easiest, provided the applicant can gather the necessary documentation and demonstrate basic Hungarian language skills. Naturalisation through residency is more demanding and requires a long‑term commitment to living in Hungary.
Yes, Hungary allows its citizens to hold multiple citizenships, including triple citizenship. This means that if an individual acquires Hungarian citizenship, they are not required to renounce their previous citizenships. Similarly, if someone is already a Hungarian citizen, they can acquire additional citizenships without losing their Hungarian nationality.
Yes, Hungarian citizenship can be revoked if it was obtained through fraudulent means, such as providing false information or documents during the application process.
Hungarian citizens who hold another citizenship can voluntarily renounce their Hungarian citizenship. This involves submitting a formal declaration and meeting specific requirements set by the Hungarian authorities.
Hungary can be a good place for immigrants. It has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, and its central location in Europe makes travel easy.
The country is rich in culture and history, with beautiful cities and landscapes. However, the language can be a barrier since Hungarian is not widely spoken outside the country.
