GOLDEN VISA HUNGARY:
PROGRAM FOR INVESTORS

Residence in a member state of the EU for ten years

Golden Visa Hungary Program at a glance:

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Provides the right to work or to do business without restrictions

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Implies no obligation to permanently stay in Hungary

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Term may exceed the validity period of the applicant’s travel document

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Provides the right to work or to do business without restrictions

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Family members can join the holder for the same term and can apply for jobs

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May be upgraded to permanent residence: holders may obtain National Residence Card or EU Residence Card

WHAT INVESTMENT IS REQUIRED?

€250,000 in a real estate investment fund

Acquisition of investment units issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank, with a minimum amount of EUR 250000; OR

Real estate acquisition for €500,000 *

Acquisition of a residential property in Hungary free of any claims and encumbrances.

The acquired property may not be sold or encumbered for 5 years; OR

* program starts from 1st of January, 2025

1,000,000 € donation to science or arts or education

Financial donation of at least EUR 1 million to a higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission for the purpose of supporting educational, scientific research or artistic creation.

INTERESTED? WE CAN HELP

At Visegrad+ Legal, we understand that immigrating to a new country isn’t only about the paperwork. It means a new future, new opportunities for your business and your family. Our EU Golden Visa service package minimizes the stress of relocation, as you can rely on our expert team to handle every aspect of your legal needs. Our lawyers can provide the guidance and support from advising on your eligibility, providing assistance in realizing the required property purchase and submitting your application for Golden Visa and, with help of our partner network, even beyond.

Golden Visa Hungary, Hungary citizenship by investment
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Our real estate broker partners’ portfolio will provide you plenty of options to consider;

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Working together with property management companies, we can make sure that you achieve proper yields;

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Our relocation service partner ensures that your move to Hungary will not cause you any headache;

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Our interior designer partners will transfer any property to the home of your dreams.

We are proud to say that our team takes time to understand all our client’s unique situation and circumstance to best deliver personalized guidance specific to their needs.

Hungary residency by investment, EU golden visa

Our Services

Consultation

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Personalized Golden Visa consultation service

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Assessment of eligibility criteria, investment options, and procedural requirements

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General advice about your rights and responsibilities under the Golden Visa Hungary Program

Visa / Residency Application

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Handling all documentation, submissions, and liaisons with relevant authorities

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Guidance trough residency permit application process

Comprehensive Legal Support

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Property searches and title checks

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Contract negotiations

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Further on, we can deal with Visa renewals, and eventually permanent residency

Supportive services

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Consulting in business, tax and duty matters

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Real estate portfolio and property management services

Why Choose Us?
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Specialized Expertise

In-depth knowledge of immigration law and the process of domestic official administration
Experience in investment facilitation
Full-scale professional legal and business services
Excellence in cross-border transactions, helping foreign investors settle in Hungary

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Personalized Approach

Prioritized attention, legal guidance and support tailored to meet our client’s unique circumstances, objectives, and preferences

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Fixed and fair pricing

With no hidden costs, upfront you can plan ahead with your investment

Request a free consultation now!

Illés & Németh Ügyvédi Társulás
Visegrad + Legal Hungary

Semmelweis utca 14, H-1052 Budapest, Hungary

hello@goldenvisahungary.info

FAQ

1. What is Golden Visa?

Golden Visa, official called as Guest Investor Residence Permit is one of the best EU long term residence permits which entitles the holder (i) to reside in Hungary (ii) to engage in activities which may be carried out independently for remuneration in accordance with the law and (iii) to act as a managing director of any for-profit legal entity. The upcoming Hungarian Golden Visa program, effective July 1, 2024, facilitates residency in Hungary by investment for international investors.

2. How can I submit my application?

The application for EU long term residence permit may only be submitted in Hungary. Those who cannot enter the EEA without visa, must apply for a special Guest Investor Visa at the local embassy or consulate of Hungary in order to enter Hungary and submit their application. The application shall be submitted to the immigration authority or via the electronic platform. Applicants shall summon at the immigration authority in person. Our law firm prepares you the application and advises you throughout the entire process. 

3. What is the difference between Guest Investor Residence Permit and Guest Investor Visa?

Guest Investor Residence Permit is the residence permit commonly referred to as the Golden Visa. Guest Investor Visa is a short-term permit entitles the holder to stay for more than ninety days within a period of one hundred and eighty days and to make multiple entries with the purpose to realize the investment required for the EU Golden Visa. It is mandatory for citizens of a third country that is not listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament but citizens from the listed countries can enter Hungary without visa and submit their application.

4. Are family members entitled to reside in Hungary?

The Golden Visa Hungary Program allows family reunification for family members.

After obtaining the permit, such family members are entitled to work in Hungary without restriction.

5. When does the Golden Visa Hungary Program start?

Rules of the Golden Visa Hungary Program are applicable from 1st July, 2024, allowing for residency in Hungary by investment, however, property acquisition is only available from 1st of January, 2025.

6. May I apply for permanent residence or citizenship with this type of EU Golden Visa?

Yes, holders may obtain permanent residence and afterwards gain Hungarian citizenship if they meet the respective requirements. It is important to note though that in order to apply for permanent residence, you will be required to actually reside in the territory of Hungary for an uninterrupted period of 3-5 years while it is not a general requirement for holders of Golden Visa.

7. Can I realize the investment by buying multiple smaller properties?

The Hungarian Golden Visa program offers residency in Hungary by investment opportunities. The wording of the Golden Visa legislation provides for the purchase of one property, so the necessary investment cannot be made by purchasing several properties of lesser value.

 

8. Can I realize the investment by buying non-residential properties?

The Hungarian Golden Visa program offers residency in Hungary by investment opportunities that are specified in the legislation according to which only residential property can constitute an investment for this type of EU Golden Visa. Such property can be an apartment in a block of flats or a family home as well.

9. Do I have to be the only owner of the property?

No, a Golden Visa investment can be made by acquiring ownership ratio, but the property must be owned jointly by the applicant and one or more family members for 5 years. Also, the value of the ownership ratio must be at least EUR 500,000.

10. May I sell my property during the validity period?

At the time of acquisition of ownership of the residential property by the Golden Visa investor, a prohibition of alienation and encumbrance of the residential property shall be registered in the Land Register for a period of 5 years from the date of conclusion of the sales contract.

You may sell the property after 5 years, but it is required to own a proper investment (investment ticket or real estate) if you wish to renew this EU long term residence permit for another 10 years.

11. How long is the administration time?

The administration time of Golden Visa Hungary Program applications is 21 days excluding certain actions such as correction of deficiencies of the application.

12. How long is the validity period of the Goldan Visa?

The Golden Visa is valid for a period of 10 years.

13. Is Golden Visa renewable?

Golden Visa is renewable with the same terms, for another period of 10 years. If you keep your original investment throughout the entire period, you do not need to make another investment only in case you have sold it before applying for renewal.

14. Can I still get Golden Visa for 10 years if my passport expires in less than 10 years?

Yes, the period of validity of the Golden Visa may exceed the period of validity of the applicant’s travel document. This does not apply for family members, their passport’s validity period may limit the validity of this EU long term residence permit based on family reunification. Therefore, we recommend that family members check their passport’s validity period and renew it if necessary before submitting their application.

15. Are there other conditions for buying a property?

Yes, you also must apply for a permit from the local Government Office to acquire real property in Hungary. This procedure lasts 60 days and can be launched on a basis of a signed purchase contract. In the event of a rejection of acquiring the property, you may have to realize another investment to finish or restart the procedure.

16. How is the value of the property inspected by the authorities?

The Central Regional Directorate will appoint a forensic real estate expert in order to determine whether there is an obvious disproportionality between the actual market value of the property and the purchase price applied for. Cost of the real estate expert shall be paid by the applicant in advance.

17. Who can I buy investment tickets from?

Investment tickets must be issued by an investment fund that (i) has at least 40% of the net asset value investments in residential real estate in Hungary, and (ii) is listed in the register according to Defence and Security Procurement Act. If you choose this type of investment, we will make sure that you buy tickets from investment funds that qualify for the Golden Visa Hungary Program.

18. For how long should I keep my investment tickets?

Investment tickets shall be kept for at least 5 years. However, if you intend to renew your Golden Visa, you should either keep your ticket for the whole time of validity period or you must realize another investment before applying for renewal.

19. What other criteria do I need to meet to qualify for the Golden Visa program?

Applicants must

  • have a valid travel document,
  • hold a permit for return or onward travel,
  • have a Hungarian accommodation,
  • not be subject to expulsion or a ban on entry and residence, or if their entry or residence does not endanger public policy, public security, national security or public health interests of Hungary,
  • not be subject to an SIS alert.

20. How is the value of a non-euro investment calculated?

In the case of an investment in a currency other than EUR, the value of the investment in EUR shall be determined by applying the exchange rates published by the central bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank) on the day of the investment.

21. When shall I realize the investment?

If you are not entitled to enter Hungary without visa, you shall verify the realization of the investment to the immigration authorities in 3 months from entering the territory of Hungary for the first time with your Guest Investor Visa.

22. What are the benefits of obtaining a Hungary Investment Visa?

The Hungary Investment Visa provides the benefits of residency, access to the Schengen area, and potential future citizenship through investment.

23. What is the process to obtain a Hungary residence permit by investment?

To obtain a Hungary residence permit by investment, you must participate in the Hungarian Golden Visa program, launching on July 1,2024, which requires a qualifying financial investment in the country. Note that residence by property investment will be available from January 1, 2025.

24. What is the benefit of the EU Investment Visa?

The EU Investment Visa allows investors to gain residency in an EU country, facilitating business opportunities and travel within the Schengen area. The Hungarian Golden Visa Program is one of the most attractive EU Investment Visa programs.

25. What are the benefits of obtaining a Schengen Golden Visa?

Obtaining a Schengen Golden Visa allows you to live, work, and study in any of the Schengen countries. Additionally, it grants you visa-free access to all 27 Schengen Area countries, making travel within Europe much more convenient. This visa is also a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in the issuing country.

26. How can I obtain Hungarian citizenship by investment?

To obtain Hungarian citizenship by investment, you need to participate in the country’s Golden Visa Program, which involves making a significant financial investment. This program offers a pre-defined track to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

27. What are the requirements and benefits of obtaining Hungarian residency by investment?

The requirements for obtaining Hungarian residency by investment include making a significant financial contribution, typically through real estate, and demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents. Applicants must also have a clean criminal record and valid health insurance.

The benefits of Hungarian residency by investment include the ability to live, work, and study in Hungary, visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the potential for permanent residency and citizenship after a certain period. Additionally, Hungary’s strategic location in Europe offers business opportunities and a high standard of living.

This website is maintained by a Hungarian association of lawyers registered at the Budapest Bar Association in accordance with the laws and policies governing Hungarian attorneys which are available together with the information on client rights on the website at www.magyarugyvedikamara.hu.

The materials contained in this website are for information purposes only, and their receipt does not constitute legal advice, or create an attorney-client relationship. You should obtain legal counsel on any particular matter which concerns you. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this, and linked websites. However, any and all liability which might arise from your use of, or reliance upon, the information or links contained on this website is excluded.

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