+36 70 618 3473
Kossuth Lajos utca 7-9, Budapest, Hungary, 1053
Apply Now

Frequently asked questions about Hungary Golden Visa program

Yes, Hungary offers a Golden Visa Program known as the Hungarian Guest Investor Programme, GIP. This program allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency through fund investment, real estate investment or donation to an institution of higher learning.

Сitizenship through investment is not available. Obtaining citizenship requires long-term residency, integration, and meeting specific legal requirements, such as language proficiency and continuous residence in Hungary for eight years.

Investors can gain residency for €250,000+ through the Hungary Golden Visa Program and after that apply for citizenship after 11 years of living in Hungary.

The Hungary Golden Visa Program enables foreign investors to obtain Hungarian residency by making significant financial investments in the country. This provides a pathway to residency and potentially future citizenship, allowing investors and their families to live, work, and study in Hungary.

Eligibility for the Hungary Golden Visa Program is open to non-EU nationals who can make the required financial investment. Applicants must pass background checks, demonstrate sufficient financial resources, and meet other criteria set by Hungarian authorities.

Hungarian Golden Visa offers three different types of investment options:

  1. Real estate investment funds — €250,000.
  2. Real estate acquisition — €500,000.
  3. Non-refundable donation — €1 million.

The real estate option is set to activate on January 1st, 2025. The details regarding the type of real estate and location restrictions have yet to be finalised, and more information is expected in the coming months.

It’s difficult to answer this question since this investment program has just started. However, the application processing is expected to be completed within six months.

The processing time includes background checks, verification of the investment, and issuance of the residency permit.

Yes, the Hungarian residency by investment program allows for the inclusion of immediate family members in the application, among them: 

  • spouse of the same or opposite sex; 
  • children under 18; 
  • financially dependent parents;
  • medically dependent brothers and sisters.

The key Hungary Golden Visa benefits include:

  • free movement within the Schengen Area;
  • the ability to live, work, and study in Hungary;
  • access to Hungarian healthcare and education systems;
  • fast application processing;
  • no nationality restrictions;
  • no minimum stay requirement;
  • the right to start a business in Hungary
  • low corporate tax rate of 9%;
  • potential eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.

No, there is no minimum residency requirement to maintain the residency status obtained through the Hungarian Golden Visa Program. This means investors and their families are not required to reside in Hungary for a specific period each year to keep their residency permit valid.

Yes, holders of the Hungarian Golden Visa can work and start a business in Hungary. This residency permit grants the right to engage in economic activities, facilitating easier business management within the country.

The required documents include:

  1. Valid passport.
  2. Completed application form. 
  3. Photo 3.5 × 4.5 cm.
  4. Receipt of payment for administrative fees of €110.
  5. Statement about the chosen type of investment option.
  6. Proof of financial resources in a bank account amounting to at least €250,000.
  7. Proof of legal source of financial means to make the investment.
  8. Proof of accommodation in Hungary.

The initial residency permit granted under the Hungarian Golden Visa Program is valid for 10 years.

Yes, the residency permit can be renewed or extended after the initial 10-year period. Residents can apply for citizenship or continue their current status, depending on their circumstances.

Golden visa holders do not automatically become tax residents in Hungary. Tax residency is determined by spending more than 183 days in Hungary per year.

Hungary is one of the countries with the lowest tax rates in Europe:

  • the income tax rate is 15%;
  • the corporate tax rate is 9%;
  • the stamp duty for property purchase is 4%.

Yes, holders of the Hungarian Golden Visa can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days. This benefit allows visa-free travel to 29 European countries.

If your application for the Hungarian residency by investment program is denied, you can appeal the decision within eight days. A written appeal letter has to be submitted to the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and signed by the applicant.

The appeal process involves providing additional information or documentation to address the reasons for denial. Alternatively, applicants can reapply after resolving the issues that led to the denial.

Yes, in addition to the financial investment, administrative and legal fees are associated with the application process. These fees cover processing costs, background checks, and legal services.

The administrative service fee for the procedure of issuing a residence permit is €280, which must be paid at the diplomatic or consular mission.

Real estate purchase options include stump duty of 2% or 4%, depending on real estate property cost.

Get in touch today

Our team assists international clients in navigating the process, minimising risks, and safeguarding their finances. Submit an application to discover strategies to secure your Hungary Golden Visa.

Apply for the Golden Visa