Opportunities in the European Union
Living and working in the EU. Hungarian citizens can live and work in all EU countries as long as they have sufficient financial means. They do not need to obtain specific work permits but might be required to register at a police station at their place of residence.
Residents with Hungary Golden Visas can also travel within EU countries without visas for up to 90 out of 180 days. For longer stays, a specific residence permit will be required.
The EU states are often included in the world’s best countries rankings. For example, Luxembourg is considered the country with the highest quality of life, followed by the Netherlands and Denmark, while Finland is the happiest state in the world.
According to the Global Peace Index 2024, 12 EU countries are among the top 20 safest countries in the world. Ireland and Austria are in the top 3, ranking 2nd and 3rd, respectively. This means EU citizens and residents are unlikely to be assaulted or robbed, and the risk of any internal or external conflicts is minimal.
Studying in European universities. The European Union boasts many reputable educational institutions. For instance, Université PSL in France and the Technical University of Munich in Germany are among the top 30 best universities, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Hungarians can study at universities in any EU country under the same conditions as locals, which is usually more beneficial than for non-EU citizens. For example, studying Business Administration at the University of Amsterdam costs €2,530 per year for EU and EEA nationals and €10,500 for third-country citizens.
Higher education institutions in the EU offer courses in local languages and English, which can be valuable for improving language skills.
Diplomas issued by universities in EU countries are recognized across the European Union. For example, Hungarians who graduate from a university in Germany can freely choose to pursue their careers in Italy.
Access to high-quality healthcare. In general, EU public and private clinics offer a high level of medical treatment. They have modern equipment, qualified doctors, and good service.
Many EU countries are at the top of the Numbeo Health Care Index 2024 ranking, which assesses medical professionals, facilities, healthcare infrastructure, services, and financial aspects. According to these criteria, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Spain, Finland, and Austria are in the top 10.
EU countries regularly rank in the top positions in the World Index of Healthcare Innovations. For example, in 2022, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively.
Hungarian citizens can obtain European Insurance Cards to receive treatment in any EU country under the same conditions as locals.
Opening bank accounts. Hungarians can open accounts in banks all over the EU. To do so, they usually only need to submit their identity documents. Sometimes, they might be requested to provide proof of their accommodation and a phone number. To open a corporate bank account, they need the company’s registration documents.
The EU has Deposit Guarantee Schemes (DGS) that protect deposits in bank accounts. They ensure customers will be compensated if their bank fails.
Some of the renowned banks in the EU are CaixaBank in Spain, Commerzbank in Germany, and BNP Paribas in France.
Voting in elections. As EU citizens, Hungarians can vote in European Parliament elections and occupy government positions to help shape the region’s future.
Hungarians can vote in national elections also even if they are outside their country. To do so, they must go to the Hungarian embassy or consulate in any EU country.
Benefits of living in Hungary
Affordability. Hungary is generally 1.5 to 2 times more affordable than many other European countries.
For example, in Hungary, one person can have a moderate standard of living for €1,000 a month, including rent, while a family of four will need around €3,000. In contrast, in France, expenses for a single person amount to around €1,500 per month, while a family of four needs at least €4,400 monthly.
The cost of housing in Hungary starts at €350 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and €600 per month for a three-bedroom one. Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage removal, and Internet, cost around €150 for an apartment with three bedrooms.
On average, a square metre in the city centre in Hungary costs €2,800, and outside the city centre, it is around €2,000. In contrast, a square metre in Germany costs 2 to 2.5 times more.
In Hungary, a night out with a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant and two tickets to the cinema will cost around €60. A monthly pass for public transport is €23 without discounts, and a monthly fee for a fitness club is €40.
Parents can expect to pay €350 per month for a private kindergarten and €8,500 per year for an international school.
Safety. In the Global Peace Index 2024, Hungary ranks 14th out of 163 countries, above Norway, Australia, and Japan. It has improved its position by four places since 2023. The ranking considers countries’ safety and security, ongoing conflicts, and militarisation.
Low taxes. Hungary has one of the lowest personal income tax rates in the European Union. It is 15%, while in other EU countries, it can reach as high as 55%. Hungarian corporate tax is 9%, while the average corporate tax in the EU is 21.3%.
Central location. Hungary is part of Central Europe and is well-connected to all European countries by various means of transport. For example, it is possible to reach Vienna, the capital of neighbouring Austria, in 2.5 to 3 hours by bus, and a ticket will cost €13 to €17.
Flights to more distant European countries occur daily, often multiple times a day. Travelling from Budapest to Milan, Italy, takes just 1.5 hours, and tickets can be as affordable as €20.
Two Budapest airports also serve international flights. From Hungary, one can travel to places such as Dubai or Shanghai.
Social benefits. Hungary has a social benefits system that provides support in cases of sickness, occupational diseases and injuries, and accidents at work. It also provides support to families and the elderly.
For example, Hungary has universal healthcare, which allows citizens to obtain medical treatment free of charge if they work in the country and make mandatory social contributions. Sometimes, patients might be required to pay part of the cost of medicines and medical appliances.
Parents, adopters, and guardians who legally reside in Hungary are entitled to a birth grant. It helps to cover the initial costs associated with a child’s birth and supports families in the early stages of parenthood.
Beautiful surroundings. Hungary is a country with a long history and rich heritage, shaped by influences from the Roman and Ottoman Empires and the Austrian monarchy.
Various travel guides often list Budapest among the most beautiful cities in Europe, alongside Prague, Florence, and Paris. It is located in the bend of the Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe. One of the best views of the river can be seen from Buda Castle, a palace complex completed in 1265.
Budapest is frequently referred to as the “Spa Capital of the World.” The Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is one of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, featuring 18 pools.
Outside the cities, notable destinations include Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Mecsek Mountains; and Lake Balaton, known as the Hungarian Sea.
International mobility benefits of Hungarian citizenship
Visa-free travel to 171 countries. Hungarian citizens can enter 171 countries without visas, including all the EU states, the UK, Switzerland, Japan, and Singapore.
The allowed period of stay varies depending on the country. Therefore, it is advised to check before travelling to a specific place.
Consular protection abroad. Hungarians travelling abroad can get help at the embassy of any EU state if their country is not represented. These embassies must treat Hungarians and their own nationals equally.
The consular help is provided in the following circumstances:
- a loss of a passport or travel documents;
- a serious accident;
- a serious illness or death;
- a natural disaster or political unrest;
- an arrest or detention.
Dual citizenship and inheritance rights
Dual citizenship. Hungary recognises dual and multiple citizenship. Thus, foreigners do not need to renounce their other passports upon obtaining a Hungarian one. However, this is only applicable to citizens of countries that also allow having two or more citizenships.
Inheritance. Hungarian citizenship is granted by the right of blood, so children of Hungarians automatically obtain passports by birth.
If a person did not receive citizenship after birth, they can apply for citizenship by descent at any time. Alongside the application, they will need to provide documents proving their relations with a Hungarian parent or a grandparent.
3 ways to obtain a Hungarian passport
There are three primary ways to obtain Hungarian citizenship: descent, marriage, and naturalisation.
1. Descent. Citizenship by descent is granted to a person with at least one Hungarian parent or grandparent. It is also possible to obtain passports if the parents or grandparents are no longer citizens but were at the time of the person’s birth.
2. Naturalisation. Foreigners can obtain Hungarian citizenship by naturalisation if they have lived in the country for 11 consecutive years before applying. Initially, they receive a temporary residence permit, and after three years, they are eligible to apply for a permanent one. Citizenship is granted based on their permanent resident status.
Other requirements for obtaining a passport are:
- having a clean criminal record and not being under any criminal proceedings during the application process;
- proving the legality of residence in Hungary;
- imposing no threat to the country;
- passing an exam on the knowledge of the Hungarian language, history, and constitution.
3. Marriage. Foreigners married to Hungarian nationals obtain citizenship by simplified naturalisation. The requirements are to reside in Hungary and be in an official marriage for at least three years. Spouses must pass an exam on the knowledge of the Hungarian language, history, and constitution.
Is it possible to get Hungary citizenship by investment?
Hungary does not grant citizenship by investment. However, it is possible to obtain a Golden Visa by contributing money to the Hungarian economy. This type of visa is essentially a 10-year residence permit.
There are three investment options the applicant can choose from:
- purchase of investment fund units — at least €250,000;
- real estate purchase — at least €500,000;
- charitable donation to a higher education institution — at least €1 million.
To be eligible for a residence permit by investment, the investor must be over 18, have no criminal record, and be able to prove the legality of their income. They can add their spouse and minor children to the application.
It is required to submit the following documents:
- an application;
- a passport;
- passport-size photos taken within the last month;
- health insurance;
- a written confirmation of intent to meet investment requirements;
- proof of legality of income;
- bank statements;
- a CV;
- a marriage certificate, if applicable;
- a birth certificate;
- a confirmation of investment for residency purposes.
How to obtain Hungary citizenship after a residence permit by investment
The process of obtaining a Hungarian residence permit by investment takes at least six months. After that, the investor must live in the country for three years to be eligible for permanent residency and for eight more years to apply for citizenship.
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1 dayPreliminary check
It is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer to understand the program’s criteria and to ensure that the investor meets all the requirements.
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1+ weeksCollecting documents
The investor collects required documents, translates and notarises them, and fills out government forms.
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3 monthsObtaining a Guest Investor Visa
Initially, foreigners receive a Guest Investor Visa, valid for up to six months. With it, they can enter Hungary to apply for a residency permit. This visa also allows for multiple entries and exits from Hungary and residency within the country during its validity.
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Up to 3 monthsFulfilling investment requirements
Investments must be finalised within three months from the first entry into Hungary on a Guest Investor Visa.
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1 dayApplying for a residence permit
The Hungarian Golden Visa application can be lodged either directly with the relevant Hungarian immigration authorities or through an accessible online platform.
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2 monthsReceiving a residence permit card
Investors visit the migration office at an appointed time to present their passport and original documents, provide biometric data, and have their photos taken for the residence permit card.
The card is subsequently sent to the investor’s address within 21 days.
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3 years laterApplying for permanent residency
After three years of living in Hungary, foreigners can obtain a permanent residence permit. It is issued for life and does not need to be extended, but the residence permit card must be changed every 5 years.
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8 years laterObtaining citizenship
The application is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and then reviewed by the country’s president.
Holding a Hungary Golden Visa does not provide a facilitated path to a Hungarian passport. To be granted citizenship, investors must meet the same conditions as required for ordinary naturalisation. The main condition is to live in Hungary with a permanent residence permit for 8 years. Other qualification requirements include having a permanent registered address in Hungary, proving stable income, and passing a citizenship test in Hungarian.
Hungarian citizenship is granted for life but the passport must be renewed every 10 years for individuals over 18, every 5 years for children aged 6 to 18, and every 3 years — for children under 6.
List of visa-free countries for Hungarian passport holders
Hungarians can enter 171 countries without a visa. In comparison, the world’s strongest passport, issued by the UAE, offers visa-free access to 175 destinations.
Some countries require Hungarians to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa on arrival at customs. Both processes are typically completed within several minutes.
| Country | Region | Conditions of entry |
| Albania | Europe | Visa-free |
| Andorra | Europe | Visa-free |
| Angola | Africa | Visa-free |
| Antigua and Barbuda | The Caribbeans | Visa-free |
| Argentina | South America | Visa-free |
| Armenia | Middle East | Visa-free |
| Australia | Oceania | eTA |
| Austria | Europe | Visa-free |
| Azerbaijan | Middle East | eTA |
| Bahamas | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Bahrain | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Bangladesh | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Barbados | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Belarus | Europe | Visa-free |
| Belgium | Europe | Visa-free |
| Belize | Central America | Visa-free |
| Benin | Africa | eTA |
| Bhutan | Asia | eTA |
| Bolivia | South America | Visa-free |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe | Visa-free |
| Botswana | Africa | Visa-free |
| Brazil | South America | Visa-free |
| Brunei | Asia | Visa-free |
| Bulgaria | Europe | Visa-free |
| Burkina Faso | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Burundi | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Cambodia | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Cameroon | Africa | eTA |
| Canada | North America | eTA |
| Cape Verde | Africa | Visa-free |
| Chile | South America | Visa-free |
| Colombia | South America | Visa-free |
| Comoros | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Congo Kinshasa | Africa | eTA |
| Costa Rica | Central America | Visa-free |
| Croatia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Cyprus | Europe | Visa-free |
| Czechia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Africa | eTA |
| Denmark | Europe | Visa-free |
| Djibouti | Africa | eTA |
| Dominica | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Dominican Republic | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Ecuador | South America | Visa-free |
| Egypt | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| El Salvador | Central America | Visa-free |
| Equatorial Guinea | Africa | eTA |
| Estonia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Eswatini | Africa | Visa-free |
| Ethiopia | Africa | eTA |
| Fiji | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Finland | Europe | Visa-free |
| France | Europe | Visa-free |
| Gabon | Africa | Visa-free |
| Gambia | Africa | Visa-free |
| Georgia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Germany | Europe | Visa-free |
| Greece | Europe | Visa-free |
| Grenada | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Guatemala | Central America | Visa-free |
| Guinea | Africa | eTA |
| Guinea-Bissau | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Haiti | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Honduras | Central America | Visa-free |
| Iceland | Europe | Visa-free |
| India | Asia | eTA |
| Indonesia | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Iran | Middle East | eTA |
| Iraq | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Ireland | Europe | Visa-free |
| Israel | Middle East | Visa-free |
| Italy | Europe | Visa-free |
| Jamaica | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Japan | Asia | Visa-free |
| Jordan | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Kazakhstan | Asia | Visa-free |
| Kenya | Africa | eTA |
| Kiribati | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Kuwait | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Kyrgyzstan | Asia | Visa-free |
| Laos | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Latvia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Lebanon | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Lesotho | Africa | eTA |
| Liechtenstein | Europe | Visa-free |
| Lithuania | Europe | Visa-free |
| Luxembourg | Europe | Visa-free |
| Madagascar | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Malawi | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Malaysia | Asia | Visa-free |
| Maldives | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Malta | Europe | Visa-free |
| Marshall Islands | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Mauritania | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Mauritius | Africa | Visa-free |
| Mexico | Central America | Visa-free |
| Micronesia | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Moldova | Europe | Visa-free |
| Monaco | Europe | Visa-free |
| Mongolia | Asia | Visa-free |
| Montenegro | Europe | Visa-free |
| Morocco | Middle East | Visa-free |
| Mozambique | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Asia | eTA |
| Namibia | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Nepal | Asia | Visa upon arrival |
| Netherlands | Europe | Visa-free |
| New Zealand | Oceania | eTA |
| Nicaragua | Central America | Visa-free |
| Nigeria | Africa | eTA |
| North Macedonia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Norway | Europe | Visa-free |
| Oman | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Pakistan | Middle East | eTA |
| Palau | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Panama | Central America | Visa-free |
| Papua New Guinea | Oceania | eTA |
| Paraguay | South America | Visa-free |
| Peru | South America | Visa-free |
| Philippines | Asia | Visa-free |
| Poland | Europe | Visa-free |
| Portugal | Europe | Visa-free |
| Qatar | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Romania | Europe | Visa-free |
| Russia | Europe | eTA |
| Rwanda | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Samoa | Oceania | Visa-free |
| San Marino | Europe | Visa-free |
| Saudi Arabia | Middle East | Visa upon arrival |
| Senegal | Africa | Visa-free |
| Serbia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Seychelles | Africa | Visa-free |
| Sierra Leone | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Singapore | Asia | Visa-free |
| Slovakia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Slovenia | Europe | Visa-free |
| Solomon Islands | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Somalia | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| South Africa | Africa | Visa-free |
| South Korea | Asia | eTA |
| South Sudan | Africa | eTA |
| Spain | Europe | Visa-free |
| Sri Lanka | Asia | eTA |
| St Kitts and Nevis | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| St Lucia | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| St Vincent and Grenadines | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Sweden | Europe | Visa-free |
| Switzerland | Europe | Visa-free |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Africa | Visa-free |
| Tajikistan | Asia | Visa-free |
| Tanzania | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Thailand | Asia | Visa-free |
| Timor-Leste | Asia | Visa-free |
| Togo | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
| Tonga | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Trinidad and Tobago | The Caribbean | Visa-free |
| Tunisia | Africa | Visa-free |
| Turkey | Europe | Visa-free |
| Tuvalu | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Uganda | Africa | eTA |
| Ukraine | Europe | Visa-free |
| United Arab Emirates | Middle East | Visa-free |
| United Kingdom | Europe | Visa-free |
| United States | North America | eTA |
| Uruguay | South America | Visa-free |
| Uzbekistan | Asia | Visa-free |
| Vanuatu | Oceania | Visa-free |
| Venezuela | South America | Visa-free |
| Vietnam | Asia | eTA |
| Zambia | Africa | Visa-free |
| Zimbabwe | Africa | Visa upon arrival |
Key takeaways: primary benefits of a Hungarian passport
- Hungarian citizens enjoy benefits such as increased global mobility, access to high-quality healthcare and education, relocation to Hungary or another EU country, and the right to have dual citizenship.
- Foreigners can obtain a Hungarian passport by descent, marriage, or naturalisation.
- The process of naturalisation takes at least 11 years.
- Hungarian citizenship is not granted by investment. However, foreigners can obtain a 10-year residence permit by investing €250,000+ in the country’s economy.