How to turn investments into EU residency: a guide to Hungarian residence permits

Doing business in the heart of Europe, travelling with your family without restrictions, providing your children with a European education and not having to worry about renewing your residency status for many years - all this is possible.

As of 1 July 2024, Hungary's new investment programme, with which you can apply for a ‘golden visa’ - residence permit through investment in the country's economy - is up to date. Intelligent Solution Group specialists assist families in obtaining this status.

Why Hungary: advantages of the investment programme

Long-term validity and state guarantees

The residence permit is issued for 10 years. For example, a similar programme in Portugal offers a residence permit for 2 years only.

Possibility to apply for a residence permit for the whole family

All close relatives will be eligible for residence status: minor children and spouse will apply for a residence permit together with you. Parents, adult children, brothers and sisters can apply later.

Favourable business environment

Hungary offers the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU at only 9%. This opens up opportunities for tax optimisation and efficient business operations.

Comfortable accommodation

The residence permit remains valid even if you do not reside in Hungary permanently. The advantages of the residence status can be fully utilised without giving up living in other countries and conducting business activities.

Return on investment

The invested funds can be returned after 5 years and the residence permit will remain valid until the end of the term.

How much money you need and where to invest it

Participation in the programme requires an investment of €250,000 or more in certified private investment funds in the real estate and economic development sectors. In addition, taxes and mandatory fees must be paid. The investment amount is increased by 10% for each additional applicant, provided that you plan to bring parents or children under the age of majority to Hungary.

How long will it take to obtain a residence permit

The processing time depends on individual circumstances, including the speed of collecting documents and processing the visitor visa. On average, the process takes about 6 months.

What documents will you need

• а completed application from both spouses;
• copies of marriage and birth certificates of children;
• scanned passport pages (passport must be valid for at least 12 months);
• three 35 × 45 mm colour photographs for each applicant;
• a bank statement of €250,000 or more;
• a detailed bank statement for the last 6 months;
• CV of each applicant applying for residence permit (including dates of birth, education, work);
• medical insurance issued in Hungary; certificate of no criminal record for applicants over 14 years of age;
• CIS citizens must sign a declaration on the absence of sanctions restrictions from the EU and the USA.

Important: the documents must be submitted in one package for the whole family. They must be translated into English or Hungarian and the copies must be apostilled. In case apostille is not possible, notarisation of the documents at the Hungarian Consulate will be required.

Step-by-step action plan

Gather the necessary documents. If necessary, seek counselling to make sure that all the papers meet the requirements.

Submitting an application for an investor visitor visa to Hungary. You can do this at the Hungarian consulate in your country of citizenship or current residence permit. Find the visitor visa form on the official website.

After obtaining a visitor visa, you need to make an appointment to apply at the Citizenship and Immigration Office in Budapest on the official website. Opening an account in a local bank after arrival in Hungary, transferring the funds intended for investment to it.

Submission of documents and application within the appointed timeframe. Consideration takes up to 21 days.

Fulfilment of investment obligations (transfer of funds to a lienised fund) after approval of the application.

Resident cards can be received in 15 days. At the time of receipt, it is important to have all family members who have applied for a residence permit present for biometrics.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Whether a residence permit can be refused and what to do in this case

Unfortunately, refusals when applying for residence permit do happen. This can happen if the applicant provides incomplete information about himself/herself, hides a criminal record, or submits incorrect documents. You can challenge the decision by filing an appeal with the immigration service.

We specialise in applying for residence permits in Hungary and other countries. We accompany our clients at every stage - from preparing documents to paying fees, opening accounts and submitting applications, minimising the risk of rejection.