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New Hungary Golden Visa Program 2024 Explained: Obtaining Hungary Residence

The Hungary Golden Visa is back after the government paused the scheme in 2017. This rebranded visa now offers three ways to gain residence in this European Union Member country. To help you access this coveted visa program, Vancis Capital has secured a trustworthy local partner through which you can apply.

In this article, we will reveal the details of the Golden Visa program and the reasons why Hungary should be a top residence option for you. Then, we will detail the application process so you can easily gain this residency.

What Is the Hungary Golden Visa?

Officially referred to as the Guest Investor Residence Permit, this is a visa program the Hungarian government proposed in 2023. Though this visa only lasts 6 months, it offers you the path to long-term residency. You will be able to apply for a resident permit that lasts 10 years. Plus, you can renew it, giving you a total of 20 years in this country.

Furthermore, your spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can also join your application. Alternatively, they can rejoin you after you have received your visa.

The Hungary Golden Visa Investment Options

When you apply for this visa, you will need to make an investment. Unlike other European programs, such as the Portugal Golden Visa, you can invest through an escrow account after receiving your visa.

As part of your application, you can make the following contributions and recoup your investment in 5 years:

  • Real Estate Investment Fund: The first option is a $278,900 (€250,000) investment into a government-approved real estate fund. This amount is valid for a family of up to 4.
  • Real Estate Acquisition: You can invest a minimum of $558,500 (€500,000) in the Hungary Real Estate. This investment is valid for residential buildings, including those still in their construction phase. However, the government has postponed this option until 2025.
  • Public Trust Donation: You can make a $1,117,000 (€1,000,000) donation to an institution of higher learning for social projects focusing on education, art, or research.

The Advantages of Securing a Golden Visa in Hungary

Here are the benefits of this visa program:

Secured Luxurious Lifestyle

This visa gives you access to the comfort of living in a safe country with luxurious facilities such as thermal spring resorts. According to reports, not only is Europe safe, but Hungary ranks 14th in world peace. Therefore, you can use this safe country to visit or live in as a family even if this visa has no minimum stay requirements.

Optimised Taxes

Another advantage of this program is that it gives you the chance to reduce your tax burden even without a Hungary citizenship. In particular, this country has 15% income tax and 9% corporate tax. Plus, if you are a non-resident, you have no tax obligation.

Simplified Path to Citizenship

This visa is also a way to gain Hungarian nationality. After 3 years of residing in this country, you can apply for Hungary permanent Residency. Then, you will need to wait 8 years. During this time, you should not leave the country for more than 45 days. Finally, you will be able to apply for citizenship.

Increased Business Opportunities

Lastly, you will gain the right to do business in Hungary, which will give you financial security. Furthermore, you can travel across the Schengen area, allowing you to access opportunities throughout the continent.

The Golden Visa Requirements

To migrate to Hungary through this program, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be a third national (not a European Union or European Economic Area citizen)
  • Hire a lawyer for your real estate purchase
  • Get medical coverage
  • Prove you have the funds to live in the country
  • Provide a legitimate source of income
  • Prove a legitimate source of funds
  • Confirm your to fulfil your investment
  • Submit your address in Hungary
  • Submit identity documentation
  • Pay your procedural fees

How to Get the Hungarian Residence by Investment

Here is how you can quickly process your application with the help of experts such as Vancis Capital:

For Applicants with Visa-Free Access to Hungary

Here are the steps if you have visa-free access to this country:

1. Submit Passport Copies and Fill the Form

To start with, you will need to submit copies of your passport and a filled KYC form.

2. Pay the Fees

When you submit these documents, you must pay professional fees based on an invoice.

3. Submit Documentation

After you have paid your fees, you will receive a checklist. You should use it to submit the right documents.

4. Open Your Brokerage Account

When Vancis Capital has received your application submission date, they will open your brokerage account at the investment fund.

5. Apply for a Residence Permit

Now that your account is open, you will need to apply for residency at the Hungarian Immigration office. This requires the personal presence of all applicants to record biometrics data and photographs.

6. Make Your Investment

Once you have applied for your permit, you will have 3 months to make your investment.

7. Receive Your Residence Permit Card

Finally, the government will review your application for up to 21 days. You will receive your residence card through a special courier in 15 days. Then, as the fifth year approaches, you should apply for an investment exit, and you can start meeting the requirements to apply for Hungarian citizenship.

For Applicants without Visa-Free Access to Hungary

Here are the steps if you do not have visa-free access to this country:

1. Submit Passport Copies and Fill the Form

To apply for this visa, you will first need to submit a filled KYC form and copies of your passport to Vancis Capital.

2. Pay the Fees

When you have submitted your form and passport copies, you will need to pay the professional fees.

3. Submit Documentation

Now that you have paid the fees, you will receive a checklist. You will need to submit the listed documents.

4. Submit Residency Application

After you have submitted your documents, Vancis Capital will receive your application submission date. Then, they will submit your residency application to a Hungarian Consulate that will review it within 21 days.

5. Receive Your Investment Visa

Now that they have reviewed your application, you will receive your investor visa after 15 days.

6. Open Your Brokerage Account

Once you have your visa, Vancis Capital will open a brokerage account for your investment.

7. Submit Main Applicant Residency Application

When your account is open, the main applicant will need to apply for residency at the Hungarian immigration office.

8. Submit Family Residency Application

After you have applied, your family may apply through reunification at a Hungarian consulate.

9. Make Your Investment

Now that your family has applied, you should make your investment within 3 months of receiving your initial visa acceptance.

10. Receive Your Residence Permit Card

Lastly, you will receive your card after 21 days of review and 15 day waiting period. After 5 years, you should apply to recoup your investment.

Simplify Your Hungary Visa by Investment Application with Vancis Capital

With Vancis Capital, your visa application is a simple affair. Our processing team is trained in application procedures and has a combined 25 years of experience. With our skills and knowledge, we will ensure that your application proceeds smoothly. Even after your application is successful, we will continue to guide you through your journey as you get your residence permit and settle in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you invest in Hungary to get citizenship?

Since Hungary has no Citizenship by Investment program, there is no amount that you can invest to access citizenship directly. After 11 years of residing in this country while meeting requirements, you will be able to apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

How strong is a Hungarian passport?

The Hungarian passport is very strong—it has a rank of 5. This is because it gives you access to most countries, including the UK, Singapore, and China. You can even travel to the USA with just an electronic travel authorisation.

Which countries can I visit with a Hungarian residence permit?

With a Hungarian resident permit, you can visit the Schengen countries. You can also visit Cyprus, Bosnia, Moldova, Montenegro, and Georgia. If you apply for an e-visa, you can also access Türkiye.

Hungary Golden Visa

The Bottom Line

Now you know that the Hungary Golden Visa is back under the Guest Investor Resident Permit. With a minimum investment of $278,900 (€250,000), you can get this visa and live freely in Hungary. You will then be able to access business opportunities and the luxurious facilities of the country and the rest of the European Union.

Through migration investment experts such as Vancis Capital, you will be able to apply for this visa. Consult their team to learn the best option for you and better understand the different steps in this process and the requirements to get Hungary citizenship.

Take charge of your future with our expert advisors

Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.