From 2024 Hungary offers foreigners, including Russians, the opportunity to obtain a residence permit through investments - the so-called «Golden visa». The minimum investment amount is €250,000. This status gives the right to visa-free travel within the Schengen zone, access to European banking services, medicine and education.
7 advantages of residence permit in Hungary for investment
1. «Back-up»
A residence permit in Hungary allows you to reside freely in the country or to visit at any time, which is especially important in case of instability in your home country. The status applies to the investor's entire family: spouse, children and parents.
2. Visa-free Schengen
Holders of a Hungarian residence permit can visit Schengen countries without a visa, staying there for up to 90 days within six months. A passport and a residence card are sufficient for entry.
3. Access to European banks
With a residence permit it is easier to open an account in a Hungarian or other European bank, store funds, make international payments and even get loans.
4. No mandatory residence in the country
Unlike other types of residence permits, investors do not need to stay permanently in Hungary - the status is retained even in case of long-term absence.
5. Prospects for business
Residents can open a company or sole proprietorship in Hungary, which makes it easier to enter the European market and find new partners.
6. European education and medicine
Residence permit holders and their children have access to public hospitals and schools on an equal footing with Hungarian citizens.
7. Path to EU citizenship
After 8 years of residence in the country, one can apply for a Hungarian passport, which opens visa-free access to even more countries.
A residence permit in Hungary allows you to reside freely in the country or to visit at any time, which is especially important in case of instability in your home country. The status applies to the investor's entire family: spouse, children and parents.
2. Visa-free Schengen
Holders of a Hungarian residence permit can visit Schengen countries without a visa, staying there for up to 90 days within six months. A passport and a residence card are sufficient for entry.
3. Access to European banks
With a residence permit it is easier to open an account in a Hungarian or other European bank, store funds, make international payments and even get loans.
4. No mandatory residence in the country
Unlike other types of residence permits, investors do not need to stay permanently in Hungary - the status is retained even in case of long-term absence.
5. Prospects for business
Residents can open a company or sole proprietorship in Hungary, which makes it easier to enter the European market and find new partners.
6. European education and medicine
Residence permit holders and their children have access to public hospitals and schools on an equal footing with Hungarian citizens.
7. Path to EU citizenship
After 8 years of residence in the country, one can apply for a Hungarian passport, which opens visa-free access to even more countries.
Investment options
- From 250,000 € - investment in shares of investment funds approved by the Hungarian State Security Office.
- From 1,000,000 € - donation to a Hungarian university participating in a program for the development of science, education or art.
Previously, the option to purchase real estate for 500,000 € was considered, but this option is currently suspended.
IST Hungary will help you understand the terms and conditions of the program and apply for the Golden Visa with minimum time and resources.
How to obtain a residence permit in Hungary through investments
To participate in the Golden Visa program, the applicant needs to come to Hungary in person. If a visa is required for entry, the investor needs to apply for a D category visitor visa (national visa) in advance. It allows:
Documents for the visa are submitted at the Hungarian consulate in the country of residence. The package includes:
- enter and leave the country multiple times;
- stay in Hungary for 180 days.
Documents for the visa are submitted at the Hungarian consulate in the country of residence. The package includes:
- Proof of legal origin of investment funds;
- Proof of financial security (sufficient income or savings);
- Health insurance;
- Receipt of consular fee (110 €).
Investment requirements
1. Investment in real estate funds (from 250,000 €)
It is necessary to provide:
2. Donation to a university (from 1,000,000 €)
An official certificate from the university confirming the receipt of a grant for the development of education, science or art is required.
Important:
It is necessary to provide:
- Investment certificate for an amount of ≥250,000 € for a period of 5 years;
- The document must be issued by a management company registered with the Hungarian National Bank.
2. Donation to a university (from 1,000,000 €)
An official certificate from the university confirming the receipt of a grant for the development of education, science or art is required.
Important:
- The investment must be made within 3 months of entering Hungary;
- Investments must be maintained for at least 5 years, otherwise the residence permit will be revoked;
- Foundation units can be sold after 5 years and donations are non-refundable.
Who can get a residence permit in Hungary for investments?
The program is available to citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA (including citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus). However, if the applicant has a second citizenship (e.g. Armenia or Vanuatu), he/she can participate - provided that all family members also have an alternative citizenship.
The main requirements for an investor are:
Rights of the investor's family
Together with the principal applicant, the 10-year residence permit is granted to:
Children under 25 can be included in the application if:
The main requirements for an investor are:
- Age from 18 years;
- No criminal record and no violations of Hungarian laws;
- Immunity from international sanctions;
- Legal income and health insurance (or funds for medical treatment).
Rights of the investor's family
Together with the principal applicant, the 10-year residence permit is granted to:
- Spouse(s);
- Minor children;
- Dependent parents (if their only income is a pension).
Children under 25 can be included in the application if:
- They are in higher education;
- Are financially dependent on their parents;
- Have no income of their own.
Why contact IST Hungary?
IST Hungary specializes in Golden Visa and will help:
You can leave a request and our experts will advise you!
- Select the best investment option;
- Prepare documents;
- Accompany you at all stages of obtaining a residence permit.
You can leave a request and our experts will advise you!
List of documents for applying for residence permit in Hungary through investments
To participate in the Golden Visa program, the applicant needs to prepare a package of documents. The basic list includes:
1. Personal documents:
Copy of the foreign passport;
Completed application form for a national visa of category D;
Photographs of the established sample.
2. Financial documents:
Proof of legal origin of income;
Bank statement confirming the availability of funds for living in Hungary;
Documents evidencing investments made or planned.
3. Medical documents:
Health insurance policy valid in Hungary.
4. Family documents (when including family members in the application):
Marriage certificate;
Birth certificates of children.
1. Personal documents:
Copy of the foreign passport;
Completed application form for a national visa of category D;
Photographs of the established sample.
2. Financial documents:
Proof of legal origin of income;
Bank statement confirming the availability of funds for living in Hungary;
Documents evidencing investments made or planned.
3. Medical documents:
Health insurance policy valid in Hungary.
4. Family documents (when including family members in the application):
Marriage certificate;
Birth certificates of children.
Where to get counseling?
If you have any questions regarding the Hungarian residence permit, you can contact IST Hungary specialists who will provide professional advice and help you with the preparation of documents.
Step-by-step process of applying for a Golden Visa in Hungary
The full cycle from preparation of documents to obtaining a residence card takes about 3-4 months. IST Hungary provides professional support at all stages: from the initial consultation to the extension of the status and return of investment.
1. Preliminary verification (2 days)
Our specialists conduct a comprehensive check of the investor against international databases. Only a copy of passport is required. This approach allows us to identify possible difficulties in advance and minimize the risks of rejection.
2. Document preparation (3 weeks)
IST Hungary experts:
3. Issuance of a visitor visa (3 weeks)
For citizens of countries without a visa-free regime with Hungary we help:
4. Relocation and application for residence permit (up to 5 days)
Our specialists accompany the client in Hungary for:
Important: The investment must be completed within 3 months after the application is submitted.
5. Obtaining a residence permit (up to 1.5 months)
After confirmation of investment:
6. Extension of residency
To extend the Hungarian residence permit under the “Golden Visa” it is necessary to:
IST Hungary offers comprehensive support at every stage:
Our experts know all the nuances of Hungarian immigration law and will help you to obtain residency status as quickly and comfortably as possible.
1. Preliminary verification (2 days)
Our specialists conduct a comprehensive check of the investor against international databases. Only a copy of passport is required. This approach allows us to identify possible difficulties in advance and minimize the risks of rejection.
2. Document preparation (3 weeks)
IST Hungary experts:
- Draw up an individual list of required documents
- Organize professional translation and notarization.
- Assist in the correct processing of all documents
3. Issuance of a visitor visa (3 weeks)
For citizens of countries without a visa-free regime with Hungary we help:
- Prepare a package of documents for a national visa of category D
- Make an appointment for submission to the consulate
- Obtain a multi-visa for up to 6 months
4. Relocation and application for residence permit (up to 5 days)
Our specialists accompany the client in Hungary for:
- Signing investment documents
- Opening a bank account
- Submission of the application to the Immigration Service
Important: The investment must be completed within 3 months after the application is submitted.
5. Obtaining a residence permit (up to 1.5 months)
After confirmation of investment:
- Consideration of documents takes up to 21 days
- Production of a plastic residence permit card - 1-2 weeks.
- Status is issued for 10 years
6. Extension of residency
To extend the Hungarian residence permit under the “Golden Visa” it is necessary to:
- Submit an application at least 30 days before the expiration date
- Proof of investment retention (fund shares or a certificate from a university)
- Stay in Hungary at the time of extension
IST Hungary offers comprehensive support at every stage:
- Personal manager
- Consulting support 24/7
- Assistance in the return of investment after 5 years.
Our experts know all the nuances of Hungarian immigration law and will help you to obtain residency status as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Our successful cases on Hungarian residence permits for investments
Visiting investor visa
Extension and alternative options for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary
Renewal of the Golden Visa
Investors are initially granted a residence permit for 10 years. After the expiration of this period, the status can be extended for another 10 years. The application must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiration date of the current residence permit.
Requirements for extension:
Important: To maintain residency status it is necessary to:
Investors are initially granted a residence permit for 10 years. After the expiration of this period, the status can be extended for another 10 years. The application must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiration date of the current residence permit.
Requirements for extension:
- Proof of investment retention (fund units or donation document)
- Registration at the place of residence in Hungary
- Financial solvency (proof of income or savings)
- Payment of an administrative fee of 110 €
Important: To maintain residency status it is necessary to:
- Not to violate the laws of Hungary
- Pay taxes in a timely manner
- Comply with the conditions of the investment program
Alternative ways to obtain a residence permit in Hungary
In addition to the Golden Visa, there are other residency options in Hungary:
1. Residence permit for digital nomads (White Card)
2. Residence permit through opening a business
3. Hungarian National Card (for citizens of Russia, Belarus, etc.)
Available to citizens of Russia, Belarus, Montenegro, Bosnia, Moldova and Northern Macedonia.
Conditions:
4. Residence permit for employment
5. Residence permit for studies
Available to students of schools, universities and preparatory courses
Required documents:
6. Residence permit through family reunification
7. Residence permit for the purpose of medical treatment
1. Residence permit for digital nomads (White Card)
- Available to freelancers and remote workers working with companies outside the EEA
- Minimum income - from 3000 € per month
- Validity period - 1 year (with the possibility of renewal for another year)
2. Residence permit through opening a business
- Registration of a company (analogous to LLC or JSC) with authorized capital: from 7700 € (for LLC), from 12 700 € (for JSC).
- Initial residence permit is issued for 1 to 3 years with the possibility of extension.
- Real business activity is required
3. Hungarian National Card (for citizens of Russia, Belarus, etc.)
Available to citizens of Russia, Belarus, Montenegro, Bosnia, Moldova and Northern Macedonia.
Conditions:
- Availability of savings from 10,000 €
- Opening a company in Hungary and employment in it
- Permanent registration in the country
4. Residence permit for employment
- An official invitation from a Hungarian employer is required.
- Validity period - for the period of employment contract
- If you change your job, you need to re-issue a residence permit.
5. Residence permit for studies
Available to students of schools, universities and preparatory courses
Required documents:
- Confirmation of enrollment from the educational institution
- Statement of living expenses
- Rental agreement
- Health insurance
- Certificate of Hungarian or English proficiency (level B2+).
6. Residence permit through family reunification
- Available to spouses, children and guardians of Hungarian citizens/residents
- Available to spouses and children under different grounds of Hungarian residence permit
- Initial period of 1 to 3 years (renewable)
7. Residence permit for the purpose of medical treatment
- Issued to patients of Hungarian clinics and their accompanying persons.
- Maximum period - 2 years (renewable)
- Contract with a medical institution is required
Rights and obligations of a Hungarian resident
By obtaining a Hungarian residence permit (HNP) through IST Hungary, a foreign citizen acquires all the rights inherent to residents of the country. He/she can reside in Hungary for the duration of his/her residence permit, travel visa-free to Schengen countries, use the services of local banks and medical institutions. Investors and their families have the right to employment and can open their own business. Children of residents can study free of charge in public schools.
However, residents of Hungary are obliged to register in the country as soon as they arrive, comply with local laws, pay taxes and renew their residence permit in time. They also need to report stolen or lost documents and changes in personal data to the migration authorities.
However, residents of Hungary are obliged to register in the country as soon as they arrive, comply with local laws, pay taxes and renew their residence permit in time. They also need to report stolen or lost documents and changes in personal data to the migration authorities.
Reasons for refusal to issue a residence permit in Hungary
The Immigration Service may refuse to issue a residence permit if the applicant has provided incomplete or false information about himself/herself, concealed a criminal record or has been previously deported from Hungary for a visa violation. The applicant has the right to challenge the decision and appeal to the immigration service within 8 days from the date of receipt of the refusal.
A residence permit in Hungary may be revoked if the resident no longer meets the conditions under which the status was granted. For example, an investor's residence permit can be revoked if the investor sells fund units before 5 years have passed since the status was granted. Also, revocation may occur in case of violation of Hungarian laws.
A residence permit in Hungary may be revoked if the resident no longer meets the conditions under which the status was granted. For example, an investor's residence permit can be revoked if the investor sells fund units before 5 years have passed since the status was granted. Also, revocation may occur in case of violation of Hungarian laws.
How Russians can obtain permanent residence and citizenship in Hungary
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Hungary can be obtained after three years of residence in the country, which implies that the holder of the PRP is in Hungary for at least 183 days per year. Hungarian citizenship is granted only through naturalization after 8 years of living in the country. Foreigners must pass exams on knowledge of the constitution, Hungarian language and culture.
The passport applicant must not have any legal problems, serious illnesses or mental disorders. A Hungarian passport opens the holder to more visa-free travel opportunities than a residence permit, allowing the holder to visit 171 countries without a visa.
Hungary allows for a second citizenship, so Russians do not need to give up their Russian passport to obtain a Hungarian one. When obtaining a residence permit or citizenship of another state, Russians must notify the Ministry of the Interior: this can be done in person, by mail or through the Gosuslugi portal. If a citizen is abroad, the notification can be submitted to a Russian consulate or embassy.
The passport applicant must not have any legal problems, serious illnesses or mental disorders. A Hungarian passport opens the holder to more visa-free travel opportunities than a residence permit, allowing the holder to visit 171 countries without a visa.
Hungary allows for a second citizenship, so Russians do not need to give up their Russian passport to obtain a Hungarian one. When obtaining a residence permit or citizenship of another state, Russians must notify the Ministry of the Interior: this can be done in person, by mail or through the Gosuslugi portal. If a citizen is abroad, the notification can be submitted to a Russian consulate or embassy.
Highlights about the Golden Visa to Hungary
1. A residence permit (HND) in Hungary obtained through investment enables permanent residence in the country, business and free travel to Schengen countries without visas.
2 Investors can obtain a residence permit in Hungary by investing in investment funds or by making a donation to a Hungarian university. The minimum investment amount is 250,000 €.
3. Family members of investors, including spouses, parents and children, can also obtain a residence permit.
4. The golden visa is issued for a period of 10 years. After this period, the document can be renewed for the same period, and the investor must prove his ownership of the unit investment.
5. In order to obtain a permanent residence permit (PML), it is necessary to live in Hungary for 3 years with a residence permit. After that it is possible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in the country.
2 Investors can obtain a residence permit in Hungary by investing in investment funds or by making a donation to a Hungarian university. The minimum investment amount is 250,000 €.
3. Family members of investors, including spouses, parents and children, can also obtain a residence permit.
4. The golden visa is issued for a period of 10 years. After this period, the document can be renewed for the same period, and the investor must prove his ownership of the unit investment.
5. In order to obtain a permanent residence permit (PML), it is necessary to live in Hungary for 3 years with a residence permit. After that it is possible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a residence permit in Hungary?
A residence permit in Hungary can be obtained for study, medical treatment, work, volunteering or family reunification. From 2024 investors can get a residence permit for investments with a minimum investment of 250,000 €.
How to move to Hungary from Russia?
To move to Hungary, Russians need to obtain a residence permit. A tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. To move, you need to choose a suitable type of residence permit, collect the necessary documents and come to Hungary on a Schengen visa or D visa. After arrival, an application should be submitted to the migration service.
How to get citizenship in Hungary through investments?
It is not possible to obtain Hungarian citizenship directly through investments. Investors participate in the program of residence permit for investment, and after 8 years of residence in the country can apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Do investors with a residence permit have to pay taxes in Hungary?
Investors do not have to pay taxes in Hungary if they do not reside in the country for more than 183 days. Tax residents are those who are in the country for more than this period of time. Tax residents pay income tax (15%), pension contributions, medical contributions and unemployment tax, which is between 18.5% and one-third of the salary of most working citizens. The income of foreign residents is taxed in the same way as domestic income.
How to get to Hungary from Russia?
Russians need a Schengen visa to travel to Hungary. To obtain it, you need to collect documents and submit them to the Hungarian consulate. A passport with a validity of at least 3 months will be required. At the moment there are no direct flights from Russia to Hungary; tourists get there with a connection in Istanbul or Dubai.
How long do I have to live in Hungary to get citizenship?
Foreigners can obtain Hungarian citizenship if they have lived in the country legally for at least 8 years, including 3 years with a residence permit and 5 years with a permanent residence permit. It is also necessary to pass an exam on the state language, constitution and culture of Hungary.
How much does a Golden Visa in Hungary cost?
The minimum investment for a Golden Visa is €250,000. Applicants can invest in local real estate funds or make a donation to a Hungarian higher education institution.
How to get a residence permit in Hungary when buying real estate?
Hungary was planning to issue Golden Visas for the purchase of real estate from January 1, 2025, but this decision was canceled. Foreigners can still get a residence permit for the purchase of investment fund units from 250,000 € or donation to a higher education institution from 1,000,000 €.
How to get a residence permit in Hungary by investment?
There is no program of residence permit for investment in Hungary. However, investors can immediately obtain a residence permit for a period of 10 years by investing in units of investment funds or by making a charitable donation to a university. The minimum investment amount is 250,000 €.
Is it possible to travel around Europe with a residence permit in Hungary?
Yes, residents of Hungary can visit Schengen countries without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180 days. A residence permit card and a passport will be required for entry - they will be checked at the airport before boarding the plane.
Our contacts:
📲 Phone: +36205977777
📲 What's App: +36205977777
📧 E-mail: business@isthungary.hu
🌐 Website: https://immigrationlive.hu/
📍Our office in Budapest:
Budapest, Szervita tér 8, 1052, Hungary
✅ Subscribe to our Telegram channel: https://t.me/immigrationlivehu
A residence permit in Hungary can be obtained for study, medical treatment, work, volunteering or family reunification. From 2024 investors can get a residence permit for investments with a minimum investment of 250,000 €.
How to move to Hungary from Russia?
To move to Hungary, Russians need to obtain a residence permit. A tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. To move, you need to choose a suitable type of residence permit, collect the necessary documents and come to Hungary on a Schengen visa or D visa. After arrival, an application should be submitted to the migration service.
How to get citizenship in Hungary through investments?
It is not possible to obtain Hungarian citizenship directly through investments. Investors participate in the program of residence permit for investment, and after 8 years of residence in the country can apply for citizenship by naturalization.
Do investors with a residence permit have to pay taxes in Hungary?
Investors do not have to pay taxes in Hungary if they do not reside in the country for more than 183 days. Tax residents are those who are in the country for more than this period of time. Tax residents pay income tax (15%), pension contributions, medical contributions and unemployment tax, which is between 18.5% and one-third of the salary of most working citizens. The income of foreign residents is taxed in the same way as domestic income.
How to get to Hungary from Russia?
Russians need a Schengen visa to travel to Hungary. To obtain it, you need to collect documents and submit them to the Hungarian consulate. A passport with a validity of at least 3 months will be required. At the moment there are no direct flights from Russia to Hungary; tourists get there with a connection in Istanbul or Dubai.
How long do I have to live in Hungary to get citizenship?
Foreigners can obtain Hungarian citizenship if they have lived in the country legally for at least 8 years, including 3 years with a residence permit and 5 years with a permanent residence permit. It is also necessary to pass an exam on the state language, constitution and culture of Hungary.
How much does a Golden Visa in Hungary cost?
The minimum investment for a Golden Visa is €250,000. Applicants can invest in local real estate funds or make a donation to a Hungarian higher education institution.
How to get a residence permit in Hungary when buying real estate?
Hungary was planning to issue Golden Visas for the purchase of real estate from January 1, 2025, but this decision was canceled. Foreigners can still get a residence permit for the purchase of investment fund units from 250,000 € or donation to a higher education institution from 1,000,000 €.
How to get a residence permit in Hungary by investment?
There is no program of residence permit for investment in Hungary. However, investors can immediately obtain a residence permit for a period of 10 years by investing in units of investment funds or by making a charitable donation to a university. The minimum investment amount is 250,000 €.
Is it possible to travel around Europe with a residence permit in Hungary?
Yes, residents of Hungary can visit Schengen countries without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180 days. A residence permit card and a passport will be required for entry - they will be checked at the airport before boarding the plane.
Our contacts:
📲 Phone: +36205977777
📲 What's App: +36205977777
📧 E-mail: business@isthungary.hu
🌐 Website: https://immigrationlive.hu/
📍Our office in Budapest:
Budapest, Szervita tér 8, 1052, Hungary
✅ Subscribe to our Telegram channel: https://t.me/immigrationlivehu
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