LEGAL BASIS: Act II of 2007 on the Admission and Right of Residence of Third-Country Nationals: Sub-section 13 (1) Points A and C-i, and Sub-section 17.
Europe’s cheapest Golden Visa by residential property acquisition.
Absolutely no minimum in-country presence requirement.
Minimum capital commitment only ~€150,000 (HUF 56 million) excluding fees.
Total peace of mind – residency approvals and ID cards issued up-front.
You only have to complete your property purchase within 90 days of receiving your residency cards.
ID cards issued in under 1-2 months (typically 6 weeks or less).
Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 out of 180 days.
You can sell at any time, as long as you keep on meeting the program requirements.
Own the Ultimate Plan B in one of the EU’s most stable countries.
Hungary: The European Golden Visa Pioneers Return In 2023…
The past two years have seen numerous Residency and Citizenship By Investment programs crack under political pressure. First fell Cyprus and Moldova. Then Montenegro, the UK and Ireland.
But one EU country is bucking this trend.
In 2023, like a phoenix, an all-new Hungarian Residency By Investment program rises from the ashes.
Faster, simpler, and more affordable than the earlier Hungarian Bonds program (which was priced at €300,000).
Boasting a zero minimum stay requirement, generous family eligibility and class-leading affordability, this Hungarian residency program is already garnering significant interest internationally.
To qualify, you must simply undertake to buy any completed residential property worth HUF 56,000,000+ (that’s presently just ~€148,445, or ~$162,334) on the open market within 90 days after residency approval and ID card issuance.
Find out more about the program below, or contact us now to schedule a free discovery call.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. However, in addition to having to prove that you have the necessary capital required to buy a qualifying property (HUF 56 million+ / ~€150,000+ / ~$164,000+), you must also be able to prove that you have sufficient savings to support yourself, along with any dependents, while living in Hungary.
In addition, the fees for the program are as follows:
- Government processing fees: €30,000 per family (two adults and all minor children);
- Due diligence and professional services fees: €30,000 per family (two adults and all minor children) + €10,000 per additional adult dependent.
As of May 2023, the savings requirement are as follows:
| Applicant | Savings Requirement 2023 |
|---|---|
| Primary |
€27,000+ |
| Spouse | €16,000+ |
| Per Dependent Minor Child | €16,000+ |
| Per Dependent Adult | €16,000+ |
| Family of 4 (2 Adults, 2 Minor Children) | €75,000+ |
For more information on the program, visit our Hungarian Residency By Investment page.
What are the benefits of the Hungarian Residency By Investment program?
☑ MOST AFFORDABLE EU PROPERTY OPTION
With a capital requirement of only €150,000 (completed residential properties only) the Hungarian Golden Visa by property acquisition is THE cheapest option of its kind in the EU.
☑ NO MINIMUM IN-COUNTRY STAY REQUIREMENTS
Apart from one visit to attend your biometrics appointment and collect your residency cards, you don’t need to spend any time in Hungary at all.
☑ GENEROUS FAMILY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Your spouse, children under 18 and financially dependent parents are also eligible to apply under your Hungarian residency application. Children over 18 can be included too, provided they are studying full-time and financially dependent on the primary applicant.
☑ IMMEDIATE FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Unlike as in Portugal – where family reunification can take years – you and your family can travel to and live in Hungary from the get-go.
☑ PEACE OF MIND
Peace of mind is part of the package: You’ll only have to commit ANY capital once residency approval has been granted, and your residency cards have been issued.
☑ ACCESS HUNGRARIAN EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE
Your children can study at public and private schools and universities, and the whole family can access medical services.
☑ SCHENGEN (EU) VISA-FREE TRAVEL*
Enjoy visa-free travel across the entire Schengen area as a Hungarian legal resident for up to 90 days out of 180 days.
☑ FASTEST APPLICATION PROCESS
Obtain an ultra-flexible Spanish residency in under 60 days with one of the fastest Golden Visa programs in Europe.
☑ EFFECTIVE PORTOLIO DIVERSIFICATION
Gain exposure to Hungary’s dynamic property market, whilst simultaneously establishing a foothold and home base in the EU for you and your family.
*Hungarian Golden Visa residents enjoy visa-free travel to the following Schengen countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
EU Golden Visa Program Comparison Chart 2023
| Program Considerations (RE) | Hungary Golden Visa 2023 | Greece Golden Visa 2023 | Latvia Golden Visa 2023 | Portugal Golden Visa 2023 | Spain Golden Visa 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | ~€150,000+ (HUF 56 m) (Completed residential properties only. The property has to offer at least 6m2 of living space per family member. The kitchen, bathroom and parking areas must be excluded in calculating the minimum property size per family.). | €250,000+ (Any property – residential, commercial or land – of any age, located anywhere in Greece) From 1 August 2023 onwards: €250,000 OR €500,000+ (Depending on the property’s location.) | €250,000+ (Any residential or commercial property) | €280,00+ – €500,000+, depending on age and location (Residential property in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and most of the coastal areas of Mainland Portugal is not eligible.) | €500,000+ (Any property – residential, commercial or land |
| Types of eligible properties | Completed, habitable Residential Properties only | Land, Residential or Commercial Property | Land, Residential or Commercial Property | Land, Residential or Commercial Property | Land, Residential or Commercial Property |
| Can you rent out your asset? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum hold period (in order to renew) | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Legal basis / Official program guidance | Hungarian Law II of 2007 | Greek “Golden Visa” Law 4251/2014 – Permanent Residency Permit for Investors | Greek “Golden Visa” Law 4251/2014 – Permanent Residency Permit for Investors | Ordinance No. 305-A / 2012; Law No 23/2007; Regulatory decree No. 84/2007; Portuguese Nationality Act No. 37/81 of 3 October; Governmental program guidance; | Law 14/2013 (article 63) |
| Typical application timeline to | 40-60 Days (6 Weeks is typical) | 3-4 Months | 3-4 Months | 12-18 Months | 60 Days (2 Months) |
| Path to permanent residency / citizenship | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum in-country presence requirement (to maintain temporary residency) | None | None | None | On average 7 days per year during temporary residency period (first 5 years) | None |
| Language testing requirement for temporary residency | No | No | No | No | No |
| Family eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timeline to citizenship and a passport | N/A | After 7 years | After 7 years | After 5 years | After 10 years of residence, unless you are a citizen an Ibero-American country or a former Spanish colony, in which case after only 2 years of residence. |
| Health insurance required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Government pre-approval step before capital is committed | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Local tax number required | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start process from home | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Are Russians currently eligible to apply? | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Can I work locally? | No | No, unless you set up your own business | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can I pay for this Golden Visa using crypto? | No | No | No | Yes (convert your crypto to fiat via Bison Bank) | No |
| Visa-free travel access to Schengen Area? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Language and /or cultural exam required for naturalization? | N/A | Yes (The Panhellenic exam is conducted in Greek, with a minimum required pass rate of 80% to obtain the “Certificate of Adequacy of Knowledge for Naturalization (PEGP)”. | Yes (The Panhellenic exam is conducted in Greek, with a minimum required pass rate of 80% to obtain the “Certificate of Adequacy of Knowledge for Naturalization (PEGP)”. | Yes (Portuguese A2 Level CIPLE exam – Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira. No cultural knowledge test applicable) | Yes (Basic Level Spanish proficiency is required (DELE A2) |
| Principal guaranteed | No | Generally not | Generally not | On some options | On some options |
| Residency permit validity | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 2 years (first permit), then 3 years (second permit) | 3 Years initially |
Why choose the Hungarian Residency By Investment program as your Plan B in 2023?
Launched in 2023, Hungary’s Residency By Investment program has a minimum capital requirement of just €155,000. Given the imminent demise of the Portuguese Golden Visa, and the looming price increase for the Greek Golden Visa, the newly launched Hungarian Residency By Investment program has already garnered significant interest from foreign investors looking for a back-up plan against the uncertainties their home countries are facing.
(And yes, both Russians and Belarussian nationals are eligible to apply.)
Centrally situated and boasting world renowned cuisine, a vibrant culture, and spectacular Art Nouveau architecture Hungary, and the capital of Budapest, in particular, offers modern sophistication and classic old-world charm.
While from a foreign media perspective Hungary’s politics may seem marred by upheaval, recent research shows that it is one of the EU’s most stable governments. The country’s border control measures are pragmatic and effective, and its economic policies have positioned the country well to prosper in the mid to long term.
Migrant investors can look forward to a high-quality of life – at a cost of living that can be up to 50% lower than in countries like France or Germany.
In addition, Budapest enjoys excellent flight connectivity, and a 3-4 hour office hour overlap with New York City (6-hour time difference).
The city is also fast gaining in popularity as a tech and startup hub. As of April 2023, the city is home to a growing number of startup accelerators and a wide range of funding players (170+ startups, supported by over 4,000 local angel investors).
Hungary serves as an excellent gateway for accessing the rest of the European market (500 million+ potential customers) without any import tarrifs or trade barriers. Manufacturing companies, in particular, are attracted to Budapest due to its central geographical location and great transport links with the rest of the continent.
According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office’s 2021 data, approximately 57.5% of the Hungarian population identified as Christian, while 27.2% identified as having no religion, or did not specify a religion.
While economic growth is set to remain subdued for the rest of 2023 as the economy gradually adjusts to higher energy prices, the Hungarian economy is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2024, with inflation dropping to 4%.
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Contact us and book a discovery call with your case consultant.
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Sign term sheet and commence application process.
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Initial client due diligence screening.
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Preparation of your application file, including proof of means of subsistence, and available funds to purchase a qualifying property.
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Documentation is signed, and application submitted to the Hungarian immigration authorities.
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Application approved is granted in-principle, subject to the completion of the property acquisition inside of a period of 90 days.
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Schedule biometrics appointment and receive your residency card(s).
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Identify a suitable property and make a 10% downpayment.
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Request for approval of the transaction is submitted, at which point due diligence and applicant background verification checks are conducted.
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Approval of transaction is granted. Payment is due in full, followed by transfer of title deed.
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Renew your residency every 5 years, indefinitely, subject to owning a qualifying residential property in Hungary.
Work with THE Hungarian Residency By Investment Experts
✓ A dedicated team of 50 multilingual professionals based in Budapest and Malta.
✓ We speak English, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Turkish, Maltese, Portuguese, Serbian and Romanian, amongst other languages.
✓ A track record of success spanning over 12 years – over 3,000 immigration clients successfully assisted across a wide range of global investment migration programs.
✓ Longstanding relationship with Hungarian immigration authorities, and trusted relationships with a range of service providers and property professionals on the ground.
What our clients are saying about us…
Qualifying Hungarian Golden Visa properties priced from only €150,000. Find out more now.
Government processing fees per family: €30,000
Professional service fees from €30,000 per family (married couple and children under 18), plus €10,000 per additional dependent over 18.
Contact us today to get your application started.
Russians citizens, contact us to discuss your current Golden Visa options today.
Simply complete the below form and one of our expert consultants will get back to you. We look forward to being of service and helping you make your Hungarian Plan B dreams a reality in 2023.
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Hungary Golden Visa overview for 2023 compiled by…
