Residence Permit in Hungary

What Are the Advantages of a Residence Permit in Hungary?

The main and most important advantage is obtaining residency in a country that is a member of the European Union. This means you will gain access to all EU privileges on par with its citizens.

Additionally, a Hungarian residence permit provides many other benefits:

• The ability to travel freely within all Schengen countries without applying for a visa.
• A “backup option” of relocation in case of social or economic instability in your home country.
• The ability to keep savings in secure European banks.
• Legal access to running a business across the EU.
• Your children can study at European universities without applying for student visas.
• The right to purchase real estate anywhere in the European Union.

Why Obtain a Hungarian Residence Permit?

Many people choose Hungary because:

• Relatively low profit tax (9%) and dividend tax (15%).
• Clean environment, beautiful scenery, and favorable climate.
• Simplified company registration procedures.
• Presence of universities and international schools offering English-language education.

Typically, obtaining a Hungarian RP is seen as a transitional step: once acquired, it allows you to relocate and live in any other EU country. However, Hungary itself is also an excellent permanent residence option. The reasons include:

• High-quality healthcare that meets EU standards.
• Relatively affordable real estate and groceries compared to other EU countries.
• Plenty of opportunities for active leisure and a well-developed domestic tourism sector.
• Crime rates below the EU average.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in Hungary

There are several pathways for obtaining residency in Hungary. Let’s consider the most common ones.

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Migrants

This procedure exists in many European countries. It allows a person to live in Hungary temporarily, with the permit being extended repeatedly. However, the holder cannot work or earn income (including running a business) in the EU. This RP does not grant simplified citizenship eligibility — only on general grounds.

To obtain this RP card in Hungary, you need to:

• Deposit €10,000 per family member into a Hungarian bank account.
• Purchase medical insurance (€36 per year per person).
• Buy or rent housing in Hungary.
• Provide a criminal record certificate.
• Pass Due Diligence (applies if a company is applying).

Residence Permit Through Real Estate Acquisition

Some EU states offer “golden visas” for property purchases (e.g., Greece, Spain, Portugal), but Hungary does not. Purchasing property only places you in the general queue of applicants.

Other requirements include:

• Medical insurance.
• A deposit of at least €6,000 per family member into a Hungarian bank account.
• Proof of no criminal record.

When purchasing property, ensure at least 12–15 m² of living space per person. The property must be residential, not commercial.

Residence Permit Through Business

The cost of this RP is about €2,500 — the minimum amount required to register a company (similar to an LLC). Entrepreneurs may then apply for residency.

Business owners must ensure that the company:

• Operates legally under Hungarian law.
• Passes regular audits.
• Pays taxes on time according to applicable rates.

Hungarian tax law is complex, so it’s advisable to hire an experienced local accountant. Quotas for this type of RP are limited, and the final decision rests with the Registration Court, which considers the business’s importance for a given region.

Other Ways to Obtain Residency

Other options include:

• Marriage to a Hungarian citizen — RP is granted within one month, with thorough fraud checks. Citizenship may be applied for after 3 years.
• Family reunification — applicable to minor children or dependent parents.
• Employment — high-skilled workers or executives invited by large companies may qualify.
• Education — students proficient in Hungarian may apply.
• Pensioners — after residing in Hungary for at least 3 years, elderly migrants may apply, subject to additional documentation.

Residence Permit by Investment — Abolished Program

From 2013 to 2017, Hungary allowed wealthy individuals to obtain RP in about 3 weeks by investing €360,000 in government bonds. The program has since been canceled.

Residence Permit for Ukrainians

Since February 24, 2022, Hungary has introduced special conditions for Ukrainian citizens, who may apply for temporary asylum or RP directly.

Incluence Services for RP in Hungary

Our firm employs experienced professionals who monitor legislative changes across various countries, including Hungary. Contact our experts if you’re interested in residency in this country: we will answer your questions and handle all required documentation.

To obtain a Hungarian residence permit, reach out via phone, our website, or Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or Messenger.