What is the 10 Year Golden Visa in Hungary?

An Overview of Hungary's Residency by Investment Program

Imagine a life where you can easily travel through Europe, enjoy a rich cultural experience, and call a beautiful country your second home. That's what Hungary's Residency by Investment Program, also known as the Golden Visa, can offer you.

Here's the deal:

If you're not from the EU and have some funds to invest, Hungary rolls out the red carpet for you. You basically make a significant financial contribution to the country, and in return, they grant you a 10-year residency permit. Think of it as a win-win!

How to get in on the action?

You have three options:

• Real Estate Investment Fund: Invest at least €250,000 in a special real estate fund approved by the Hungarian National Bank. This is the most popular choice right now because it's already up and running.
• Buy a house: Starting in 2025, you can buy a residential property in Hungary worth at least €500,000.
• Donate to a good cause: If you're feeling generous, you can donate €1,000,000 to a public trust that supports Hungarian universities and colleges.

Key Benefits of the 10-Year Golden Visa

• Long-term residency: You get a 10-year residency permit that you can renew, so you can enjoy Hungary and the Schengen Area for years to come.
• Bring your family: Your spouse and children under 18 and your dependents can join you without any extra investment.
• Travel with ease: Say goodbye to visa hassles! You can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• No strings attached: You don't have to live in Hungary to keep your residency permit. Come and go as you please!

Why is Hungary's Golden Visa Program Unique?

In contrast to other EU countries that have recently curtailed or eliminated their Golden Visa programs—such as Portugal ending its real estate investment option in October 2023 and Spain announcing plans to terminate its program by January 2025—Hungary's reintroduction of its Golden Visa offers flexible investment options, extended residence permits, inclusive family policies, and no mandatory stay requirements. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking European residency:

Investment Choices (and How Much You'll Need):

• Hungary: You've got options here! Invest €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund, €500,000 in a residential property, or make a €1 million donation to a Hungarian university.
• Greece: Greece recently upped its minimum investment to €400,000 for real estate.

How Long You Can Stay (and Renew):

• Hungary: Get ready to settle in! Hungary grants a generous 10-year residence permit that you can renew for another 10 years. Talk about long-term stability!
• Greece: Greece offers a 5-year residence permit, renewable for another 5 years.

The Path to Citizenship:

• Hungary: After 8 years of calling Hungary home (and meeting some language and integration requirements), you can apply for citizenship.
• Greece: It takes a bit longer in Greece—7 years of residency plus language and cultural knowledge tests.

Bringing Your Family Along:

• Hungary: Good news! Your spouse, kids, and even your dependent parents or kids over 18 can join you in Hungary with their own residency rights. 
• Greece: You can bring your spouse and children under 21, but unfortunately, no dependent parents.

Must You Stay in Hungary?

• Hungary: One of the best parts? No minimum stay requirement! Come and go as you please.
• Greece: No minimum stay requirement here either!

Why Hungary Stands Out

With its long residence permits, flexible investment options, family-friendly policies, and freedom to travel, Hungary's Golden Visa Program is a very attractive option for those seeking a European home base.

Who is Eligible for Hungary's Golden Visa?

Want to live in Hungary? The Golden Visa program might be your ticket in! It's designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who are ready to make a substantial investment in the country.

• You must be over 18.
• You need a clean criminal record.
• You'll need health insurance that's valid in Hungary.
• You must have enough money to support yourself while you're here.
• And, of course, you'll need to make a qualifying investment.

What else?

• You'll need a place to live in Hungary (renting or buying is fine).
• You can bring your family along (spouse, kids, and even dependent parents).
• And, of course, you can't be a threat to Hungary's national security.

If you meet all the requirements, you and your family can enjoy a 10-year residence permit in Hungary, with the possibility of extending it and even becoming citizens down the road.

What Investment Options Are Available?

Option 1: Putting Your Money to Work in Real Estate

Instead of buying property directly, you can invest in a special real estate fund. Think of it like a pool of money that invests in different properties across Hungary. You'll need to put in at least €250,000, and your money needs to stay in the fund for at least five years. This is a great option if you want a hands-off investment that supports the Hungarian property market.

Option 2: Becoming a Homeowner in Hungary

Dreaming of owning a place in Hungary? With the Golden Visa, you can! Starting in 2025, you can buy a residential property worth at least €500,000 and qualify for the program. It's a fantastic way to invest in your future and have a beautiful place to call home in Europe.

Option 3: Giving Back to Education

If you're passionate about education and want to make a real difference, you can donate €1,000,000 or more to a Hungarian public trust that supports universities. It's a generous way to contribute to Hungary's future and secure your own residency in the process.

Sounds good? Here's How It Works!

1. Get Your Visa: Apply for a 6-month visa to enter Hungary and make your investment.
2. Secure Your Residency: Once your investment is finalized, apply for your 10-year residence permit.
3. Bring Your Loved Ones: Apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and children.

The best part? The whole process usually takes just 3-4 months!

Hungary's Golden Visa program offers a fantastic combination of benefits, making it a great choice for those seeking a secure and exciting future in the EU. 

Ready to take the leap?