Golden Visas: Hungary Residency by Investment Laws

What is Immigration?

Immigration is the legal process for a non-Hungarian citizen to enter, live, work, study, or settle in Hungary. In Hungary, short stays use Schengen visas, and long stays rely on national residence permits issued under Hungarian law.

For EU and EEA citizens, free movement rules apply under Act I of 2007. For all other nationals, Act XC of 2023 sets the general rules for entry and residence, with applications processed by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság - OIF) and Hungarian consulates abroad.

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Immigration?

You may need a lawyer to select the correct permit type, avoid refusals, and structure investments or employment compliantly. Legal support is especially valuable for investors, family cases, corporate transfers, and complex histories.

Professionals can advise on document legalization and sworn translations by OFFI, business plans, labor-market steps for single permits, investment due diligence, and the nuances of physical presence versus tax residency obligations. An experienced lawyer can also manage appeals if an application is refused or delayed.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The process usually starts at a Hungarian consulate with a visa for the purpose of residence, followed by biometrics and residence card issuance in Hungary by OIF. Timelines typically range from 15 days for Schengen visas to 60-90 days for residence permits.

1. Eligibility check: Choose the correct route (work, study, family, EU Blue Card, White Card, Guest Investor, etc.).
2. Document preparation: Passport, purpose-specific documents (employment contract, enrollment, marriage certificate), health insurance, proof of accommodation, funds, clean criminal record. Arrange apostilles/legalization and OFFI-certified translations where required.
3. Consular application: Apply for a D visa (visa for the purpose of residence) at a Hungarian embassy/consulate, unless exempt. Short-stay Schengen visas (C) are for visits up to 90 days.
4. Entry and registration: Enter Hungary, attend OIF appointment, submit biometrics, and confirm accommodation. Pay card issuance fees.
5. Decision and card: Receive the residence card. Most first permits are issued for 1-3 years, the Guest Investor category for up to 10 years.
6. Extensions and status upgrades: Renew on time, or after long-term lawful stay apply for national permanent residence or EU long-term resident status. Later, you may be eligible for citizenship by naturalization under Act LV of 1993.

What are the Specific Hungary Legal Requirements?

Hungary offers multiple immigration routes, each with specific documentation, fees, and timelines. Below are the most common categories and what you should expect.

Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

For visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Processing is by Hungarian consulates under the EU Visa Code.

• Typical decision time: 15 days (may extend to 45 days).
• Fee: 80 EUR for adults, reduced or waived for certain categories.
• Purpose: tourism, business, family visit, short training.

Long-stay National Visa (Type D) and Residence Permits

For stays over 90 days, you usually apply for a D visa to enter and then receive a residence permit card from OIF. Many categories follow a single application procedure.

• Processing time: commonly 60-90 days for first permits.
• Consular D visa fee: often around 110-150 EUR plus service fees if using an external provider.
• Residence card issuance fee: typically 10,000-25,000 HUF, depending on category and channel.

Residence Permit for the Purpose of Employment (Single Permit)

Allows third-country nationals to live and work for a specific employer in Hungary. It integrates work authorization with residence.

• Legal basis: Act XC of 2023; implementing rules via government decrees and the labor authority network within Government Offices (Kormányhivatal).
• Requirements: labor contract or firm job offer, qualifications, accommodation, subsistence, health insurance, clean criminal record.
• Processing time: generally up to 70 days.

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled employment with a higher salary threshold and recognized qualifications. It provides enhanced mobility within the EU after certain periods.

• Requirements: higher education degree or equivalent, Hungarian contract meeting salary threshold, and standard residence conditions.
• Validity: typically 2 years, renewable.
• Family members usually benefit from facilitated family reunification.

Student and Researcher Permits

For full-time study or research at accredited institutions. Students may have limited work rights.

• Requirements: admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance.
• Validity: usually 1 year or program length, renewable.

Family Reunification

Spouses, minor children, and sometimes dependent relatives of lawful residents can join the sponsor in Hungary.

• Requirements: proof of family relationship, sponsor’s lawful residence and sufficient income, accommodation, insurance.
• Processing: often 60-90 days. Documents often require apostille/legalization and OFFI translation.

White Card (Digital Nomad)

The White Card is a residence permit for remote workers and entrepreneurs outside the Hungarian labor market.

• Typical requirements: employment or business outside Hungary, sufficient income, accommodation, insurance, and no local employment contract with a Hungarian entity.
• Validity: 1 year, extendable once for an additional year.

Guest Investor Residence Permit

Hungary’s Guest Investor option offers a long-duration residence tied to specific investments. It is RBI, not CBI, and typically grants up to a 10-year residence permit with renewal options.

• Legal basis: Act XC of 2023 established the guest investor residence permit. Details are implemented by subsequent government decrees and supervisory rules, including oversight by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) for qualifying funds.
• Investment options commonly referenced:
  • At least 250,000 EUR in qualifying Hungarian real-estate focused investment fund units authorized by the MNB.
  • At least 500,000 EUR direct purchase of residential real estate in Hungary, typically held for a minimum period.
  • A higher non-refundable contribution option to a designated public purpose institution or foundation.
• Total cost considerations: besides the investment, plan for 4 percent real estate transfer tax on property purchases under Act XCIII of 1990 on Duties, notary and land registry fees, fund subscription and management fees, legal fees, OIF and consular fees, translations by OFFI, and ongoing costs like insurance and local taxes.
• Timeline: application typically 60-90 days after complete filing, plus time to arrange the investment and D visa appointment.
• Family: spouse and dependent children can usually be included, subject to documentation and fees.

Permanent Residence

Permanent residence can be national permanent residence or EU long-term residence, after long-standing lawful stay.

• National Permanent Residence: often after 3 or 5 years of continuous residence, depending on category, with integration and subsistence checks.
• EU Long-term Residence: generally after 5 years of continuous legal stay within the EU with stable resources and insurance.
• Benefits: more secure status and facilitated work access.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Citizenship is governed by Act LV of 1993. Standard naturalization requires typically 8 years of continuous residence, clean record, and a basic constitutional knowledge exam in Hungarian.

• Reduced periods: 3-5 years for certain categories such as spouses of Hungarian citizens, parents of Hungarian minors, or recognized refugees.
• Simplified naturalization: persons of Hungarian origin abroad may apply without residence in Hungary if they can prove ancestry and basic Hungarian language knowledge, and take the citizenship oath.
• Hungary permits dual citizenship.

What Hungary Laws and Regulations Apply?

Hungary’s immigration is statute-driven, with implementing decrees and agency guidance. Below are key legal sources to know.

• Act XC of 2023 on the General Rules for the Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals (2023. évi XC. törvény).
• Act I of 2007 on the Admission and Residence of Persons with the Right of Free Movement and Residence (2007. évi I. törvény) for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members.
• Act II of 2007 on the Admission and Right of Residence of Third-Country Nationals (2007. évi II. törvény) - prior framework, superseded in many areas by Act XC of 2023 but still relevant in transitional contexts and for understanding legacy cases.
• Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian Citizenship (1993. évi LV. törvény).
• Act XCIII of 1990 on Duties (1990. évi XCIII. törvény) - property transfer duty applicable to real estate purchases.
• Act CXVII of 1995 on Personal Income Tax (1995. évi CXVII. törvény) - relevant for tax residency and income taxation.
• Hungarian National Bank (MNB) regulations and fund supervision rules - relevant for qualifying real-estate funds in investor routes.
• Implementing Government Decrees for Act XC of 2023 and OIF guidance - set detailed procedures, forms, and fees.

Authorities involved include the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), Hungarian embassies and consulates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government Offices (Kormányhivatal) for labor-market coordination, the Hungarian National Bank for funds, and the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) for tax matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between residency-by-investment and citizenship-by-investment?

Residency-by-investment (RBI) grants a residence permit to live in a country, while citizenship-by-investment (CBI) grants a passport. Hungary offers RBI via the Guest Investor residence permit, not CBI.

With Hungarian residence you can live in Hungary and travel in the Schengen Area short term, but you do not get voting rights or a passport. Citizenship requires naturalization under Act LV of 1993 and typically years of residence and integration.

How much does the Hungary Guest Investor route really cost?

Expect the investment amount plus roughly 5-10 percent in total ancillary costs. These include legal fees, government and card fees, consular fees, OFFI translations, notary and land registry fees, and taxes like the 4 percent real estate transfer duty on purchases.

For fund investments, add subscription and management fees. For property, add due diligence, valuation, insurance, and ongoing local taxes and maintenance.

Does a Hungarian residence permit make me a Hungarian tax resident?

No, immigration residence and tax residence are different. In Hungary, tax residency generally arises if you spend at least 183 days in a tax year or your center of vital interests is in Hungary, or you have a permanent home there.

Many residence holders structure limited physical presence to avoid tax residency. Always assess personal circumstances and seek tax advice, especially if you acquire accommodation or move family to Hungary.

Can my family join me on my Hungarian permit?

Yes, close family members typically can join under family reunification. Eligible members commonly include spouse and minor children, with documentation proving the relationship.

For investor, EU Blue Card, and many employment routes, dependent family members apply for residence on that basis. Each family member pays their own fees and must meet health insurance and accommodation requirements.

How long until I can get permanent residence or citizenship?

Permanent residence is usually available after 3-5 years of continuous lawful stay, depending on category. EU long-term resident status generally requires 5 years and stable resources and insurance.

Citizenship by naturalization typically requires 8 years of residence and a basic constitutional exam in Hungarian, with shorter timelines for certain categories. Persons of Hungarian origin abroad can apply through simplified naturalization without residence if they meet language and ancestry criteria.

What is the White Card and can I work locally with it?

The White Card is a digital nomad residence permit for remote work or business outside Hungary. It is valid for 1 year, extendable once.

Holders are generally not allowed to take up local Hungarian employment. If you plan to work for a Hungarian employer, consider the employment single permit or EU Blue Card instead.

Can I switch employers or permit types after I arrive?

It depends on the permit. Employment single permits tie you to an employer, and changes often require a new or amended permit.

The 2023-2024 law reform tightened some switching rules for guest worker categories. Consult an immigration lawyer before changing employer, role, or business structure.

What happens if my application is refused?

You can usually appeal within tight deadlines as set in the decision. The appeal goes to the competent authority or court designated by law.

An appeal must address the legal reasons for refusal and provide missing or corrected evidence. A lawyer can help you prepare an effective challenge and avoid a re-refusal.

Can I buy property in Hungary as a foreigner?

Yes, but third-country nationals usually need a purchase permit from the local government office and pay property transfer tax. The standard duty is 4 percent of the market value under Act XCIII of 1990, with some exceptions.

Legal due diligence, escrow, notary involvement, and land registry filings are standard. Use a lawyer experienced in real estate and immigration if purchasing for the investor route.

Will a Hungarian residence card let me live in other EU countries?

No, a Hungarian residence card allows you to live in Hungary and travel visa-free in Schengen for short stays. Long-term residence or work in another EU country requires that country’s own permit.

The EU Blue Card offers some intra-EU mobility after holding the card, but you must still meet the host state’s conditions.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer when you face complex facts, tight timelines, or investment or corporate structures. Early advice prevents refusals and unnecessary costs.

• Investors: selecting the qualifying investment, calculating total cost, tax planning, and ensuring compliance with MNB and OIF requirements.
• Employers and transferees: single permits, EU Blue Cards, ICT transfers, and maintaining compliance with labor and immigration rules.
• Family and personal cases: proving relationships, resolving document issues, managing appeals, or addressing past immigration violations.
• Status upgrades: permanent residence, EU long-term status, and citizenship planning, including Hungarian language and constitutional exam preparation.

Comparing Hungary’s Investor Route to Other Popular Programs

Investors often compare Hungary with the Big Four EU programs and key alternatives. Focus on total cost, presence requirements, and whether the program leads to residency or citizenship.

Industry Shift: Real Estate to Funds, Presence vs Tax, and Schengen Access

The EU investor landscape has moved from direct property to regulated investment funds. Portugal’s reform and supervisory scrutiny across the EU highlight this trend, and Hungary recognizes qualifying funds supervised by the MNB.

Understand that residency is not citizenship. Keep your objectives clear: Schengen access, living in Hungary, or eventual naturalization. Also separate immigration presence from tax residency, which is assessed by 183 days and center of vital interests under Hungarian tax law. A tailored legal and tax plan is essential.

What are the Next Steps?

Start with a clear goal, then align the route, budget, and documents. Early legal advice saves months and money.

1. Define objectives: lifestyle in Hungary, Schengen mobility, work, study, or investment.
2. Choose the right route: employment, EU Blue Card, student, family reunification, White Card, or Guest Investor.
3. Budget total cost: include government fees, OFFI translations, legal fees, insurance, and taxes like the 4 percent property duty for real estate.
4. Collect documents: passports, police clearances, civil status certificates with apostille/legalization, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance. Arrange OFFI translations in Hungary.
5. Book consular appointment: apply for the D visa for residence. For investors, complete or secure the investment per program rules.
6. Enter Hungary and attend OIF: give biometrics, confirm address, and pay card issuance fees.
7. Track timelines: expect 60-90 days for most first permits. Renew well before expiry.
8. Plan long term: consider permanent residence after sufficient years and, if desired, naturalization under Act LV of 1993.

Practical Tips Specific to Hungary

Here are actionable Hungary-specific points that save time and reduce risk.

• Use OFFI for certified translations. Many foreign documents must be translated by the National Office for Translation and Attestation.
• Keep accommodation proofs current. OIF often requests a tenancy agreement and landlord consent for registration.
• Health insurance is mandatory. Private coverage is typical at entry. Once resident, you may contribute to the public system (NEAK) if eligible.
• Expect 2024-2025 transition effects. The shift to Act XC of 2023 created backlogs; build buffer time for appointments and decisions.
• Track fee updates. OIF and consular fees adjust periodically; check the OIF and consular websites before applying.
• For property purchases, engage a Hungarian real estate lawyer. You will need a purchase permit, escrow, and land registry filing, and must budget the 4 percent transfer duty.

How Hungary’s Process Fits Schengen and the EU

Your Hungarian residence card allows free short-stay movement in Schengen, but not residence elsewhere in the EU. If you need to live or work in another EU state, you must apply there for the proper permit.

For EU citizens, Act I of 2007 provides registration in Hungary and an address card after demonstrating sufficient resources and insurance. Family members of EU citizens follow specific facilitated procedures.

When Comparing Programs, Focus on Total Cost and Rules You Can Live With

Look beyond minimum investment. Include legal, government, and tax costs, and assess whether physical presence requirements match your plans and tax strategy.

Hungary’s Guest Investor route is competitive on investment size and duration of status, with Schengen access. If your priority is a clear path to citizenship with minimal presence, Portugal or Malta might be alternatives, but both have higher total costs and different due diligence and presence rules. If your goal is business and tax efficiency, also compare the UAE and the USA’s EB-5 for access to those markets and benefits.