Citizenship Residency

Hungary Golden Visa and Investment Programmes

Residency bond investment in Hungary

IMPORTANT NOTE. The Hungary residency bond programme has now closed for applications (March 2017). Citizenship by investment in Hungary is no longer possible. Investors are advised to look at suitable alternatives in Europe including programmes such as Portugal and Malta. Contact La Vida for futher advice.

Permanent residency was available in Hungary through investment in the Hungarian Residency Bond Program. A fast track investor program granting a five year residence permit to applicants investing €300,000 in government bonds. The capital was returned in full after 5 years with no return.  The amount excluded administration, government and processing fees.

The residency could be renewed after 5 years at no further cost. Citizenship could be applied for after 8 years but under strict conditions including a language test. Hungary is an EU Schengen visa country and this visa allowed freedom of travel throughout the EU Schengen zone

Hungary Residency by Investment & Golden Visas

The ‘Heart of Europe’ may be your best pathway to the exclusive EU Plan B

The Hungarian Residency by Investment Program is the most affordable EU Golden Visa – targeting real estate investments into one of Europe’s most promising and growing markets – Budapest.

Hungary Golden Visa is risk-free – investment made after approval.

Benefits of Hungary Residency

One of Europe’s oldest countries, Hungary continues to define European culture, lifestyle, and luxury. A country famous for its thermal springs and the world’s first official wine region, the capital, Budapest, has been hailed as the “Heart of Europe” for centuries.

Route to EU Status

Permanent residency possible after 3 years and citizenship after 8 years

Freedom of Movement

Residency comes with access to the EU’s coveted Schengen Zone

For the Entire Family

Include spouse, unmarried children, and parents on same application

No Physical Residency

Successful investors must maintain property and address, but no physical residency is required

Right to Extend

The initial residency permit is for 5 years and residency is easily renewed

Streamlined Process

No language, residency, or knowledge requirements

No Gov’t Donations

Real estate investment is the only option - no government donations or contributions

European Tax Haven

Hidden EU secret, Corp tax of 9% & Income tax of 15%

EU Plan B

Lifestyle and financial security with EU economic and political stability

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Investment Requirements

Real Estate Investment in Budapest

  • Property must be located in the capital city of Budapest
  • Property must have a value of at least €155,000 [approx. $170,000 USD]
  • All residential properties are eligible – new construction or existing inventory
  • Investor must secure prior approval from the Land Committee*
  • Investor must pass Due Diligence and Income checks – must establish annual income of at least €75,000 for a family of 4
  • Investor must make a 10% deposit on the chosen property
  • Within 90 days of receiving final approval, remaining property price and all program fees must be paid in full

*Astons handles all aspects of Land Committee approval, residency application, and the real estate process

Additional Program Fees*

  • Sales tax – 4%
  • Stamp duty – €135
  • Other expenses – €200
  • Budapest legal fees for property transaction – from 0.4 to 1%
  • State immigration fees for residency process – €30,000

 

*Astons Legal Support is in addition to program fees


Important Program Notes

  • Full cash option only – no mortgages 
  • Property cannot be used for rental income
  • Property ownership and valid physical address must be maintained for residency. Original property may be sold for another property of equal or greater value

Eligible Family Members

The following can be included on one application:

  • Investor – main applicant
  • Spouse
  • Financially dependent and unmarried children – no age restrictions
  • Parents of main applicant or spouse

Step-by-Step Guide for a Category D Hungarian Residency Permit

1

Interview with an Astons immigration expert

An expert from Astons will assess the Hungary Program with you to ensure that it addresses all of your needs, wants, and demands. 

If so, Astons will conduct our exclusive in-house pre-approval assessment and KYC/Due Diligence analysis to determine your likelihood of being approved.

Our expert will also prepare a portfolio of property listings for your review based upon your property search checklist.

2

Signing contract and paying for legal fees

Once you sign the contract and legal fees are paid, Astons will begin assisting you in document collection and ensuring your documents meet application requirements.

3

Applying for initial temporary visa

At this stage, the investor applies for the temporary Category D visa which permits them to conduct the Golden Visa process.

The state will conduct its official due diligence and background checks as a part of the immigration process.

The application process is conducted fully remote through the investor’s nearest Hungarian consulate or embassy.

4

Obtaining the residency visa

Once the visa process is approved, the investor is required to visit Budapest to submit biometric data and receive the residency card in-person.

The initial residency is valid for 12-months and permits a single entry into Hungary to finalize the Golden Visa and property purchase.

5

Real estate selection begins

The investor now needs to identify which property they would like to purchase and provide the required 10% down payment to secure the property

6

Final application approval received

Once final approval is received, full payment of remaining program fees and property costs must be made within 90 days – certificate of ownership is conveyed with payment

7

Hungary residency permit

Once the real estate transaction is finalized, Hungary automatically changes the category D visa to a long-term 5 year residency card – renewable with maintained property ownership and valid Budapest address