Acquiring your Golden Visa through property investment in Hungary
One of the significant innovations of the new immigration law entering into force from 2025 is the creation of a type of permit that non-EEA citizens can obtain by investing in Hungary. The Hungarian government was originally supposed to provide the opportunity from 1 July 2024, but with the amendment of the law that entered into force on 11.05.2024, the possibility of obtaining a guest investor residence permit has been extended to 01.01.2025. The amendment also had a minor impact on the detailed rules relating to obtaining a permit.
What is the Golden Visa Program?
You can obtain Hungarian residency for 10 years for yourself and your family members through one single investment, with no minimum stay. The program is officially called “guest investor residency”, and you have the following options:
EUR 250,000: purchase of bonds issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB)
EUR 500,000: purchase of Hungarian residential real estate
EUR 1 million: donation to a designated educational or cultural institution
What are the benefits of the Golden Visa?
Allows residence permit valid for 10 years, renewable.
Family can also apply together.
Grants visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Unlike other types of permits, habitual residence in Hungary is not a requirement.
May offer tax advantages for individuals holding the golden visa.
Facilitates access to business and entrepreneurial ventures in Hungary.
Access to education and academic opportunities within Hungary.
Eligibility for healthcare services provided to residents of Hungary.
How can At-Home Budapest help you get your Golden Visa in Hungary? If you're seeking to secure guest investor residency via real estate purchase, At-Home Budapest will guide you through the entire application procedure, from the initial stages of property search to the moment you receive your 10-year residence permit.
We provide comprehensive support throughout the application process, including document preparation, submission, and communication with relevant authorities. Follow-up of the application process, liaising with the office and the client.
Our legal team specializes in immigration law and real estate transactions, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and regulations.
Once you receive your 10-year residence permit, our services don't end there. We offer ongoing support and assistance if you decide to settle in Hungary. We also provide property management service if you choose to rent out your property.
What are the regulations for purchasing property in Hungary? Whether you're exploring real estate for your golden visa application or simply looking to invest, the rules remain the same for everyone. Foreigners seeking to purchase property in Hungary must obtain a permit from the local municipality, which is linked to the specific property in question. This application can only be made after reaching an agreement with the seller and typically takes around a month to process. As a buyer, you'll also need to factor in a 4% property purchase tax, payable within a few months of sale as instructed by the Tax Authority.Furthermore, you'll need to fulfill criteria required by the guest investor residency program:
The property must be free of any claims or mortgages
An official appraisal of the property is required, along with obtaining a certificate of value to demonstrate compliance with the requirements (with a minimum value of EUR 500,000)
You are required to commit to not selling the property for a minimum of 5 years following its purchase, which must be clearly stated in the deed.
The contract must include precise clauses that reinforce your qualification for participation in the golden visa program.
Partnering with At-Home Budapest will streamline the process, saving you time and effort typically spent on property searches and legal formalities.
Why Choose At-Home Budapest to help you with the process? At-Home Budapest boasts 20 years of expertise in real estate investment and property management, offering a complete suite of services within the residential property sector. We offer a carefully curated selection of properties that are eligible for guest investor residency, providing you with peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
FAQs Is a property purchased before 2025 eligible for a guest investor residence permit?
No, only real estate purchased after January 1, 2025, is eligible.
Can more than one property be counted toward the €500,000 standard?
We recommend that the value of a single property reaches €500,000 because there is uncertainty regarding whether the guest investor residence permit will be accepted if the investment minimum of €500,000 is met with the combined value of multiple properties.
Can the purchased property only be residential?
Yes, only ownership of residential immovable property will be accepted for the application.
What does verified property mean?
A verified property refers to a real estate asset with a clean property title, devoid of any legal disputes, encumbrances, or other claims. This signifies undisputed ownership rights. To be considered verified, several conditions must be met. The seller's ownership rights must be officially registered in the land registry extract. The entire purchase price must be paid in full, and evidence of payment must be provided along with the application form.
When can I apply for this long-term residence permit?
You can apply for the long-term residence permit only after the ownership of the property(s) meeting the required value has been registered. Additionally, the immigration office will start accepting applications for guest investor residence permits after January 1, 2025.
How long do I need to stay in Hungary to get the permit?
You are not required to stay in Hungary for any specific period either when applying for the permit or during the renewal process.
How long can I stay in the EU with the permit?
The permit is a Schengen-type residence permit, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Schengen member countries.
Can I obtain Hungarian citizenship with the permit?
Hungarian citizenship cannot be obtained with a guest investor residence permit, nor can settled status be acquired.
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