Your path to hungary starts here
Credence Co. guides you through the Hungarian Golden Visa program with expertise and dedication. Our team of professionals is committed to providing comprehensive support from the initial steps to the successful completion of your application. Located in Nicosia, and Budapest, we leverage our strong local connections and multilingual capabilities to ensure a seamless experience for our clients. Trust us to turn your aspirations into reality with our full-service approach.
Discover Hungary's Golden Visa Program
Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate, support higher education, or explore business opportunities, Hungary’s Golden Visa program provides a pathway to European residency for you and your family.
Why Choose Hungary’s Golden Visa Program?
Hungary’s Golden Visa stands out among European residency programs, offering a 10-year renewable residence permit, visa-free travel across 176 countries, and access to Hungary’s high-quality healthcare and education systems. With a low cost of living, a safe environment (ranked 14th in the Global Peace Index 2024), and a central European location, Hungary is the ideal destination for investors seeking stability and growth.
Investment Options
To qualify, applicants must meet specific investment criteria, selecting from two main options
Real Estate Fund Investment
Investment in Real Estate Funds: Purchase of units in qualified real estate funds, with a minimum investment of
250,000 EUR.
Higher Education Donation
Donation to Higher Education: A donation to a public higher education institution with a significant amount of
1,000,000 EUR
Business and Employment Opportunities
Golden Visa holders gain theright to work in Hungary, manage businesses, and establish companies, Additionally, the cost of living, including real estate, is significantly lower than in many other European countries.
The program includes provisions for familyunification, allowing investors to bring spouses, children, and dependent parents. Hungary also offers high-quality wellness and spa facilities, including resorts at Hévíz, Debrecen and Lake Balaton, all supported by modern medical infrastructure.
How It Works
Applicants initially receive a “Guest Investor Visa” and must complete the chosen investment within three months of entering Hungary. Once the investment is fulfilled, the foreigner may apply for a residence permit.
Upon fulfilling the investment requirement, investors and their families gain eligibility for a 10-year renewable residence permit.
Education in Hungary
Hungary is home to world-class universities and schools, making it an ideal destination for families. Some of the most renowned institutions include:
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE): Ranked among the top 500 globally, with partnerships with Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME): Known for its engineering and technology programs, partnered with MIT and Stanford.
Corvinus University of Budapest: A leading business school with ties to ESSEC and Bocconi University.
For younger students, Hungary offers excellent high schools and vocational institutions, such as Budapest Metropolitan High School and Fazekas Mihály High School, with strong international partnerships.
If you would like to see the full list of schools, we would be happy to send it to you upon request.
Your partner for the golden visa journey
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment required in the Golden Visa Program?
Realisation of the following investments shall be considered as national interest:
I. Acquisition of an investment fund share of at least 250,000 EUR issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), only one Fund Manager has the official MNB certificate which is called SPRINT ASSET Hungary.
II. Provision of a financial donation in an amount of at least 1,000,000 EUR and for a purpose of educational, scientific research or artistic creation activities, to a higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission, in effect as of 1 July, 2024.
Can I apply for a permanent address after I get the Golden Visa?
Yes the Golden Visa Program provides a 10-year residence permit after the investment is completed, which can be renewed for another 10 years. Before the investment is completed, applicants are granted a 6-month temporary D-visa.
After the first entry, applicants are required to complete the chosen investment option within 3 months, otherwise the temporary residence permit will be revoked.
The Golden Visa is obtained through a designated company that carries out all administrative procedures, including government consultations and legal procedures.
Does the residency permit include children or other family member?
Yes, the residency permit covers the main applicant, their spouse, and dependent children under 18. Additional fees apply for more than five family members. Children above 18 need to verify that they are dependent from the main applicant. The same applies for grandparents. These family members are typically granted residency based on the primary applicant’s status.
How much time do I have to spend in Hungary if I get the residence permit?
There is no strict requirement for continuous presence, but maintaining residency benefits requires regular visits, and longer stays are necessary if pursuing citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship after 8 years? Does this 8-year period start from the beginning of temporary residency or permanent residency?
Citizenship can be applied for after 8 years of continuous legal residence. The 8-year period begins from the start of temporary residency, not permanent residency.
With residency, one can access bank loans. Is this also possible with temporary residency?
In Hungary, residency (whether temporary or permanent) generally allows access to bank loans. However, terms and availability may vary depending on the bank.
What is required for adult children over 18 years old when legal spouses and children under 18 are covered?
For adult children over 18, they are eligible for residency if they are under 25, financially dependent on the main applicant, have no income of their own, and are enrolled as full-time students.
Is it necessary to prove the financial capability to support the family?
Financial capability needs to be proven when applying for family residency, but the criteria for this are not clearly stated anywhere.
Applicants need to demonstrate financial capability when applying for family residency. Although specific thresholds are not always published, the requirement is generally to show sufficient resources to support the family, often through proof of income, savings, and especially that they have available funds to fullfill the chosen investment.
If one of the parents is the legal guardian of a child, the consent of the other parent must be provided.
If one parent is the legal guardian of a child, the consent of the other parent is required for the child’s residency application. This ensures there is no conflict regarding the child’s residency status.
How much is the property purchase tax in Hungary?
Property purchase tax is 4% and is paid once upon the transfer of ownership.
Can I legally buy property in Hungary with a residence permit?
Yes, residency permits allows for property purchases.
Can I retry if their application is rejected?
Yes, applicants can retry, but the reasons for the rejection must be addressed.
Reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation or failure to meet legalrequirements.
Can I work in Hungary as a Golden Visa investor?
Yes, residency permits typically include the right to work in Hungary.
Can I set up a company in Hungary if they get the residence permit?
Yes, residents can establish businesses in Hungary, and the Hungarian residency program encourages investments that could contribute to the economy.
Who will deal with these customers in Hungary? Do you have anybody to receive customers in Hungary?
Credence Co. Consulting, along with its partners and principals, handles all communications and coordination with the relevant parties in Hungary. This includes managing the application process, liaising with government authorities such as the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, and ensuring that customers are supported throughout the process. Upon visa approval, the customer can enter Hungary with a temporary visa.
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Reach out to us today—we’re ready to be your trusted partner every step of the way.