How to get a Hungary permanent residence and relocate to this beautiful and affordable country

A foreigner must first obtain a temporary residence permit to move to Hungary.

Temporary residency is issued to investors, entrepreneurs, employees of Hungarian companies, and relatives of residents and citizens of Hungary.

The temporary residence permit allows the holder to apply for permanent residency in the future.

However, some residence permits cannot lead to permanent residency. For example, it is the case with a residence permit for digital nomads called a White Card.

Applications for permanent residence are accepted online on the Hungarian Migration Service’s Enter Hungary website. You must visit the migration department to submit biometrics for a permanent residence card.

Documents that need to be prepared to apply for permanent residence in Hungary are the following:

• an international passport;

• birth and marriage certificates, if applicable;

• a filled-out application;

• photographs;

• a residence permit, which ends in 3—4 months;

• a CV;

• health insurance;

• documents proving means of subsistence;

• an agreement for the lease or purchase and sale of real estate;

• a certificate of no criminal record.

It’s advised to include a motivation letter highlighting how you could positively impact Hungary’s economy and cultural scene. Enhancing your application with academic qualifications, any awards you’ve received, or letters of recommendation can further showcase your value to the country.

In case of refusal, a foreigner can file an appeal within 15 days. It is necessary to attach additional documents proving the applicant’s right to obtain permanent residence. The most common reason for refusal is an administrative violation, such as a criminal conviction.

Permanent residence is issued for life. The status does not need to be renewed, but the resident must change their permanent residence card every 5 years by confirming their income or reasons for staying in the country.

A resident can apply for permanent residency after 3 years of continuous living in the country. For residence to be counted as continuous, holders of a residence permit can’t leave Hungary for more than 4 months in a row or more than 270 days in total.

Close relatives of the main applicant can also obtain a permanent residence permit in Hungary. They are a spouse, minor children, and parents.

In July 2024, investors got the opportunity to obtain a Hungary residence permit under a new program. Only citizens of countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area are allowed to participate.

As a first step, an applicant will be issued a Guest Investor Visa valid for 6 months. Upon obtaining it, investors need to enter Hungary to apply for a residence permit. If the investor’s country of citizenship has a visa-waiver agreement with Hungary, the step with obtaining a Guest Investor Visa can be omitted.

In Hungary, the foreigner must fulfil one of three investment requirements:

• invest in a local real estate fund — €250,000+;

• purchase residential property — €500,000+;

• donate to a higher education institution — €1,000,000+.

Investors can buy find units starting on July 1st, 2024. Property purchase is available from January 1st, 2025. If the investor bought real estate before the date, such property won’t qualify for the Golden Visa.

By law, the applicant must invest within 3 months after entering Hungary on the Guest Investor Visa for the first time. The visa does not restrict freedom of movement: an investor can legally stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within any 180 days and enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times.

A residence permit by investment is issued for 10 years. Upon expiration, it can be extended once for the same period.

An investor with a residence permit is not required to reside in Hungary but can move there if they decide to obtain permanent residency. Investors submit documents for permanent residency on general terms after 3 years of living in the country.

Opening a company in Hungary provides entrepreneurs with a pathway to residency, permitting them to live in the country based on their business activities.

To qualify, applicants must establish a legal entity in Hungary. The most commonly formed types of companies for foreign investors include:

• Kft, Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság — a limited liability company, which is the most popular form of business;

• Zrt, Zártkörűen működő Részvénytársaság — a non-public joint stock company;

• Nyrt, Nyilvánosan működő Részvénytársaság — a public joint stock company.

The required capital for these companies is HUF 3,000,000, or approximately €7,700, for Kft and HUF 5,000,000 or approximately €12,700, for Zrt.

Spouses, children, and parents can obtain residence permits a year later, when the entrepreneur will renew their permit.

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The Hungary White Card serves as a residency permit specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers from non-EU and non-EEA countries.

The White Card does not provide a path to permanent residency but enables individuals working remotely for companies or clients not based in Hungary to legally reside in the country for a period of two years.

Applicants are required to show a stable monthly income of approximately €3,000. Under this scheme, the applicant’s relatives are not eligible for residence permits.

A residence permit by employment is issued to foreigners employed by a Hungarian company. The validity period of the residence permit depends on the duration of the working contract.

Applicants provide the following documents:

• a valid passport;

• proof of address in Hungary;

• a bank account certificate;

• a statement confirming the person’s readiness to leave the territory of Hungary upon receipt of a refusal of a residence permit;

• a preliminary employment contract;

• a certificate of professional competence with certified translation;

• health insurance.

The fee for the procedure is €130.

Residence permits for family reunification can be obtained by relatives of Hungarian residents and citizens as well as immigrants with refugee status. Relatives are spouses, minor children, including adopted ones, and guardians of minor children.

Relatives become temporary residents for 3 years. They can then extend their status for the same period or apply for Hungarian permanent residence.

A residence permit for official representation is issued to the following applicants:

• holders of privileges under established diplomatic relations or international law, and members of their families;

• participants of official delegations of foreign government bodies and international organisations;

• journalists;

• those wishing to take part in international conventions;

• employees of scientific, educational and cultural institutions operating in Hungary.

This residence permit is issued for the duration of service or events but for no more than 3 years with the possibility of extension for the same period.

A national residence permit in Hungary can be obtained by citizens of Ukraine and Serbia if their stay contributes to preserving and promoting the Hungarian language, culture, and national identity. It is also granted if it helps to strengthen family connections.

Individuals aiming to support or improve non-accredited educational institutions in Hungary are also eligible for residency.

This residence permit is issued for 5 years with the possibility of extension for the same period.

1. Visa-free travel to Schengen countries. Hungarian permanent residents can visit in other 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of 180.

The geographical location of Hungary allows travelling to neighbouring countries by car. Vienna, the capital of Austria, can be reached in 3 hours from Budapest. The journey to Prague will take 6 hours. You can find yourself off the coast of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia in just 5 hours.

For longer distances, it is easier to travel by plane. For the weekend, you can fly to Milan, Paris or Barcelona; the journey takes 2—3 hours, and tickets without luggage cost only €22—37.

2. Favourable conditions for doing business. Hungary is a country with a developed economy and a good international reputation. The country exports food, wine, cars, and medical supplies.

Hungary has agreements for the avoidance of double taxation with more than 60 countries, including Brazil, China, India, the UK, and the USA.

3. Low taxes. Hungary has some of the lowest taxes among all European countries, with an income tax rate of 15%. In comparison, in the Czech Republic, Italy and Portugal, tax rates can reach up to 23%, 47%, and 53%, respectively.

A Hungarian resident pays taxes and fees of 4—10% when purchasing real estate. In comparison, in Germany, the rate is 7.2—12.8%, and in Portugal, it is 12—15%.

The corporate income tax in Hungary is 9%, which makes the country attractive for doing business. In other EU countries, taxes are higher; for example, in Denmark, the tax rate is 22%, and in Spain, it is up to 25%.

4. Access to quality medicine and education. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, 11 Hungarian universities are among the world’s 1,500 best. Diplomas from Hungarian higher education institutions are recognised in other EU countries, as well as in the USA and Great Britain.

Many tourists come to Hungary for health reasons. Prices there are 40—70% lower than, for example, in the UK and Scandinavia. The country is known for its abundant thermal and mineral springs. Additionally, dental services, vision correction surgeries, and cosmetic and plastic surgeries are in high demand.

5. Low cost of living. Real estate, food, transport and entertainment are 2 times cheaper in Hungary than in many other European countries. You will need €3,000 per month to live in Budapest. To maintain the same living level, you will need €4,500 in Vienna and €5,700 in Copenhagen.

6. Living in a safe country. According to the Global Peace Index 2023, Hungary is one of the twenty safest countries to live in. Over the past 10 years, crime in the country has decreased by 65%. Hungary also tries to maintain political neutrality to protect its citizens.

7. Cultural and natural resources. The buildings of the Hungarian Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Szechenyi thermal baths, and ruin bars are only a small part of what Hungary is famous for. Eight of the country’s sites are on the UNESCO heritage list. For example, the village of Hollokö, the caves of Aggtelek, and the Slovak Karst.

Hungary is also famous for its mountains, mineral lakes, national parks, and cosy, well-kept villages. For example, in the city of Tihany, the atmosphere of antiquity has been preserved: houses are built in a traditional style, and there are many shops with lavender and ceramics made by local craftsmen.

Applicants for Hungary residence permit pay administrative, government, and legal services fees.

Residence permit application fee is €105. All visa fees are payable by credit or debit card only.

If an appeal is lodged at a diplomatic or consular mission, the administrative service fee for contesting a decision regarding the issuance of a residence permit or a visa that allows its holder to collect a residence permit is €160.

Permanent residency is issued for life in Hungary. But to maintain it, you can’t leave the country for more than 4 months at once and for more than 9 months in total.

Every 5 years, you need to renew your permanent residence card. Documents for renewal must be submitted 30 days before the card expires.

The application is submitted online. The fee is approximately €54.

A Hungarian passport can be obtained after eight years of having a registered address in Hungary, which is available only to persons with permanent residence status. The main condition is not to leave the country for more than 45 days a year during these eight years.

The applicant also confirms that they have no criminal record or other problems with the law.

Another condition is passing an exam on knowledge of the Hungarian language, culture and constitution. Persons over 65, graduates of Hungarian universities or language courses, persons with no legal or limited legal capacity, and people with disabilities and health problems are exempt from the exam.

For the following categories of applicants, the mandatory time of residence in Hungary is reduced:

1. For foreigners born in Hungary or who received a residence permit before turning 18 — up to 5 years.

2. For spouses of Hungarian citizens, persons with a refugee status and parents of minor Hungarian citizens — up to 3 years.

3. For foreigners of Hungarian origin — up to 1 year.

Documents for a Hungarian passport are submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of Hungary. The application review process takes 3—6 months.

Hungary allows dual citizenship. It means the foreigner can keep their first passport.

One can rent real estate in Hungary on their own or with the help of a realtor or an agency. Many relevant groups on social networks offer good options. One-bedroom apartments cost €350—700 per month.

The price for one square metre when buying real estate is a minimum of €2,700 in the city centre and at least €2,000 in other areas.

Utilities cost approximately €150 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Public transport in Hungary is well-developed: there are metro, trams, trolleybuses, buses, and commuter trains. Due to convenient infrastructure and short distances, the journey takes little time. A monthly pass for public transport costs around €25. Car sharing and taxis are in demand in Budapest.

A mobile tariff with 10 GB can reach €25. But you can connect to Wi-Fi in many cafes and libraries for free.

Public hospitals are free for everyone who is officially employed in Hungary, as well as for minors, students, refugees and those receiving unemployment benefits. Appointments with a therapist are booked at least a week in advance, while other specialists have a waiting list of two weeks.

An appointment with a doctor in a private clinic costs, on average, €65; the price for an ultrasound is at least €26 and for a blood test, it is €39.

Groceries in Hungarian supermarkets are inexpensive. The cost of a restaurant lunch starts at €9, and the price for a bottle of an imported beer is €2. The cost of bread in bakeries ranges from €2.30 to 6, and drinking a cappuccino in a coffee shop will cost €1.50—3.50.

Hungarian people are sociable, friendly and leisurely. Strangers can start talking to each other about anything in line at a store. Neighbours often go out into the yard and talk over a cup of coffee.

1. Hungary permanent residency can be obtained after living in the country for 3 years as a temporary resident.

2. A residence permit status is issued to investors, digital nomads, relatives of Hungarian residents and citizens, entrepreneurs, and employees of Hungarian companies.

3. The Hungary Golden Visa is available to investors. They receive a 10-year residence permit if they invest in a local real estate fund, buy a property, or donate to a higher education institution. The minimum investment is €250,000.

4. Hungarian permanent residency is issued for life, but the permanent residence card must be renewed every 5 years.

5. To be eligible for citizenship, permanent residents mustn’t leave Hungary for more than 45 days a year within eight years.