How to Move to Hungary for Permanent Residence: Residency Permits, Golden Visa Program, and Path to Citizenship

Hungary is a moderately popular destination for obtaining a residence permit (RP). It attracts foreigners by offering access to the Schengen Area with average requirements for applicants, although without the right to work in other European Union countries. However, Hungary is most in demand among investors due to the relatively low investment threshold of €250,000 required to obtain residency.

A residence permit is almost always the first step towards permanent residence in the country, which in turn leads to Hungarian citizenship by naturalization. In this article, we will explain in detail how to move to Hungary, what options exist for obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence, and Hungarian citizenship, and what is required for each.

Residence Permit in Hungary

The process of moving to Hungary begins with obtaining a residence permit. Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area do not need one, but it is mandatory for citizens of third countries.

Benefits of Hungarian residence permit:

• Free movement across the Schengen Area with visa-free stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in all member states.
• Hungary offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU at 9%, and a personal income tax rate of 15%.
• A Hungarian residence permit allows you, after 3–5 years of residence, to apply for permanent residence, and later, after 8 years, for Hungarian citizenship, which grants full EU citizen rights.
• A residence permit does not give the right to work in other EU countries—only in Hungary (if the grounds are employment-related). Renewal of the residence permit requires proof of the same conditions under which it was originally granted.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in Hungary

There are several types of residence permit in Hungary, each tailored to different categories of foreigners. Below are the main pathways, along with their conditions and requirements.

Investment Program (“Golden Visa”)

Since July 2024, Hungary has relaunched its “Hungarian Golden Visa” program. Under it, individuals with a clean reputation—meaning not listed on sanctions lists and without a criminal record—may obtain a residence permit through the following options:

• Investment of €250,000 in real estate investment fund shares.
• Immigration to Hungary by investment in real estate at least €500,000.
• A donation of €1 million to an accredited Hungarian university.

Investments must be carried out through a licensed intermediary (such as a migration agent) who can verify the transaction.

[/uploads/images/dbd/dc22487f7d4df9f81b0a1450119b2.webp|Minimum investment]

Employment

Immigration to Hungary through employment is available for highly qualified specialists, but it is impossible without an employment contract with a Hungarian employer approved by the Immigration Office. The main Hungary immigration requirements are:

• Proof of professional qualifications (degree, certificates).
• Minimum salary sufficient to cover living expenses (approximately 500,000 HUF/month, about €1250).
• Health insurance and no criminal record.

If an employer is willing to hire a foreigner, they initiate the work permit application. Once approved, the potential employee applies for a Hungarian residence permit through the Hungarian consulate or the Immigration Office. The employer must also prove that no EU candidates were available for the position.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Hungarian business immigration is possible through company registration in the country or proof of passive income. If the business is deemed fictitious, the residence permit may be revoked.

Main conditions:

• Company registration (e.g., KFT — equivalent of LLC) with a minimum share capital of 3 million HUF (about €7500).
• Employment of at least 3 local citizens, or proof that the owner will actively operate the company in Hungary.
• For financially independent individuals: proof of passive income (e.g., €2000/month) from sources outside Hungary.
• A business plan demonstrating economic benefit to Hungary.

This model is an alternative to investment Hungarian residency, but although the required investment may be smaller, authorities thoroughly review the company’s business plan and market activity.

Family Reunification

A residence permit based on family reunification is available for relatives of Hungarian citizens or residents, provided proof of relationship is submitted. Before applying, the Hungarian citizen/resident must act as a sponsor by demonstrating sufficient income of at least 600,000 HUF/month (around €1500 for a family). Health insurance and suitable housing for all family members are also required.

Education

Foreigners can obtain a permanent residence in Hungary for students when enrolled in accredited universities in the country. In addition to admission documents, the student must prove sufficient funds for living expenses of at least 600,000 HUF/year (around €1500). If the student is expelled, the residence permit is automatically revoked.

Digital Nomads

The program for digital nomads is open to freelancers, IT specialists, consultants, and other professionals who can work remotely. However, the main Hungarian residence permit requirement is minimum monthly income requirement at €2000. Only income originating from abroad is eligible.

[/uploads/images/0b2/59c4ec62bd173f27efdc422cd3acf.webp|Minimum income]

National Residence Permit for Ethnic Hungarians

There is a special program for individuals of Hungarian ancestry citizenship. To qualify, applicants must provide documentary proof of Hungarian ancestry (e.g., ancestors’ birth certificates). Afterwards, they must pass a Hungarian language test and prove they have no criminal record. Such a residence permit is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended. After 3 years, the holder may apply for permanent residency.

Grounds for Revocation of a Residence Permit

Hungarian immigration authorities may revoke a residence permit if the holder violates immigration rules or loses the grounds on which it was issued. The main reasons include:

• Staying outside Hungary for more than 6 consecutive months. (This rule does not apply to residency obtained via real estate or investment programs, as they have no residency requirement.)
• Committing crimes or administrative/penal offenses.
• Entering into a sham marriage, using forged documents, or providing false information.
• Loss of grounds under specific programs: termination of employment, expulsion from a university, business closure, or income dropping below the required threshold.
• Involvement in extremist activities or being placed under sanctions.
• Failure to meet financial obligations to the state.

In case of revocation of a Hungarian residence permit (for financially independent individuals), the foreigner must leave Hungary within 30 days. Dependents sponsored by another person may file an appeal.

Permanent Residency in Hungary

Hungarian permanent residence permit grants foreigners the right to reside in the country indefinitely, without the need for regular renewals. However, before obtaining PR in Hungary, one must reside in the country with a residence permit (RP) for at least 3 years.

Advantages of PR:

• PR does not require renewal, but the Hungarian residence card must be updated every 5 years (an administrative procedure).
• The right to work and conduct business in Hungary without restrictions, unlike RP, which is tied to a specific ground.
• PR allows one to apply for Hungarian citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence (or 3–5 years for certain categories).

Grounds for revocation of PR in Hungary:

• Prolonged absence from Hungary: staying outside the country for more than 2 consecutive years (or 4 years within the EU/EEA) without notifying the authorities.
• Criminal offenses: committing serious crimes (e.g., fraud, drug trafficking) or posing a threat to national security.
• Fraudulent grounds: discovery of a sham marriage or forged documents (within 10 years Hungarian PR process).
• False information: providing inaccurate data about income, housing, or criminal record.
• Voluntary renunciation: a personal request to terminate PR (rare).

Pathways to Obtain PR

The most common route to permanent residence permit in Hungary for non-EU citizens is continuous residence in Hungary with an RP. The minimum required period for most categories is 5 years. The period may be reduced to 3 years for:

• Spouses of Hungarian citizens (subject to cohabitation).
• Individuals of Hungarian descent (ethnic Hungarians).
• Refugees or persons with humanitarian status.

Time spent under a student residence permit counts only as half; for example, 4 years of study equals 2 years toward PR.

Family Reunification

Relatives of Hungarian citizens or permanent residents may obtain PR. This applies to the closest family members: spouses, minor children (under 18), and dependent parents.

Main Hungary permanent residence requirements:

• Proof of kinship: marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers (apostilled and translated).
• Financial capacity of the sponsor: income of at least 600,000 HUF/month (about €1500) for a family of two, plus 100,000 HUF (€250) for each additional member.
• Housing: rental agreement or proof of property ownership.
• Health insurance for all family members.

Humanitarian Grounds

A rare pathway, available to refugees or individuals under special circumstances already residing in Hungary on humanitarian grounds. They may apply for PR after 3 years of residence in the country.

Citizenship of Hungary

After the resident gets Hungarian citizenship they enjoy the complete rights and obligations of an EU citizen.. Unlike previous statuses, it allows the holder to work, study, and conduct business in any EU country. In addition, citizens may vote and run in local and national elections, as well as participate in European Parliament elections.

Dual citizenship in Hungary is permitted, meaning applicants do not need to renounce their original nationality. This is particularly advantageous for children, as citizenship is automatically passed on to them regardless of their place of birth.

Pathways to Citizenship

The main route to a Hungarian passport is naturalization. It is the natural outcome of the pathway from residence permit (RP) to permanent residency (PR), followed by the required period of residence.

Conditions for naturalization:

• Continuous residence in Hungary for at least 8 years (5 years on RP + 3 years on PR), with a minimum of 183 days per year. Shorter terms: 3 years for refugees, and 5 years for those born in Hungary or minors adopted by Hungarian citizens.
• Knowledge of Hungarian at B1 level or higher (proven by a certificate or an interview).
• Passing an hungarian citizenship exam on the constitution and culture (Magyarország Alaptörvénye és kulturális ismeretek).
• Financial self-sufficiency proven by income or savings covering living expenses (around 600,000 HUF/month, approx. €1500).
• Proof of housing (rental contract or property ownership).
• Clean criminal record and no threat to national security.

Repatriation

Hungarian citizenship by repatriation is a simplified route for ethnic Hungarians or descendants of Hungarian citizens who lived in the historical territories of Hungary before 1920 or during 1938–1945 (southern Slovakia, Transylvania, Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, Vojvodina).

Requirements:

• Proof of Hungarian ancestry: archival documents (birth/marriage certificates, military records, church registries).
• Basic knowledge of Hungarian (A2—B1 level), verified during an interview (no formal certificate required).
• Clean criminal record and no threat to national security.
• No residency requirement in Hungary.

Applications may be submitted immediately after preparing the necessary documents proving connection to Hungary, through the Hungarian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. However, if Hungarian authorities deem the documents unconvincing, the application may be rejected.

Marriage to a Hungarian Citizen

Hungarian citizenship by marriage is available after 10 years of cohabitation, or 5 years if the couple has children together. At the time of application, the foreign spouse must have resided in Hungary with PR for at least 3 years.

Hungarian citizenship requirements:

• Hungarian language knowledge (B1) and passing the constitution exam.
• Proof of genuine marriage: cohabitation, joint accounts, and interviews with both spouses.
• Financial self-sufficiency and housing.
• No criminal record.

Descent (jus sanguinis)

Hungarian citizenship by descent is automatically granted to children of Hungarian citizens by right of blood (jus sanguinis). The place of birth is irrelevant. Children born in Hungary to foreign parents do not automatically receive citizenship (jus soli does not apply). The procedure for newborns is straightforward: registration at a Hungarian consulate.

Investments

Direct acquisition of Hungarian citizenship by investment is not possible. The Golden Visa program only provides a pathway to naturalization, which requires meeting the standard naturalization conditions: language, exam, and financial proof.

Investors are not required to live in Hungary but must maintain their investments throughout the qualifying period. The entire process takes a minimum of 8 years—longer than in countries offering direct citizenship by investment (e.g., Malta).