7 Affordable Ways to Obtain Hungarian Residency: Choosing the Optimal Path for EU Relocation

Hungary is one of the few European Union countries where the cost of living remains relatively low, while the quality of healthcare and education fully meets high European standards.

In total, Hungary offers more than 25 grounds for applying for residency permits.

In this article, we will thoroughly examine how to obtain residency in the European Union and relocate to Hungary.

What is a Hungarian Residency Permit?

A temporary Hungarian residency permit is an official document allowing third-country nationals to legally reside in the country.

A Hungarian residence permit is issued for periods ranging from six months to several years, depending on the chosen basis. For example, a residency permit through investment is issued immediately for 10 years.

Holders of Hungarian residency permits have the right to live, work, study, and conduct business in Hungary. Residents may also travel freely within Schengen Area countries.

The temporary residency permit must be renewed regularly. After 3 years, one may apply for permanent residency (PR). This status is granted for life, although the resident card itself must be renewed every 5 years.

7 Key Advantages of Hungarian Residency

1. Freedom of Movement Within the Schengen Area
Holders of Hungarian residency permits can travel visa-free through Schengen Area countries and stay there for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

2. Access to High-Quality Healthcare
Hungarian residents gain access to local medical facilities. Many Hungarian clinics hold international accreditation. For instance, the private Budapest clinic Dr. Rose is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

3. Low Cost of Living
Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation in Hungary are significantly lower than in most other EU countries. For example, apartment rental in Budapest starts from 400 € per month, while in Rome it starts from 1500 €. Utility costs average around 120 € and 200 € respectively.

4. Favorable Tax Conditions for Business
Hungary has the lowest corporate tax rate in the European Union – just 9%. By comparison, in Spain this tax is 25%.

5. Pathway to EU Citizenship
Citizenship applications can be submitted after 11 years of legal residence: 3 years with temporary residency and 8 years with permanent residency.

6. Safe and Stable Environment
Hungary ranks among Europe’s safest countries with low crime rates and a stable economy. According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Hungary ranks 14th among the world’s most peaceful and safe countries. For comparison, France ranks 84th, and Cyprus ranks 86th.

7. Access to European Education
Hungarian universities regularly rank among the top 500 European universities according to the QS Europe rankings. Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) ranks 68th in Europe for graduate employability. ELTE is Hungary’s oldest university, founded in 1635.

Who Can Apply for Hungarian Residency?

Hungarian residency permits are available to foreign citizens who meet the general requirements:

• Are not citizens of EU or European Economic Area countries;
• Have reached 18 years of age, except in family reunification cases;
• Have no criminal record in their country of citizenship or permanent residence;
• Can provide a valid health insurance policy.

Additionally, applicants must substantiate their basis for relocation: employment contract, bank statement, company incorporation documents, investment certificate, or other relevant documentation.

The 7 Most Popular Grounds for Obtaining Hungarian Residency

Hungary offers approximately 24 options for obtaining resident status. Each method has its own requirements and application procedure.

1. Investment. Residency is granted for investments from 250,000 € in the Hungarian economy. The investor fulfills the financial condition and also rents or purchases residential property in the country.

2. Business Establishment. This type of residency is intended for founders of Hungarian companies. The foreign national registers a legal entity (similar to LLC or JSC), contributes share capital from 7,700 €, and confirms savings of at least 10,000 € in a bank account.

3. Remote Work (Digital Nomads). Residency is available to freelancers and remote workers employed by foreign companies. Applicants must confirm stable monthly income from 3,000 €, demonstrate savings, and rent or purchase accommodation in Hungary.

4. Employment. Foreigners who have concluded an employment contract with a Hungarian employer may obtain residency. The employer provides the contract and arranges a work permit for the foreign specialist.

5. Family Reunification. Family members of Hungarian citizens or permanent residents are entitled to residency. Family ties and financial dependency must be confirmed.

6. Studies. Foreign students at accredited Hungarian educational institutions may apply for student residency. Enrollment confirmation and proof of financial means serve as the basis.

7. Medical Treatment. Temporary residency is issued to patients of Hungarian clinics requiring long-term treatment, as well as their accompanying persons. A contract with the medical institution must be provided.

Comparison of Main Hungarian Residency Types

Hungarian Residency by Investment (“Golden Visa”)

The “Golden Visa” is a programme allowing investors to obtain Hungarian residency immediately for 10 years through investments in Hungarian real estate funds.

Investors may choose from two options: acquiring shares in approved investment funds or making a donation to a higher education institution.

Applicants must fulfill the investment condition within 93 days of entering Hungary on a Guest Investor Visa.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Purchase of real estate fund shares amounting to at least 250,000 € or donation from 1,000,000 € to a university.
• Confirmation of lawful source of funds.
• Rental or purchase of residential property in Hungary.
• Valid health insurance.
• Submission of documents confirming fulfillment of the investment condition and other required documentation.

Processing Time: Approximately 2 months. The process includes obtaining a guest visa, relocation, fulfilling investment conditions, and submitting the residency application.

Validity and Renewal
Residency through investment is issued for 10 years, renewable for another 10 years. Renewal requires maintaining the investment at the time of extension.

Restrictions
Investments are permitted only in funds approved by Hungary’s National Security Authority. At least 40% of fund assets must be invested in residential real estate. University donations support education and scientific research.

Hungarian Residency Through Business Establishment

Obtaining residency through company registration is a way to relocate to Hungary without large capital investments. The country offers a favorable business climate, simple registration procedures, and low taxes (e.g., 9% corporate tax).

Requirements for Applicants:

• Registration of a company (LLC or JSC).
• Savings of at least 10,000 € in a bank account.
• Contribution of share capital (from 7,700 € for LLC, from 12,700 € for JSC).
• Confirmation of business income (from 1,500 €).
• Business plan and contracts with Hungarian partners.

Processing Time: Approximately 6 months. The process consists of two stages: company registration and residency application. To open a business account, the founder must personally visit a bank in Hungary.

Validity and Renewal
Residency is issued for 1 year, renewable for an additional 2 years. Renewal requires confirmation that the business is operational and generating income. After 3 years, one may apply for a new residency permit.

Restrictions:

• Inactive companies may lead to refusal of residency renewal.
• Minimum stay of 90 days per half-year in Hungary is required.
• Family members may join only after one year from the main applicant.
• Half of the share capital (from 3,900 €) must be deposited before registration and remains blocked in the account.

Hungarian Residency for Digital Nomads (“White Card”)

The White Card is a residency permit for remote workers and entrepreneurs whose business is based outside the EU.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Confirmed monthly income from 3,000 € from foreign sources.
• Savings of at least 10,000 € in a non-sanctioned bank account.
• Valid health insurance with coverage from 30,000 €.
• Employment confirmation (employment contracts, bank statements).
• Rental or purchase of accommodation in Hungary.

Validity and Renewal
Residency is issued for up to 1 year, renewable once. After 2 years, one may apply for a new White Card.

Restrictions:

• Working for Hungarian companies is prohibited.
• Family members cannot automatically obtain residency on this basis.
• Does not lead to PR or citizenship.
• Does not grant access to social benefits.

Processing Time: Approximately 3 months.

Hungarian Residency Through Employment

Foreigners may obtain residency upon conclusion of an official employment contract with a Hungarian employer. As of January 1, 2025, this option is available only to citizens of countries with which Hungary or the EU has a readmission agreement. Applications submitted before the end of 2024 are processed under previous regulations.

Requirements:

• Age 18 or above, citizenship of a non-EU/EEA country.
• Confirmation of qualifications and Hungarian language proficiency sufficient for work.

Validity Period
Residency is issued for the duration of the employment contract and may be renewed upon extension or change of employer.

Hungarian Residency Through Family Reunification

Close relatives of Hungarian citizens or permanent residents are entitled to residency:

• Spouse.
• Children under 18.
• Adult children with disabilities who are dependents.
• Financially dependent parents.

Family ties must be confirmed through translated and apostilled documents (passports, marriage/birth certificates). Translation must be certified by an accredited service (e.g., OFFI).

Validity Period
Residency is issued for 3 years, renewable. Spouses of Hungarian citizens may apply for PR after 2 years of cohabitation in the country.

Hungarian Residency for Studies

Student residency is available to:

• Foreign schoolchildren.
• Preparatory course applicants.
• Students at Hungarian universities.

Requirements:

• Confirmation of enrollment at an educational institution.
• Hungarian or English language proficiency at minimum B2 level.

Validity Period
Initial residency is issued for 1 year, subsequently renewable for 1-2 years depending on program duration.

Hungarian Residency for Medical Treatment

Residency is issued to foreigners requiring long-term treatment at Hungarian clinics, as well as accompanying persons (where medically necessary).

Requirements:

• Official contract with the medical institution.
• For accompanying persons – documents confirming relationship.

Validity Period
Residency is issued for the treatment period, but not exceeding 2 years. Renewal is possible only in exceptional cases upon medical recommendation.

Other Grounds for Hungarian Residency

• Temporary work under bilateral agreements (e.g., researchers – up to 5 years, diplomats – up to 3 years).
• Volunteering under contract with accredited organizations or European Voluntary Service projects (up to 2 years, non-renewable).
• Humanitarian grounds for persons in need of protection (considered individually).

Document Checklist for Hungarian Residency Application in 2026

Basic Documents (for all residency types):

1. Valid passport.
2. Completed application form.
3. 3×4 cm photographs.
4. Health insurance with coverage from 30,000 €.
5. Bank account statement.
6. Confirmation of residential address in Hungary.
7. Other documents as required.

Additional Documents:
Provided depending on the basis (employment contract, university invitation, company incorporation documents, etc.). Exact list should be confirmed with Hungarian immigration authorities.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining Hungarian Residency by Investment

The process takes approximately 2 months and consists of two main stages.

1. Preliminary Screening (2 days). Assessment of applicant’s background.
2. Document Preparation (3-4 weeks). Collection, translation, and notarization of documents for guest visa.
3. Guest Investor Visa Application (1 month). Personal submission of type D visa application at Hungarian consulate. Visa issued for up to 6 months.
4. Arrival in Hungary and Fulfillment of Investment Condition (up to 3 months). Investor arrives and completes investment within 93 days.
5. Residency Application Submission (2 days). Submission to National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, either in person or online via Enter Hungary platform.
6. Approval and Card Issuance (up to 4 weeks). Application review, biometrics, and card collection.

Rights and Obligations of Hungarian Residents

Rights:

• Legal residence in Hungary for permit duration.
• Free movement within Schengen Area (up to 90/180 days).
• Study, work (depending on permit type), conduct business.
• Access medical services through insurance.
• Family reunification.
• Open bank accounts and rent property.

Obligations:

• Comply with Hungarian laws.
• Timely renewal of residency and notification of changes (address, marital status, financial circumstances).
• Pay taxes properly. The Hungarian Tax Authority (NAV) strictly monitors tax compliance.

Grounds for Residency Revocation in Hungary

• Violation of immigration regulations (e.g., exceeding permitted stay abroad).
• Submission of forged or false documents.
• Loss of residency basis (graduation, business closure, termination of employment) without notifying authorities.
• Threat to national security or public order.
• Commission of a crime.

Revocation decisions may be appealed. Upon final refusal, departure from the country within prescribed deadlines is required.

Cost of Living in Hungary

Living costs in Hungary are lower than in most EU countries. For a single person in Budapest, monthly expenses (excluding rent) start from 600 €. For a family of four – from 1,800 €. This is 50% cheaper than in Amsterdam, for example.

Food: from 290 € or 110,000 Hungarian forints per month per person.

• Bread – 1.35 €.
• Milk (1 L) – 0.9 €.
• Chicken fillet (1 kg) – 4 €.
• Eggs (12 pcs.) – 2 €.

Utilities for an 85 m² apartment – approximately 120 € monthly.

Communication and Internet – from 40 €.

Leisure: lunch at an inexpensive restaurant – from 10 €, dinner for two – from 25 €, cinema ticket – from 7 €, thermal bath visit – from 11 €.

Taxes in Hungary

Hungary offers some of the lowest tax rates in the EU, identical for residents and non-residents.

• Tax Residency: Arises from residing in the country more than 183 days per year or having a “center of vital interests” (family, property, business) in Hungary.
• Personal Income Tax: Flat rate of 15%.
• Property Transfer Tax: 4% of value when purchasing secondary residential property. For new builds, VAT of 27% applies, included in the price.
• Capital Gains Tax on Property Sales: 15% (amount may reduce depending on ownership period).
• VAT: Standard rate – 27% (one of the highest in the EU). Reduced rates apply to certain goods (5%, 18%).
• Corporate Tax: 9%.

Key Points About Hungarian Residency

1. Hungary offers over 25 residency options: investment, business, employment, study, and other grounds.
2. Residency grants the right to live in the EU, conduct business, and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
3. Investors receive 10-year residency for investments from 250,000 €.
4. Digital nomads can obtain residency with monthly income from 3,000 €.
5. Business founders become residents through company registration in Hungary. Family members may join together with the main applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hungarian Residency