Obtaining Residency in Hungary Through Real Estate Investment

January 6 2026
Reading time: 3 min.

IST Hungary has been Hungary’s leading provider of comprehensive business and personal services for international clients.

Until the launch of the new Golden Visa program in late 2024, direct investment did not grant residency rights in Hungary. As a leading expert in business immigration, we developed a unique solution that allows clients to acquire real estate through a local company and qualify for business residency. While the Golden Visa may be a simpler and more direct path for many, for some investors, acquiring and managing real estate as a business asset remains the preferred option.

At IST Hungary will you find a full range of expert services for all available business and investment residency programs in Hungary, including the current Golden Visa program. Contact us for a free, personalized consultation.

We offer all types of residency through business or investment. Explore the information below or contact us for details.

How to Obtain Business Residency Through Real Estate Investment

This option involves acquiring and managing real estate through a local company, essentially constituting a form of business immigration. If you are interested in the Golden Visa, which grants residency through direct investment into a real estate fund, please visit the relevant page.

Costs and Timeline

– Investment: Purchase of at least two apartments, total cost approx. €235,000.
– IST Hungary Services (company registration and business support: administration, legal, and personal assistance) including:

Company registration and bank account opening
Development of a solid business plan
Search for optimal real estate properties
Comprehensive legal support for the purchase transaction
Residency application submission for you and your family

– Processing Time: approx. 3 months.

With IST Hungary do you have a fast and reliable way to obtain EU residency through investment in Hungarian real estate. This program is similar to well-known programs in Spain or Portugal but requires lower costs and has shorter processing times.

Main Steps

1. Company Registration 

The company registration process in Hungary is the fastest and simplest in the EU, taking only a few business days. Regardless of citizenship, you will typically need only an identification document (usually your passport). A visit to Hungary is required only to open the corporate bank account, after which you can commence operations immediately. Your main activity will be property management (company income will be generated from renting the purchased property). Thanks to the company and an automatically assigned EU VAT number, you can also conduct other business activities in Hungary and the EU if desired

2. Real Estate Acquisition

Your business activity will primarily consist of renting out the acquired property. To ensure business viability, you need to invest in properties attractive to reliable tenants. Hungary (and Budapest) offers various real estate types, from apartments in historic buildings to flats in modern residential complexes. Leveraging our extensive network, we will help you select (at least two) properties that will deliver the best return.

3. Residency Application

Running a successful business and having a stable income in Hungary makes you eligible for residency. A well-developed business plan will confirm your company’s viability and support your application. Furthermore, upon obtaining residency, you can bring your family (spouse and minor children).

Naturally, we will guide and support you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can buy an apartment in Hungary? 
Any foreign national can purchase residential property in Hungary. Buyers who are not EU citizens require a permit, which we will gladly obtain for you as part of our service.

How long does the apartment purchase process take? 
Once you have chosen an apartment and paid a deposit, we initiate the property contract.

How can I be sure I’m buying a property that will be easy and profitable to rent out? 
When purchasing property through us, we will advise you on its rental potential. We are also happy to assess the profitability of a property you already own!

What are my rights as a landlord in Hungary, and how can I protect myself against problematic tenants? 
By using our services from the outset, you ensure that all contracts and insurance policies are designed to protect your interests in case of any issues.

How long do I need to maintain my company’s operations? 
Since operating the business and receiving a stable income form the basis of your residency, you need to maintain the company as long as you wish to hold your Hungarian residence permit. The company must own real estate throughout its operation, but you are allowed to sell the original properties and buy different ones. You may also sell the properties and liquidate your company at any time if you decide not to renew your residency or plan to apply for it on different grounds.