How to Get Hungarian Residency for Russian Citizens. The Most Popular Ways to Move to Europe.

Hungary remains one of the most attractive destinations for moving to the European Union. Flexible immigration policies, a relatively low entry threshold, and the ability to obtain residency on various grounds make our country a hub for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and digital nomads. In this article, we will break down the most popular ways to obtain Hungarian residency in 2026, so you can choose the optimal route for yourself and your family.

1. Hungarian Residency Through Company Formation (Business Immigration)

One of the most sought-after legal relocation routes is registering a company in Hungary and conducting genuine business activities.

There are several options for entrepreneurs to obtain residency:

Option 1. Without hiring Hungarian employees (genuine business activity)

An entrepreneur can obtain residency by providing documented evidence that the company will engage in real business operations. The following must be submitted:

• Business plan
• Proof of financial stability
• Evidence that the business will generate income for the founder

In this case, hiring Hungarian employees is not required. The key is to prove that the company is genuinely operational and will generate revenue. Residency is initially granted for up to 3 years, depending on the basis of the application.

Option 2. With the hiring of Hungarian employees

The second route involves hiring Hungarian citizens for your company. This also qualifies you for residency but requires additional costs for salaries and social security contributions.

Company requirements:

• Minimum share capital: 3,000,000 HUF (approx. €7,500) for a limited liability company (Kft.)
• Registration in the Hungarian Trade Register

Important: Residency is not granted for merely registering a company, but for actual operations, turnover, and business rationale. Therefore, a solid business plan and proof of financial solvency are key elements of a successful application.

Timeframes and options

Under the business category, you can obtain:

• Hungarian residency under the “Magyar kártya” (Hungarian Card) – initially for 3 years
• National Card – for 2 years, renewable for another 3 years
• Residency for 1 year under other grounds

After 3 years of legal residence, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR).

2. White Card – Residency for Digital Nomads

The White Card (Fehér kártya) is a special residence permit for non-EU citizens who work remotely for companies or clients outside Hungary.

Key requirements:

• Monthly income of at least €3,000
• Remote work: the applicant must not perform any work activities within Hungarian territory
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation and other supporting documents

Validity period

The White Card is issued for 1 year and can be renewed for an additional year. Application processing takes approximately 21 days.

Advantages:

• Legal stay in Hungary for more than 183 days per year
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
• Opening bank accounts with European and Hungarian banks
• Enjoying Hungarian culture, cuisine, and wines

Important: The White Card does not lead to permanent residency, but it is an excellent option for those who want to experience life in Hungary without long-term commitments.

3. Hungarian Residency Through Investment (10-Year «Golden Visa»)

The most premium and long-term option is the Guest Investor Programme (GIP), which grants residency for a full 10 years, with the possibility of renewal for another 10 years. This is the longest duration among all investment programmes in Europe.

Investment options

Option 1. Investment in a real estate fund – from €250,000

Funds are placed into units of a real estate investment fund registered and regulated by the National Bank of Hungary. Key condition: at least 40% of the fund’s net assets must be invested in Hungarian residential real estate. The minimum holding period is 5 years.

Option 2. Charitable donation – from €1,000,000

An irrevocable donation to a Hungarian higher education institution or cultural organisation to support education, scientific research, arts, or sports.

What the Golden Visa offers:

• 10-year residency for the investor and all family members (spouse, children, parents)
• Right to work and conduct business in Hungary
• Right to education for children
• Free movement across 29 Schengen countries
• Opening bank accounts with Hungarian and European banks
• No minimum physical stay requirement

Application process

For more details on the programme, visit our website.

4. Family Reunification

Family reunification is possible if the main applicant already holds Hungarian residency, is a Hungarian citizen, or is a business immigrant.

Who can be included:

• Spouse
• Minor children
• In some cases – parents and other dependents

Sponsor requirements:

• Stable income
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary
• Evidence of family ties and other documents

Validity period

Each family member receives residency from 1 year up to 10 years*, with renewal possibilities depending on the main applicant’s status.

5. EU Blue Card for Highly Qualified Professionals

The EU Blue Card is Europe’s equivalent of the US “Green Card” designed to attract highly qualified talent from non-EU countries.

Eligibility criteria:

• A valid job offer and employment contract with a Hungarian employer
• High salary threshold (as of 1 January 2026, the general minimum is 1,001,048 HUF gross per month, approximately €2,565; for certain medical professions – from 800,838 HUF)
• A university degree or recognised professional qualification

Validity period

The EU Blue Card is initially issued for 4 years.

Family inclusion

Family members (spouse and children) can also obtain residency for 4 years.

Benefits of Obtaining Hungarian Residency

Regardless of the chosen route, Hungarian residency offers several important advantages:

Path to PR and Citizenship

• Permanent residency can be obtained after 3 years of legal stay in Hungary (timeframes may vary for certain categories)
• Hungarian citizenship – after several years of holding PR, subject to meeting all conditions (legal residence, passing a Hungarian language exam, etc.)

Other benefits:

• Legal right to work and do business in the heart of Europe
• Free movement within the Schengen Area
• Access to high-quality healthcare and education
• Opening bank accounts in the EU
• A stable and predictable legal environment

Our Successful Residency Cases:

Our Hungarian team at IST Hungary has many years of experience in handling immigration matters. Here are just a few examples of our cases:

• Golden Visa for an investor from Russia – obtaining a Hungarian Investor D-Visa in under 2 months
• Business immigration for a Russian citizen and family members – successful 3-year residency approval under the business category
• White Card for an Indian citizen – obtaining 1-year residency under the White Card scheme
• Residency after a self-filed refusal – case management and re-submission with a positive outcome

More cases and success stories can be found here.

Hungary offers a wide range of legal and transparent pathways to residency – from company formation and employment to investment and family reunification. Each route has its own specifics, requirements, and timeframes. The choice depends on your goals, financial capacity, and personal circumstances.

If you are interested in moving to Hungary or need consultation on obtaining Hungarian residency, our team of Hungarian experts at IST Hungary is ready to assist. We offer full support at every stage – from selecting the optimal basis to receiving your residence card.

To order consultations and services for obtaining Hungarian residency or permanent residency, please contact us.