Hungary offers a lucrative program for receiving a residence permit through investment. The program for obtaining the Golden Visa gives migrating investors and their families all the benefits of life in the EU. The state offers reasonable conditions. Yet the legal procedure itself is full of challenges and intricacies.

Let’s discuss the advantages of obtaining a Hungarian Golden Visa. What investment options are available? How to increase your chances of a successful application? It’s worth exploring.

Benefits of Getting a Hungarian Golden Visa

Holders of a Hungarian residence permit have some significant perks. Let’s look at the most fundamental ones.

Freedom of Movement

Residents of a member country of the European Union can move freely within the Schengen Area. Visa-free entry and stay in any EU country is an excellent benefit. It is hard to imagine the same in other countries offering similar visa conditions.

Access to European Education

Investors’ children can study at prestigious Hungarian universities. This allows them to receive a European diploma recognized worldwide and then work in the EU or any other developed country. They also don’t need to confirm the validity of the certificate.

Tax Benefits

The country offers some of the lowest tax rates. Individuals pay 15% income tax, while legal entities must pay 9% on profits. These are quite favorable conditions for starting a business or relocating an existing one.

Stable Economy

Like most Eastern European countries, Hungary demonstrates stable and confident economic evolution. Such conditions are also favorable for business development because a visa allows legal entrepreneurial activity to be conducted.

Affordable Cost of Living

Hungary differs from most EU countries because it offers relatively reasonable prices for real estate, food, private services, and everything you need for a satisfactory life. This makes it quite attractive for moving to a permanent residence.

Possibility of Extension and Obtaining Citizenship

You can renew the golden visa after 10 years for the same period. Or apply for citizenship after 8 years according to the country’s laws.

Obtaining Legal Residence for the Entire Family

The program offers official residence status for your spouse and children, including adults. The investor does not have to pay enormous amounts for each family member. The only requirement is to pay an administrative fee according to the program’s terms. This is much more affordable.

Main Requirements of the Program

Participation assumes that applicants meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be over 18 years old.
2. Proof of financial solvency, including the legality of the funds, is required. In addition, the budget must be sufficient to cover the investment amount and ensure an acceptable standard of living in the country.
3. The program is intended exclusively for citizens of countries outside the European Union or the European Economic Area.
4. The applicant must deliver a document confirming the absence of a criminal record.

Besides the above, there is another fundamental rule. The applicant’s investment obligations mean they are ready to fulfill one of the program’s key prerequisites.

Investment Obligations of the Applicant for a Hungarian Visa

The Golden Visa program delivers two options for investors.

Purchase of Shares

This option is the most profitable. The investor must purchase shares of a Hungarian real estate investment fund. It is critical to note that you should choose exclusively from the list of qualified operators. The inventory consists of positions approved by the Hungarian State Security Directorate.

Another condition when choosing a fund is the state of its assets. At least 40% must be invested in residential real estate in the country.

This option’s advantage is that you can withdraw your funds after 5 years without the risk of losing your residence permit.

Investments in Educational Institutions

According to the terms of this option, the investor must donate at least 1 million euros. The individual must make a non-refundable donation to a higher education institution in Hungary. In addition, the investor can choose an educational institution managed by a state public fund of the country. Unlike the previous option, this option does not provide for a refund.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Gold Visa

Like any other legal procedure, getting a visa requires a responsible approach when managing documents. In this particular case, make sure that you have the following papers:

1. A passport that is valid for at least 12 months.
2. Two new 3×4 photographs. The photos must have been taken no earlier than a month before the application.
3. Medical insurance policy.
4. Bank statements or other documents confirming the legality of income.
5. Written intent to fulfill investment obligations based on the selected option.
6. Bank statement demonstrating the current balance.
7. Completed application form for a residence permit.

Other documents include a birth certificate and documents concerning your family members. Please note that all copies must be certified by a notary and translated into Hungarian.

How to Get a Guaranteed Residence

Companies providing legal support can greatly ease your path and increase your chances of success. Here are some advantages for investors using the services of proficients:

1. Experts carefully check the documents for correctness of completion and the presence of all must-haves. This eliminates the chance of refusal due to an incomplete package or errors.
2. Expertise in immigration law lets them stay updated with the latest legislation changes. Experts know all the minor nuances, which allows them to build a relevant strategy.
3. Applicants planning to immigrate with their families experience the most significant difficulties. Specialists can efficiently prepare documents for the whole family.
4. Another significant advantage is ensuring compliance with all current program requirements. Consultants can explain all the confusing information in a structured manner. Also, they ensure that your actions follow the existing standards of another country.

Yet, it is essential to choose truly experienced consultants with successful similar cases. Despite the country’s benefit from your investments, EU legislation is still one of the strictest in the world.

Weigh all the pros and cons before choosing help from expert intermediaries or an independent path with more risks.