The Hungary Golden Visa programme is a great chance for UK investors to get EU residency. It lets them invest in Hungary’s growing economy. This way, they can live in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days every 180 days.
This opens doors for travel and business across Europe. It’s a big advantage for those who want to explore or work in the area.
One of the best things about the Hungary Golden Visa is the chance to live in Hungary. It’s a developed country that’s also affordable. You can move there with your family and enjoy good healthcare, education, and culture at lower costs.
For example, property prices in Budapest start at €3,700 per square meter. This is much cheaper than cities like Copenhagen, where prices are over €7,400.
Having a Hungarian residence permit also means better taxes. The personal income tax is just 15%, and corporate tax is 9%. This makes Hungary a great place for businesses and entrepreneurs.
The programme offers various investment options. You can invest in real estate, real estate funds, or donate to certain institutions. The real estate fund option requires a minimum of €250,000, which is refundable after 5 years. This makes it easier for many investors to join.
Benefits of Obtaining a Hungary Golden Visa
Investing in the Hungary Golden Visa programme brings many benefits. With a minimum of €250,000 in real estate funds or €500,000 in direct property, you get 10-year residency. This can be renewed for another decade. This residency allows visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, access to top education and healthcare, and tax benefits.
Visa-free Travel Within the Schengen Area
Hungarian residents can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in 180 days. This makes it easy to explore Europe’s cultures and landscapes. Hungary’s central location is perfect for both business and leisure travel across the continent.
Access to High-quality Education and Healthcare
Hungary’s education system is strong, with 11 universities in the world’s top 1,500. Golden Visa holders and their children can benefit from these opportunities. Hungary’s healthcare is also excellent, offering affordable and comprehensive care. Legal health insurance starts at €250 per month.
Favourable Tax Environment for Investors
Hungary has a great tax environment for investors. Corporate tax is 9%, and personal income and capital gains tax is 15%. To be a tax resident, spend at least 183 days in Hungary. Property purchases have a 4% stamp duty for properties under €2.6 million and 2% for more. VAT for primary properties is 5%.
Eligibility Requirements for the Hungary Golden Visa
To get the Hungary Golden Visa, you need to meet certain criteria. These include your age, citizenship, criminal record, and financial status.
Age and Citizenship Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. They also need to be from a non-EU or non-EEA country. This includes US citizens needing a second citizenship.
The visa is open to everyone. This includes people from Russia, Belarus, and Iran.
Clean Criminal Record
Having a clean criminal record is key for the Hungary Golden Visa. You must show no past convictions or ongoing investigations. Keeping your record clean is vital for both the application and visa renewal.
Proof of Legitimate Source of Income
Investors must prove their income comes from legal sources. This ensures the investment funds are earned lawfully. They also need to show they can afford the investment and living costs in Hungary.
Applicants must also get health insurance for themselves and their families. Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful application. The Hungary Golden Visa is one of the quickest in the EU, taking 6-8 weeks to process.
Investment Options for the Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa programme is a great chance for non-EU investors to get residency in Hungary. It offers different investment choices to fit various budgets and interests. This makes it easy for many people to start their journey in Europe.
Investing in a real estate fund is a popular choice. It requires a minimum of €250,000 in a licensed fund. This way, investors can spread their risk across a variety of properties. They might also see their investment grow and earn rental income.
For those who like to be hands-on, buying property directly is an option. You need to spend at least €500,000 on a property. This lets you own a piece of Hungary and could lead to making money from renting it out.
Another choice is making a non-refundable donation of at least €1 million. This money goes to support education or research in Hungary. It’s a simple way to get residency while helping the country grow.
Choosing any of these options comes with many benefits. You get to travel visa-free in the Schengen Area, access top education and healthcare, and enjoy good tax conditions. The Hungary Golden Visa is a strong option for those wanting to be in Europe.
Real Estate Investment Fund Option
Investors looking for an easy way to get a Hungary Golden Visa might find the Real Estate Investment Fund option appealing. By putting at least €250,000 into approved real estate funds, they can get residency in Hungary. They don’t have to handle a property themselves.
This option requires a five-year investment, which is a solid commitment to Hungary’s economy. Investing in a real estate fund is safe, as it’s in Euros. It also has the chance to grow in value over time.
Minimum Investment Amount and Duration
The Real Estate Investment Fund option needs a minimum of €250,000. This makes it one of the cheapest Golden Visa options in the European Union. Investors must keep this investment for at least five years to keep their residency in Hungary.
Benefits of Investing in a Real Estate Fund
Investing in a real estate fund through the Hungary Golden Visa programme has many benefits. These include:
- A risk-free investment opportunity denominated in Euros
- No need for direct property management or maintenance
- Potential for capital appreciation over the investment duration
- Access to a diversified portfolio of real estate assets
- Professional fund management by experienced investment experts
Choosing the Real Estate Investment Fund option means a secure and easy investment. It also gives investors residency rights in Hungary and access to the Schengen Area.
Direct Real Estate Investment Option
Investors can now get the Hungary Golden Visa by buying a home worth at least €500,000. This rule starts on 1 January 2025. The home must be in Hungary and listed in the Land Registry. To keep their visa, investors must own the home for at least five years.
Buying real estate in Hungary is a great way to grow your portfolio. With a population of about 9.6 million, there’s a big market for homes. The real estate market in Hungary is booming, with prices going up by over 10% each year.
Budapest is a top choice for real estate investors in Europe. It offers high rental returns, often over 7%. This makes it a strong option for those looking to invest.
Investing in Hungarian real estate for the Golden Visa is attractive. Foreign investors can put up to 40% of the property’s value. In 2023, the average price per square metre in Budapest was around €4,255.
But, there are rules to follow. Mortgages for these properties can’t be more than €500,000. Also, investors will have to pay a 15% tax on any dividends they earn.
Non-refundable Donation Option
Investors looking for a different way to get a Hungary Golden Visa might find the non-refundable donation option interesting. By giving at least €1 million to a qualified institution, they can get residency in Hungary. This also helps support education, research, or the arts.
Eligible Institutions for Donations
To get a Hungary Golden Visa through donation, you must give to an approved place. These places are usually Hungarian universities, research centres, and cultural groups. They work on improving education, research, or art. Giving to these places helps you get residency in Hungary and makes a real difference.
Tax Implications of Charitable Donations
It’s important to know about taxes when you’re thinking about the donation option for the Hungary Golden Visa. Donations might be taxed in Hungary and your home country. Talking to a tax expert can help you understand the tax rules better. This way, you can get tax benefits and help good causes while getting your Golden Visa.
The non-refundable donation option needs a big financial step, but it’s a special way to get residency in Hungary. It helps education, science, and the arts in Hungary. Before making this choice, do your homework and get advice from experts. This ensures you follow the rules and get the most from your donation.
Application Process for the Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa programme is easy to apply for. It’s for non-EU and non-EEA investors wanting to live in Hungary. You need to invest at least €250,000 in a fund or give €1,000,000 to a university trust. The whole process usually takes 6 months, with a very low chance of being rejected.
The first step is to get your documents ready and apply for the visa. This takes about 2 to 4 weeks. After approval, you can stay in Hungary for 90 days within 180 days. You must also meet your investment requirements within 93 days of arriving.
Required Documents for the Application
To apply for the Hungary Golden Visa, you need to provide certain required documents:
- A valid passport
- Return or transit documents
- Proof of enough money for living costs and travel
- Documents related to your investment
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for the residence permit is about 21 working days. After giving your biometrics, you’ll get your permit in 3 weeks. The permit lasts 10 years, and you can renew it for another 10 years. Fees include costs for professionals, lawyers, and government services.
Hungary’s processing time is faster than many other EU Golden Visa programmes. For example, Portugal takes 8+ months, Italy 3+ months, Greece 6+ months, Cyprus 6+ months, and Spain 5+ months.
Obtaining a Hungarian Residence Permit
After finishing the investment for the Hungary Golden Visa, investors need to apply for a residence permit. They can apply in person or online, based on their choice. The process includes collecting biometric data, like fingerprints and a photo.
Once the application is approved, a residence permit card is given to the investor. It takes about 3 months to get this card after applying. This card proves the investor’s legal right to live in Hungary.
The Golden Visa residence permit is valid for 10 years. After that, investors can renew it for another 10 years. This gives them long-term stability in their residency status.
Investors must visit Hungary once to complete their investment and procedures. But, there’s no need to stay there for a long time. This makes it easy for them to keep their residency without long stays.
Family Reunification Under the Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa programme lets investors bring their family into the application. This includes spouses, children, and even dependent parents. They all get the same residency rights as the main applicant.
Spouses and children under 18 get residence permits. This includes adopted and foster kids. Children aged 18-25 who are students and depend on the investor can also qualify.
Eligibility for Spouses and Children
To show family ties, applicants need to provide birth and marriage certificates. They must also show they can afford living costs, accommodation, and healthcare.
The residence permit for family members lasts as long as the main sponsor’s. This allows for long-term residency in Hungary.
Requirements for Dependent Parents
Dependent parents can apply if they have a second citizenship and live off pensions. Hungarian law also allows siblings and ascendant family members for residence under certain conditions.
Health insurance is a must for all family members to get a residence permit. The application for family reunification must be made at a Hungarian consulate after the main applicant gets their permit.
The Hungary Golden Visa lets investors bring their loved ones to Hungary. They can enjoy top education and healthcare, visa-free travel in the Schengen Area, and a good tax environment.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship Pathways
The Golden Visa programme in Hungary is a great way for investors to plan for the long term. After getting a temporary residence permit for 3 years, you must spend at least 183 days a year in Hungary. Then, you can apply for permanent residency.
To get permanent residency, you need to show you have a stable income and a place to live in Hungary. Once you’re approved, you get a permanent residence permit that lasts for life. You’ll need to renew it every 5 years by proving you still meet the income or living requirements.
Eligibility for Hungarian Citizenship
After 8 more years of permanent residency, you might be able to get Hungarian citizenship. To qualify, you must show you can speak Hungarian and understand the country’s history and culture.
Getting Hungarian citizenship means you get all the rights of a Hungarian citizen. This includes being able to travel visa-free to 171 countries. As an EU member, Hungarian citizens can live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
The Hungary Golden Visa programme is a safe investment for those wanting a secure future in Europe. Hungary offers low taxes, top-notch education and healthcare, and a rich culture. It’s a popular choice for investors worldwide.
Comparison of Hungary Golden Visa with Other European Programmes
When looking at Golden Visa programmes in Europe, it’s key to compare them. Hungary’s Golden Visa, launched in November 2023, is a strong contender. It offers a good alternative to other European residency by investment schemes.
The Hungary Golden Visa is known for being affordable. It requires a minimum investment of €250,000. This is much lower than the €500,000 needed in countries like Portugal and Greece. Spain, however, has raised its minimum to €1,000,000 in an accredited bank, making it pricier.
Another plus of the Hungary Golden Visa is its quick processing time. While Greece and Portugal take 18-24 months, Hungary can process applications in just a few months. This is great for investors who want their residency fast.
Hungary’s programme also doesn’t require language, education, or residency checks. This makes it more accessible to investors who might struggle with these requirements.
The Hungary Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency permit, which can be renewed. It also includes the investor’s spouse and children under 18. Hungary’s lower cost of living compared to many European capitals makes it attractive for families.
Taxation for Hungary Golden Visa Holders
Hungary has a good tax system for investors getting residency through the Golden Visa. The personal income tax is 15%, and corporate tax is 9%. This makes Hungary a great place for both individuals and businesses.
If you’re a Hungary Golden Visa holder, knowing your tax duties is key. It’s wise to talk to a tax expert to follow Hungarian tax laws. Being a tax resident in Hungary means spending over 183 days there each year. It’s important to manage your finances well to meet tax needs.
Personal Income Tax Rates
Hungary’s personal income tax is 15%, which is much lower than in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain. This low rate means Golden Visa holders keep more of their earnings. Hungary is thus a top choice for those wanting to save on taxes.
Corporate Tax Environment
Hungary’s corporate tax rate is 9%, making it very competitive in Europe. This is lower than in Portugal and Greece. The low corporate tax rate helps businesses grow, making Hungary a good place for entrepreneurs and Golden Visa holders.
Remember, there’s a 4% stamp duty on property buys in Hungary for homes under €2.6 million. For homes over this, it’s 2%. Golden Visa holders should think about these costs when buying property.
Real Estate Market Overview in Hungary
The Hungarian real estate market is a great chance for those wanting to get residency through the Hungary Golden Visa programme. Property prices in central Budapest start at €3,700 per square metre. This is much lower than cities like Copenhagen, where prices are over €7,400 per square metre.
Hungary also has a good tax system, which makes investing more appealing. The income tax is just 15%, and corporate tax is 9%. This means investors can keep more of their earnings. Plus, the stamp duty on buying property is only 4%.
To take advantage of Hungary’s real estate market, it’s important to do your homework. Talk to experienced real estate experts. They can help find properties that fit your investment and residency goals. This way, you can get a valuable asset and help your Hungary Golden Visa application succeed.
Hungary Golden Visa: A Risk-free Investment Opportunity
The Hungary Golden Visa programme is a safe way for UK investors to get EU residency. By investing €250,000 in a real estate fund, you can protect your money in a stable currency. This investment security is boosted by a strict check process, making sure your money is safe and your residency is approved.
The Hungary Golden Visa offers a risk-free investment through real estate funds. These funds, backed by the Central Bank of Hungary, make property investment easy. By investing €250,000 for 5 years, you can own a piece of real estate without the hassle of managing it yourself.
The Hungarian government has a detailed check process for the Golden Visa. This process makes sure both the investors and the investments are genuine. So, you can trust that your money is going into good projects and your residency will likely be approved.
Investors can also buy a home worth at least €500,000 from January 2025. This option requires holding the property for 5 years. It lets you own a property in a lively market, with the chance for your investment to grow.
The application process for the Hungary Golden Visa is quick, taking 3-6 months. Once you’re approved, you and your family get to enjoy Hungarian residency. This includes free travel in the Schengen Area, top-notch education and healthcare, and a good tax system.
For UK investors looking for a risk-free investment and EU residency, the Hungary Golden Visa is a great choice. It offers investment security and various investment options. It’s a reliable way to get a second home in a country with a rich culture and a growing economy.
How Start Company Formations Can Assist with Your Hungary Golden Visa Application
Getting a Hungary Golden Visa can be tough for investors. Start Company Formations, a top UK company, offers help. They guide you through the whole process with their deep knowledge. They aim to make it easier and help you get your visa.
Personalised Guidance Throughout the Process
At Start Company Formations, we know every investor is different. Our team gives advice that fits your needs. We help you from the start to the end of your application. Our goal is to make the process smooth and clear for you.
Due Diligence and Document Preparation Services
Getting a Hungary Golden Visa needs careful checks and right documents. Start Company Formations is great at this. We check everything to make sure you meet all the rules. We also help prepare your documents to increase your chances of getting approved.
Working with Start Company Formations means your application is in good hands. We offer personal help and detailed checks. This lets you enjoy the benefits of a Hungary Golden Visa, like travel and education, while we handle the paperwork.
