To acquire Hungarian residency based on gainful activity, you will need to set up a company in Hungary with a feasible business plan. It can be a standalone company to pursue new interests in Europe, or a subsidiary to your existing business, expanding your foreign activities to Hungary.

The costs will depend on the size and scope of the activity of the business, but it is reasonable to have at least EUR 50,000 allocated to starting the venture, and considerably more if the venture plans to invest in real estate. 

While there is no way to qualify for residency in Hungary directly through the acquisition of real estate, the company you establish can invest in real estate. For real estate investment to count as the company’s activity, the company will need to acquire at least two properties that produce income for the company. 

The minimum share capital of a Hungarian LLC (the most popular type of company and the easiest to set up) is ca. EUR 8,000. 

While a Hungarian company is required to have an official address from day 1 of its operation, you do not need to find an actual venue for your business and hire an employee right away. You can achieve significant savings while giving yourself more time to start the actual activity by choosing to work with a registered seat provider that can receive official mail on your behalf and forward everything to you as soon as possible.

Program benefits

• Low investment requirement;
• Increased visa-free travel;
• Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen;
• Path to EU citizenship;
• Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
• Enhanced education opportunities;
• Enhanced business access to large economies;
• Short processing time;

Those who have been residents of Hungary for at least 8 years and spent more than half of their time in Hungary are eligible for citizenship. 

As part of the application, the applicant must pass an exam in Hungarian to demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of Hungarian history and culture. 

The waiting time may be reduced in various cases, e.g. if the applicant is married to a Hungarian citizen or if they have children together with their Hungarian spouse. In this case, the exam is not a requirement.

Hungarian citizenship is available to all nationalities without restrictions, while holding dual citizenship (or even multiple citizenships) is allowed.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, Hungary 

Legislation upon which this program is based:

Act II of 2007 on the Admission and Right of Residence of Third-Country Nationals