Immigration to Hungary
Hungary is a popular destination for immigration, offering a high quality of life, a welcoming attitude to foreigners, and pleasant climate conditions. The first residence permit is issued for one year and can be extended for up to three years. Under Hungarian immigration law, permanent residence in the country with a residence permit for three years allows you to obtain a permanent residence permit in Hungary. Official residence in the country for the next five years allows you to apply for Hungarian citizenship by naturalization, which opens up great opportunities for living in Europe.
Ways to immigrate
Work
Official employment requires following the established legal procedure and allows foreigners to obtain a residence permit in Hungary. To obtain the necessary documents and the right to work, you need to find a vacant position in a private or public organization and sign a labor contract. The employer must confirm that there is no suitable candidate among the local population and other EU citizens. Based on the received confirmation of employment, a D-category visa is issued, which allows entry to Hungary for residence and employment. A formally registered foreign employee will be granted a residence permit in Hungary for the duration of the issued permit. The presence of resident status and compliance with the rules of stay in the country provides the possibility of further undergoing the naturalization procedure.
Business
The Hungarian government is welcoming to immigrants who open businesses, invest capital in certain sectors of the economy, production, and create jobs for the population. It is allowed to register an enterprise or acquire an existing business on your own or with partners. Close relatives of a foreign entrepreneur – spouse/spouse, children – also receive a residence permit in Hungary. A residence permit is issued for one year with the possibility of further extension. The application for a permanent residence permit is available if the company is successfully developing and paying taxes to the state.
Investments
In 2013, Hungary launched the Hungarian Residency Bond Program, a government-sponsored program that allows foreigners and their families to obtain permanent residence in Hungary within 1-2 months. To qualify for permanent residence, you must meet the investment requirements: purchase government bonds worth €300,000, pay an administrative fee of €60,000, and retain the securities in your ownership for 5 years. The state guarantees the return of capital after the expiration of the program period. In February 2016, changes were made to the program to allow foreigners to obtain permanent residence through non-refundable investments in the economy of at least €120,000. The administrative fee remained unchanged at €60,000.
Real Estate
Immigration to Hungary is also possible through the purchase of real estate. To obtain a residence permit, a foreigner must purchase any property worth at least €86,000, demonstrate sufficient financial means of at least €6,000 per person, and prove the need to stay in the country. It is permitted to purchase various types of real estate, except for agricultural land. The process of obtaining a residence permit begins with the submission of an application to the Hungarian consulate/embassy in the country of permanent residence. Applications are reviewed for up to 3 months. Upon a positive decision, a D-category visa is issued, which is the basis for obtaining a residence permit. A temporary residence permit card can be obtained within one month after arrival in Hungary. It is allowed to apply for permanent residence after 3 years of residence permit issuance, provided that you have stayed in Hungary for at least 183 days a year.
Family reunification
Holders of permanent residence status in Hungary are entitled to bring their close relatives, including spouse/partner, minor children, and parents, residing in other countries, under the family reunification program. Family members receive a temporary and then permanent residence permit under preferential conditions. This program also applies to foreigners who marry a Hungarian citizen. After 3 years of residence in the country, the foreign spouse/partner is eligible to apply for citizenship. To obtain permanent residence for close relatives, a Hungarian resident must demonstrate the possession of real estate and sufficient financial support.
The process of migration to Hungary
Obtaining a long-stay visa type D
An application for a permit to enter and stay in the country is considered by the Hungarian Directorate for Migration Affairs. The issuance of a type D visa is for a foreigner a de facto approval of a residence permit. A package of documents and a completed application form are submitted to the embassy of the applicant’s place of residence, after prior online registration. The foreigner must pay a consular fee (110 EUR) and undergo the fingerprinting procedure (taking fingerprints) at the diplomatic mission. The waiting period for a visa is from 15 to 60 days. The validity period of the permit is 30 days.
Obtaining a residence permit
Upon arrival in Hungary, a foreigner must, before the expiration of the visa period, apply for a residence permit. The request in 2023 is made online through the government portal. A sample application form is available on the website, in the “Forms” section. The applicant immediately pays the state duty through the service and, depending on the basis, expects to receive a plastic card of a temporary resident by mail within 8–70 days.
Obtaining permanent residence
A request for the issuance of a Hungarian permanent residence is also submitted online through the electronic service EnterHungary. It is necessary to submit the application not less than 30 days before the expiration of the residence permit and immediately pay the state duty. The candidate may be called to the migration service office to update biometric data within 15 days after the request for permanent residence. The period for considering the application is up to 70 days, the foreigner receives a long-term resident card by mail or in person.
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers
and consultants will work with you to:
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants will work with you to:
- Assess your eligibility for immigration
- Prepare your immigration application
- Navigate the immigration process
We are committed to helping you immigrate successfully.
Contact us today to learn more about our immigration services.