Hungary, a central European country, is well-known among foreigners because of its rich history, diverse economy, and a unique culture, where its capital city, Budapest, is mainly recognised because of its historic architecture and vibrant lifestyle. The country allows global investors to reside in the country by investing under its golden visa program and meeting the Hungary golden visa requirements 2025.
Hungary Golden Visa: A Brief History and the 2024 Relaunch
Hungary, due to its strategic location, being in the middle of Western and Eastern European markets, provides various transport opportunities to people and is one of the most desired EU residencies. Hence, the country launched the Hungary Golden Visa, which was named the Hungarian Guest Investor Program (GIP) on July 1, 2024, in its relaunch. The program was launched to attract a considerable number of investments in approved real estate funds or donations to the Hungarian institutes. In return, the country allows non-EU/EEA citizens to reside, study, and work in Hungary by providing them with a 10-year residence permit. In this way, the program benefits both the investors and the country.
What Investors Should Know About the Hungary Investor Visa 2025?
Hungary Residency by Investment is a golden ticket for investors who want to get affordable EU residency, as its relaunch mainly focused on providing investors with an option of real estate investment in government-approved funds. The investment threshold of €250,000 in the Hungary Investor Visa 2025 is much less compared to the minimum investment of €300,000 required in the previous golden visa program that ended in 2017.
Hungary Golden Visa Requirements 2025
The investors of the Hungary residency by investment program need to meet the following investment and eligibility criteria.
Hungary Residency by Investment Options
The Golden Visa Hungary provides more expedient and flexible investment routes compared to many European residency by investment programs. The individuals, in order to live and work in Hungary, have to choose from the following two investment options that the golden visa provides to its investors.
Invest in Real Estate Funds
This is the most affordable option for investors. They have to invest a minimum €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund where at least 40% share of the funds must be assigned to the residential real estate sector in Hungary.
Real Estate Acquisition
To get EU residency under the Hungary investor visa 2025, the investors can buy a property worth €500,000 or more.
Donation to an Institution
Another investment option to live and work in Hungary is by donating to a higher-education institution that supports scientific research activities. The public trust donation requires a minimum amount of €1 million as a charitable contribution.
Hungary Investor Visa Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Hungary golden visa, the main applicant must be an adult (aged 18 or above) with no critical health issues and a clean criminal record. The applicant must not belong to a country whose citizens' entry is banned in Hungary. Only non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals can apply for Hungary's golden visa by meeting the investment requirements. Moreover, the investors must provide proof of investment to the authorities.
Significant Benefits of Hungary Residency by Investment 2025
Family Inclusion
The Hungary golden visa relaunch 2024 provided investors with a major advantage of including their family members in the golden visa program. Hence, they can move to Hungary with their loved ones, including spouse, children under 18, and parents aged over 65. Moreover, the unmarried and financially dependent children who are above 18 can also be included in the program.
Visa-free Schengen Access
It is a dream of many individuals to visit the Schengen area without facing any consequences. Hungary brings the dreams of these individuals into life by providing them with visa-free access to 29 Schengen states. This not only provides them with global freedom but also saves them from the long process of visa applications.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
The investors of the residency by investment program can get Hungary permanent residency after residing in the country for 3 years and then applying for Hungary PR through investment.
Possible Hungary Citizenship
After living in the country for 8 years and becoming a tax resident, the Hungary golden visa provides its investors with the possibility to get Hungary citizenship, which will provide them with long-term stability in the country.
Hungary’s Economic Outlook and Lifestyle Edge
The developing economy of Hungary is considered among the largest economies in the world. For the past few years, the government of Hungary has been putting a lot of effort into the lifestyle upgrade of its citizens. The country has a very high human development index, more than the index values of many developed countries like China, Kuwait, Russia, and Malaysia. Entrepreneurs and businessmen who are thinking of expanding their brands globally invest in the Hungary investor visa 2025 to benefit from its capital, Budapest lifestyle, and economy.
Budapest: Second Fastest Urban Economy in Europe
The capital and most populous city of Hungary, Budapest, is considered a substantial financial hub and is ranked among the 50 most important cities in the world. According to a report by Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Budapest was considered a global city that plays a significant role in the economic network of the world. This demonstrates the importance of the city for the investors who are entrepreneurs and want to establish or expand their businesses in the growing economies of the world. Moreover, the city consists of over 30 universities, including Corvinus University of Budapest, Semmelweis University, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, which rank among the top universities in the world for providing high-quality education. Hence, the Hungary golden visa investors can benefit from high-quality education. Budapest provides a healthier lifestyle to its citizens as it ranks among the 35 most liveable places in the world.
Conclusion
The talented and capable individuals can invest in Hungary Investor visa 2025 and benefit from the business opportunities in Hungary, as it is well-known for its skilled labour force. Furthermore, the relaxed lifestyle of Hungary is perfect for the expat communities. Thus, the investors should invest in the Hungary golden visa and experience the benefits of a European lifestyle by living in Hungary.