Family unification in the Hungarian Golden Visa Program

• Guest investor residency for the whole family
• Spouse and underage children
• Passport renewal before application
• FAQ

Guest investor residency for the whole family

While the Hungarian Golden Visa Program offers 10 years of Hungarian residency to the entire family, in fact, only the investor, the main applicant will get the guest investor residence permit. Other family members will receive residence permits based on family unification – which, of course, may be valid for up to 10 years, and can be extended upon expiry, same as the main applicant’s permit.

Spouse and underage children

Just like other family unification permits, the family unification residence permit offered in the golden visa program is available to the spouse and underage children of the main applicant. In Hungary, “underage” means children who are not yet 18 years old. If your child is close to that age, consider if they will still be eligible when you get to submit your application, or if you will have to find another route to residency. For example, dependent children who are already adults (above 18) can apply for student residency.

Other relatives are unfortunately not eligible, not even if they are dependent. Of course, this doesn’t mean they cannot receive Hungarian residency – ask our colleagues about other options. Hungary offers a wide range of residence permits based on business, investment, or work.

Passport renewal before application

The most important difference between the guest investor residence permit and the accompanying family unification is their validity. While the guest investor residence permit is issued for 10 years, the accompanying family unification permit is issued for up to 10 years, depending on the expiry date of each family member’s passport.

In line with this, it makes sense to renew the passports of family members before they apply for Hungarian residency, this way maximizing the validity period.

This is especially important for children who are close to adulthood. For example, if your child is 16 years old, they can still get a Hungarian residence permit valid for 10 years, even if they technically lose their eligibility in 2 years. This way they can continue to live, study, and work in Hungary without worrying about their residency. 10 years will leave them plenty of time to decide what to do after their family unification residence permit expires.

Helpers by your side

Helpers has more than 20 years of experience supporting international clients doing business and investment, and applying for residency in Hungary. Our team of professionals is always up to date on relevant regulations, and we are confident we will be able to find solutions tailored exactly to your needs.