While the Hungarian Golden Visa Program has been active since 1 July 2024, and investors could apply for the guest investor visa, the investment itself was not yet available. Now the first investment fund has received its license, and participants may proceed with the investment and the residency application.
The first option in the Hungarian Golden Visa Program is an EUR 250,000 investment in a real estate fund. The portfolio of the fund must include at least a 40% share of Hungarian residential real estate projects. The fund must also be registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), and it needs a special license to be involved in the program.
The program launched on 1 July 2024, and investors have been able to apply for the guest investor visa based on just a promise that they would make the investment since then. However, they have not been able to complete the investment, since no licenses were issued.
This changed on 29 October 2024, when the first license was issued to an investment fund. As a result, participants of the program can finally proceed to make the investment, and apply for the residence permit for themselves and their family members.
Currently there are 4 more applications in the pipeline. The new licenses will probably be approved early 2025, at which point investors will have even more options.
The Hungarian Golden Visa Program, officially called the guest investor program, is the most attractive investment residency program in Europe. It is outstanding not only because of the 10-year residency offered to investors and their close family members, but also because of the short processing time. Investors can obtain Hungarian residency in only a few months, which is a huge advantaged to other EU programs (where the waiting time may be as long as 18-24 months).
Hungarian residency offers not only visa-free access to the EU and the Schengen zone. Hungary is a great place for setting up your European headquarters, as it is located in the middle of Europe, with easy access to all major cities both on land and in air. The country has an advanced infrastructure and offers a high living standard to investors for the fracture of the prices you see in western Europe. The holders of the new residence permit will be able to work or do business in Hungary without restrictions.
Officially, you may choose from 3 types of investment if you want to obtain 10-year residency in Hungary (read more here). Right now, only the first and least expensive option is already available, which is the EUR 250,000 investment in a real estate fund.
The first step of the application is to get a proof of funds, and make a pledge that you would make one of the above listed investments. Then you can apply for a guest investor visa that lets you enter Hungary as many times as you want to, and will remain valid for 6 months, or until your residence permit is issued.
With the guest investor visa, you can travel to Hungary to make the investment. Those who already received the visa, can proceed with the investment right now, after which they can apply for the 10-year residence permit for themselves and their family members. The permits should be issued in a matter of weeks.
Those who are starting the procedure just now can do so with the confidence that as soon as their visa application goes through, they will be able to apply for residency without any delay.
Helpers is Hungary’s leading provider of business, immigration, and investment services. With our unique experience and our professional team, you can rest assured that your Hungarian residency application will go smoothly, and that you and your family members will receive your residence permits as soon as possible.
Can we help you? Contact us today and talk to an expert about your options.
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