How to move to the EU from the U.S.? Choose Hungary!

What are your options?

As a U.S. citizen, you have several options that will let you and your family move to Europe.

1. Become a Hungarian citizen

According to the latest statistics, currently there are about 1.5 million U.S. citizens who have Hungarian relatives. If you have Hungarian ancestors, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship, and get a Hungarian passport in just a year. In this regard, “ancestors” means parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or any other linear relatives, as long as you can prove your connection to a Hungarian citizen.

If you are eligible, your children will be able to apply too, and your spouse can become a Hungarian resident based on family unification. Learn more here.

2. Set up a business in Hungary

Anyone can register a business in Hungary regardless their nationality. Setting up an LTD takes only 4-5 business days, and you will immediately receive an EU VAT number that lets you engage in international trade with a tax benefit, while the corporate tax is only 9%. With a service provider like Helpers, you can focus on your success from day 1, without worrying about the paperwork or accounting. We also offer expert consultancy on various topics, including legal matters, taxation, or HR.

Due to your Hungarian business operation, you will become eligible for Hungarian residency. Would you like to bring your family along too? Talk to our expert colleagues about your options. Learn more here.

3. Golden Visa Hungary

Starting from July 2024, Hungary offers 10-year residency to investors and their close family members (meaning spouse and underage children), with an option for renewal upon expiry. This investment residency program is unique in the EU, not only because of its long validity, but also because the process takes only a few months, which is a huge benefit compared to the 18-36 months seen in other similar programs.

The program will become fully available to U.S. citizens from January 2025, and there will be two options to choose from. One involves investing EUR 250,000 into a licensed real estate fund, while the other consists of a EUR 500,000 investment in residential real estate (for personal use or for renting out).

In exchange for a single investment, you can get Hungarian residency for 10+10 years for yourself, for your spouse, and your children under 18. Learn more here.

Why choose Hungary?

Hungary is located in the center of Europe, with excellent connections to all major cities on road, on rails, and in air. Hungary has an advanced infrastructure, and it offers a high standard of living for just the fraction of the costs you could expect in Western Europe. Public safety is great, while you will get access to cost-effective healthcare services as well as education for your children. And if you have your own business: corporate tax in Hungary is only 9%, the lowest in the EU.

Since Hungary is an EU member state, Hungarian residents and citizens can move freely in the Schengen zone. Citizens may decide to live and work anywhere in the EU, while residents may stay visa-free in every Schengen member state for up to 90 days.

About Helpers

Helpers has 20 years of experience supporting people who are interested in living, working, and doing business in Hungary. We have a team of 25+ experts all committed to helping you realize your goals in Europe.

Take advantage of our advisory service, and book an appointment with one of our experts to have a consultation about your plans and your options.

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