Hungary’s Golden Visa and How It Compares to Other Investment Residency Programs

Are you an investor? Are you willing to get a European residency, and that too, real fast? Hungary’s Golden Visa is one of the quickest Golden Visa Europe programs to help you obtain a European residency permit. 

Do you know how Hungary’s Golden Visa compares with other similar programs?

Hi, in today’s blog, we will discuss the legal aspects of Hungary’s Golden Visa program that will give you an edge as an investor. 

Further, we have got Ferenc Tihánszky, Director of the Hungarian office and Investment Programs Expert at Immigrant Invest, as an aid to explore all the aspects of Hungary’s Golden Visa and how it compares to other European Golden Visa programs, and how to apply.

Golden Visa Europe: Gaining Momentum with Rising Interests among Investors

The popularity of the Golden Visa Europe program is growing. Investors these days are choosing European Golden Visa Programs over US Gold Cards. 

To gain residency through the US Gold Card Program, you need to make at least an investment of $5 million. 

On the contrary, many Golden Visa Europe programs offer more economic options. For example, Hungary’s Golden Visa Program requires you to invest at least €250,000 in a state-approved real-estate fund. 

So, in USD, the investment requirement is only 2,73,321.25. It is way less than what the US Gold Card Program asks you to invest. 

Further, you can earn Hungarian residency by donating a non-refundable amount of €1 million to any Hungarian higher education institution. 

So, it is no wonder that Hungary, along with Greece and Malta, is topping the chart of the Golden Visa Europe Programs. 

What Are The Quickest Golden Visa Europe Programs?

Golden Visa programs allow investors and their families to obtain residency in exchange for an investment in fund units or other sectors. 

Among European countries, the Hungary Golden Visa is one of the fastest for residency approval, but it is not the only one. Many countries in Europe offer quick pathways to residency by investment.

Here are a few of the fastest Golden Visa programs in Europe:

1. Portugal Golden Visa Program

Portugal’s Golden Visa allows investors to get residency within 12 months. 

Further, in the Portugal Golden Visa Program, investments start at €250,000. Also, you have various investment options, such as job creation and culture investment. 

2. Greece Golden Visa Program

Greece offers a Golden Visa with approval typically granted in 4 months, provided that the investor meets the necessary criteria. The main investment is real estate worth €250,000 or more.

These countries, alongside Hungary, provide relatively quick routes to residency and are competitive choices for investors looking to move to Europe.

3. Hungary Golden Visa Program

The Hungarian Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows investors to obtain Hungarian residency, providing access to the Schengen Area.

To qualify for the program, you must invest in Hungarian real estate fund units with a minimum value of €250,000.

In this context, you must also note that the Real estate investment option of €500000 is no longer available from 1st January 2025. 

Also, you can make a non-refundable donation of €100000 to any higher education institution in Hungary. 

Once approved, you and your spouse, children under 25, and parents can live in Hungary. 

The visa allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area and is typically renewed every two years.

Comparing the Fastest Golden Visa Europe Programs

Here’s a quick comparison of the Golden Visa with fast-processing programs in Europe.

• Hungary: 5 months.
• Portugal: 12 months.
• Greece: 4 months.

The faster processing times make these countries ideal for investors who want to make a move quickly, with Hungary being one of the quickest at a cost-effective price point.

What Are the Requirements for Golden Visa Europe Programs?

Golden Visa programs usually have a few basic requirements that all applicants must meet. These include:

1. Investment requirements: Investors are typically required to make a significant financial commitment, such as purchasing real estate fund units or making a donation to an institution of higher learning.
2. Background check: You have to pass a background check. This ensures that the applicant has no criminal record or history of financial fraud.
3. Health insurance: Some countries require investors to have health insurance valid within the country.
4. Proof of funds: Investors must show that they can afford the investment, along with living expenses.

For Hungary’s Golden Visa, the main requirement is the investment in fund units, which must meet a minimum value of €250,000.

How to Apply for Hungary Golden Visa?

Applying for Hungary’s Golden Visa involves several clear steps:

1. Choose an investment: The most common route is purchasing real estate fund units. Investors must select a property worth at least €250,000.
2. Submit application: After selecting the property, applicants need to submit their application, including the necessary documents: passport, proof of investment, etc.
3. Background check: A standard background check will be conducted.
4. Approval and residency: If your application is successful, you and your family members will be granted residency in Hungary.
5. Renewal: The residency can be renewed every 10 years, with the possibility of applying for citizenship after 11 years.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Golden Visa Europe Programs

Applying for a Golden Visa Europe Program demands maintaining compliance with complex regulations. So, legal advice from an immigration lawyer with a specialization in Golden Visa Programs is essential to streamline the application process. 

The following are the benefits of getting an immigration lawyer on board while applying for the Golden Visa Europe Program. 

• Fulfilling intricate legal requirements
• Avoiding delays and rejections due to mistakes in the application process
• Protecting your interest in case of rising legal issues during the process

Hungary’s Golden Visa: One of the Fastest in Golden Visa Europe Programs

Hungary’s Golden Visa is an excellent option for investors seeking a fast, cost-effective residency program in Europe. 

It is one of the quickest ways to secure European residency, as it has only 5 months of processing time. 

Hungary’s low minimum investment requirement and straightforward application process make it an attractive choice compared to other Golden Visa programs in countries like Portugal, Greece, and Malta.

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