Blog · 2024-03-26

6 ways to obtain Hungarian residency in 2025

Hungary remains a magnet for immigrants, thanks to its culture, history and easy access to a European way of life. Here are the main routes to a Hungarian residence permit.

How to obtain Hungarian residency

Financial independence

To qualify under this programme, you must deposit at least 10,000 euros in a Hungarian bank account, take out health insurance, and either rent or buy a home in the country.

Property investment

Foreign nationals who buy a home in Budapest worth 155,000 euros or more are eligible for residency. The property may be used only as a personal residence and must be paid for without a mortgage.

Business

This category of permit is tightly capped by quota, and the Registration Court decides whether your business is significant enough for the country.

Marriage

Marry a Hungarian citizen and you can obtain residency in as little as one month. Every such marriage is carefully vetted to rule out sham unions.

Family reunification

Close relatives of a Hungarian citizen who are financially dependent on them can apply for residency.

Study

Foreign nationals admitted to a Hungarian university can obtain a residence permit.

The benefits of Hungarian residency

Visa-free travel across the 28 countries of the Schengen area
The ability to open accounts and run a business in Hungary
A safety net in a developed country
Access to high-quality healthcare
Access to high-quality education

Paraguay: one of the most rewarding citizenships by investment

Strategically located and open to the world, Paraguay is a land of opportunity. Its citizenship-by-investment programme gives foreign nationals and their families a rare chance to secure a passport in 6 to 12 months and enjoy all its advantages: visa-free travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Singapore; eligibility for a US E-2 visa; tax optimisation with a 10% rate; and life in a country with a high standard of living and an agreeable climate.

FAQ

How much money do you need for Hungarian residency?

The financial independence route asks for at least 10,000 euros deposited in a Hungarian bank account, health insurance and a rented or purchased home in the country. The investment route is far more expensive: a Budapest property from 155,000 euros. Your total cost depends on which basis you pick.

Can you get residency in Hungary by buying property?

Yes, buying a home in Budapest from 155,000 euros qualifies you. The catch is that the property must be for your own use rather than rented out, and it has to be paid for without a mortgage.

How fast is a Hungarian residence permit through marriage?

Marriage to a Hungarian citizen is the quickest route, with a permit issued in about a month. Authorities check the marriage carefully for fraud, so expect to prove that the relationship and shared life are genuine.

Can students or business owners get residency in Hungary?

Yes, enrolling at a Hungarian university gives grounds for a student permit for the length of your studies. The business route is harder: it is tightly capped by quota, and the Registration Court decides whether your company matters enough to the country.

Does Hungarian residency let you live anywhere in the EU?

The permit lets you travel freely across the Schengen area, open bank accounts and run a business in Hungary. Living and working, however, are tied to Hungary itself: moving to another EU country requires a status issued by that country.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.