Discover Hungary’s New Golden Visa and Other Opportunities

If you’re a U.S. citizen thinking about moving to the European Union, Hungary offers several pathways to residency and even citizenship that are both efficient and accessible. Whether you want to invest, start a business, or claim citizenship through your heritage, Hungary provides various options tailored to different needs. Here’s an in-depth look at three potential routes for U.S. citizens to move to Hungary and the EU:

1. The New Hungarian Golden Visa program (Hungarian Guest Investor Program)

The Hungarian Golden Visa, officially known as the Hungarian Guest Investor Program, is one of the most attractive immigration pathways for individuals seeking residency in Europe. Introduced in 2024, this program offers 10 years residency in Hungary to foreign nationals who make a 250.000 EUR real estate fund investment in Hungary.

What are the benefits of Hungarian Golden Visa require?

You can qualify for the program with investing 250.000 EUR to real estate fund in Hungary.

• Residency Benefits: Applicants and their immediate family members (spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents) can gain 10 years Hungarian residency. Importantly, Hungary is a member of the EU, so this visa provides the right to live, work, and travel within the entire Schengen Area.
• Path to Citizenship: After holding the Golden Visa for 8 years, investors can apply for Hungarian citizenship as well.

This program is a relatively quick and straightforward way for U.S. nationals to secure long-term residency in the EU and benefit from the economic and social advantages of Hungary and the broader EU market.

2. Forming a Company in Hungary (Business-Based Residency)

Another effective way to move to the EU from the U.S. is the company formation in Hungary. This route allows you to establish a business in Hungary and gain eligibility for residency based on your business operations. Hungary’s business-friendly environment, low taxes, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

How to obtain residency through a business:

• Company Formation: The process of forming a company in Hungary is straightforward and can be done remotely. The most common form of business entity is a Kft. (limited liability company), which requires a minimum capital investment of HUF 3 million (roughly €8,000). Alternatively, foreign entrepreneurs can also establish a branch office of an existing foreign company.
• Business Visa and Residency: As the owner of a registered company in Hungary, you can apply for a business visa that leads to residency. If you are actively running the business and fulfilling tax and social security obligations, you may be granted a temporary residence permit, which can be extended.
• Long-Term Residency: After holding the temporary residency permit for 2–3 years, you can apply for permanent residency. Depending on the nature of your business and the number of employees you hire, this process may be expedited. Once you hold permanent residency for 3–5 years, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship, provided you meet additional requirements like language proficiency.

This pathway not only provides you with residency in Hungary but also the ability to travel and run a business anywhere within the EU. The potential for economic growth and market access is a significant benefit for entrepreneurs looking to tap into European markets.

3. Becoming a Hungarian Citizen Through Your Ancestors (Hungarian Ancestry)

If you have Hungarian ancestry, you might be eligible for Hungarian citizenship through descent. Hungary offers a citizenship by descent program, which allows individuals with Hungarian roots to reclaim their citizenship, even if they have never lived in Hungary or the EU.

What are the requirements for citizenship through ancestry?

• Proving Hungarian Descent: You must be able to prove your Hungarian ancestry, typically through birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other official records. The more direct the connection (such as a grandparent or great-grandparent), the better. In some cases, even distant ancestors may qualify, depending on the circumstances.
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for Hungarian citizenship by descent, you need to demonstrate that your ancestor was a Hungarian citizen and that they were born in Hungary or in territories that were historically part of Hungary before World War II (such as parts of modern-day Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine).
• Application Process: The process involves gathering documentation, submitting an application to the Hungarian authorities, and potentially taking a citizenship exam (language and culture). The application process can take several months, but it is often faster than other types of residency or immigration processes.

Once you gain Hungarian citizenship, you automatically become a citizen of the European Union, with the right to live, work, and travel freely within the EU. This is one of the most straightforward ways for those with Hungarian ancestry to access the many benefits of EU citizenship.

Conclusion

For U.S. citizens looking to move to Hungary and the EU, there are three attractive pathways to consider:

1. The Hungarian Golden Visa, a straightforward investment program that offers residency and a path to citizenship.
2. Forming a company in Hungary, a business-driven route to residency that also offers opportunities to expand in the EU market.
3. Citizenship by descent, a great option for those with Hungarian ancestry who wish to reclaim their Hungarian (and EU) citizenship.