Budapest

Hungary

Hungary, located in the heart of Central Europe, offers a unique combination of cultural richness, economic stability, and strategic access to the Schengen Area. As an EU member with a thriving capital in Budapest, Hungary is increasingly attractive to investors seeking European residency with efficient entry routes and a moderate cost of living.

At Coates Global, our legal professionals offer bespoke consultancy to clients interested in Hungary’s evolving residency pathways. We deliver expert guidance through each stage of the process, helping our clients and their families establish a stable and advantageous base in the European Union.

 

Country Snapshot
  • Population: Approximately 9.6 million

  • Capital: Budapest

  • Official Language: Hungarian

  • Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

  • GDP: $211 billion (2024 est.)

  • GDP per capita: $21,600 (2024 est.)

  • Crime Rate: Generally low, with strong law enforcement in major cities

  • Climate: Continental – cold winters, warm summers

A landscape view of Budapest city, the Hungarian parliament building.

Why Choose Hungary?

  • Visa-free access to 29 Schengen countries via Hungarian residency
  • Competitive investment thresholds and cost-efficient lifestyle
  • Reliable legal framework and fast-track processing
  • Minimal physical presence required to maintain status
  • High-quality private healthcare and international schooling options
  • Safe, family-friendly environment in a growing EU economy

Pathway to Long Term Residency & Citizenship

Hungary’s Guest Investor Residence Programme, officially launched in 2025, provides a legally structured route to European residency through government-approved investments. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind, offering both temporary and long-term options for investors and their families.

Permanent Residency

Investors may apply for permanent residence after three years of continuous lawful stay in Hungary. To be eligible, applicants must not be absent from the country for more than four consecutive months or 270 days in total during the three-year period. They must also successfully pass a written Hungarian cultural examination as part of the application.

For those who do not meet the full residency requirements, the temporary residence permit remains renewable as long as the qualifying investment is maintained. This ensures continued legal stay in Hungary without jeopardising their status.

EU Long-Term Residency

After five years of continuous legal residence, eligible investors may apply for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit. This status allows individuals to live, work, or study freely across all EU member states, offering broader flexibility within the Union.

Citizenship

Hungarian citizenship may be pursued after eight years of uninterrupted legal residence. Certain exemptions may apply to individuals married to Hungarian nationals or parents of Hungarian minor children. In every case, applicants must pass a Hungarian cultural knowledge examination to qualify for naturalisation.

Obtaining Hungarian citizenship grants full rights as an EU citizen, including enhanced mobility, settlement options, and access to the privileges of one of Central Europe’s most respected nationalities.

Begin Your Hungary Immigration Journey

At Coates Global, we provide expert legal guidance and customised immigration solutions for clients seeking Hungarian residency. Our dedicated legal team ensures a smooth and transparent journey from consultation to approval, backed by comprehensive support at every step.

Smiling businesspeople in meeting

Hungarian Investment Programme

Secure Hungarian residency through investment in government bonds or approved national development projects. The Programme provides competitive entry thresholds and a practical route to long-term EU access.

Strategic Migration.
Real Results...

Talk to our legal team and find out how we make global mobility a reality.

Every time a client receives their residency or citizenship approval, we’re reminded why this work matters. It's not just paperwork — it’s about transforming lives and creating new legacies.

Tamer Ulay CEO

We don’t push clients towards just any programme — we listen, we assess, and we recommend only what we’d choose ourselves. That’s what makes Coates Global different.

Celemet Yener Senior Advisor

I’ve seen families reunited, children enrolling in world-class schools, and entrepreneurs unlocking international markets. That’s the power of what we do.

Christine Philips Senior Advisor

Even in the most complex of cases, there’s always a path forward — it just takes clarity, strategy, and the right team. That’s what we bring to every client.

Garth Coates Senior Advisor

Helping high-net-worth clients gain citizenship is more than a transaction. It’s about long-term security, mobility, and legacy planning — and we ensure it's done with precision.

Dr. Frederick Ellul Regional Director

Being part of this team means being part of something bigger — we open borders, but more importantly, we open futures.

Nataliya Konyk Senior Lawyer

When a client tells me, ‘You’ve changed my family’s life,’ I know our commitment goes far beyond legal expertise — it’s about people.

Sue Ulay Senior Consultant

With every investor we support, we’re contributing to a stronger, more interconnected world. It’s an honour to play that role.

Christos Leonida Regional Director

The World is rising, and our clients are part of that story. We ensure they have access to the global opportunities they deserve.

Iyiola Ojo Regional Director

As an American lawyer working globally, I’ve seen how Coates Global turns complex ambitions into concrete achievements.

Jasmin Singh Regional Director

Ready to secure your future with global opportunities?

Let our experts guide you through the best Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment programmes.