Advantages of buying real estate in Hungary to obtain a residence permit

Hungary is not only a country with a rich history and beautiful landscapes, but also an attractive destination for foreign investors seeking to obtain a residence permit. The program of obtaining a residence permit Hungary through investment opens a wide range of opportunities for those who want not only to visit this amazing country, but also to become a part of it. In this text we will examine in detail why buying real estate in Hungary is becoming increasingly popular, what conditions should be taken into account and what advantages it provides.

• A brief overview of the program of obtaining residence permit through investments.
• Why Hungary is attractive to foreign investors.
• Current trends in the real estate market in Hungary.
• Conditions of the program for obtaining residence permit through investment in real estate.
• Advantages of obtaining a residence permit through real estate investments.

Let's dive into the details and find out what makes the Hungarian real estate market so tempting for investors!

Brief overview of the program for obtaining residence permit through investments

The program of obtaining Hungarian residence permit through investment is an opportunity that attracts more and more foreigners. It allows you not only to become the owner of real estate, but also to obtain the legal right to temporary residence in the country. The essence of the program is that the investor, buying real estate for an amount exceeding the established minimum, can issue a residence permit for himself and his family. This opens the door not only to life in picturesque Hungary, but also to traveling throughout Europe without visa restrictions.

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee on the terrace of your apartment overlooking the Danube and then easily traveling to Paris or Rome for the weekend. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

Why Hungary is attractive for foreign investors

Hungary is not just a beautiful place, it is a country with a unique culture and history that attracts the attention of millions of tourists and investors. But what makes it so attractive for buying real estate? First of all, it's affordability. Compared to other European countries, real estate prices in Hungary remain quite low. For example, in Budapest you can find stylish apartments in the city center at a price that will pleasantly surprise you.

Secondly, Hungary offers a stable economic environment and a reliable legal system. This means that your investment will be protected and all transactions will be conducted in accordance with the law. The locals are friendly and open, which creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for new residents.

Current trends in the real estate market in Hungary

Today, the Hungarian real estate market shows a number of interesting trends. More and more investors are paying attention to environmentally friendly and energy efficient homes. For example, in recent years there has been an increase in demand for smart homes that offer modern technology to improve living comfort. People are looking not only for a place to live, but also for a lifestyle that matches their values and preferences.

In addition, there is a growing interest in countryside real estate, especially in regions such as Balaton. This picturesque area attracts both tourists and investors who want to buy a home in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Conditions of the program for obtaining residence permit through investment in real estate

Now let's look at what conditions must be met to obtain a residence permit through real estate investments. Firstly, the minimum investment amount is 200,000 euros. This may seem like a high amount, but considering the cost of real estate in Hungary, it is quite reasonable. You can choose from both residential and commercial properties, which gives you the opportunity to tailor the investment to your needs and goals.

Secondly, it is important to consider the requirements for the real estate itself. It must be registered with the Hungarian cadastre and free of encumbrances. In addition, you will need to carry out a legal check to make sure that all the documents are in order.

Minimum investment amount

As already mentioned, the minimum amount to participate in the program is 200,000 euros. This is quite affordable compared to other European countries, where minimum amounts can reach a million euros or more. For example, in Spain or Portugal, such amounts may scare away many investors, but in Hungary it creates an excellent opportunity to enter the market.

The amount may seem significant, but given the increase in real estate values in recent years, it can be a profitable investment. Investors who bought a home in Budapest a few years ago have already managed to get a good return on their investment.

Real estate requirements

Now let's take a closer look at the requirements for the real estate you can purchase to obtain a residence permit. First, as I mentioned above, the property must be registered in the Hungarian cadastre. This means that you should make sure that the seller has all the necessary documents proving ownership. You should not neglect legal verification - it will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

Secondly, the property should not have any encumbrances or debts. Therefore, it is important to carefully check all the details of the transaction. If you are not sure how to do this, it is better to turn to professional lawyers or real estate agencies that specialize in working with foreigners. They will help you to understand all the subtleties and will conduct the transaction without unnecessary hassle.

Document processing timeframes

Turning to the timing of the paperwork, it is worth noting that the process can take from a few weeks to several months. This depends on a number of factors, including the speed of processing the documents and the availability of the necessary approvals. Usually, after purchasing a property, you will need to register your title and then apply for a residence permit.

It is important to keep in mind that there is a certain procedure for submitting documents in Hungary. First of all, you will need to collect all the necessary papers: passport, real estate documents, income certificates, etc. As a rule, the process of applying for a residence permit takes about 30-60 days. But do not be frightened - this is standard practice, and most foreign investors go through this process without any difficulties.

Which properties are suitable for investment (residential/commercial)

When it comes to real estate for investment, you can choose between residential and commercial properties. Residential properties are apartments and houses that you can rent out or use for your own residence. For example, if you buy an apartment in the center of Budapest, you will not only get a comfortable place to live, but you can also rent it out to tourists or locals. This can be a great source of income.

Commercial real estate, in turn, includes office buildings, stores and other properties that can generate revenue. Such investments require deeper market analysis and understanding of business needs. For example, if you want to invest in a restaurant or cafe, you need to research which area of the city is most sought after by tourists and locals.

Pay attention to the growing trend of renting commercial space in Budapest, where businesses are looking to open their doors in the heart of the city. This is a great opportunity for investors looking for a stable income.

Advantages of obtaining residence permit through real estate investments

Now let's talk about the benefits you get by investing in a real estate in Hungary. First of all, one of the main advantages is access to the European Union. This means that with a Hungarian residence permit you will be able to move freely around the Schengen countries, which makes traveling and business trips much easier.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit through investments	Description
Access to the European Union	With a Hungarian residence permit you will be able to travel freely within the Schengen area, which makes traveling and business trips easier.
Possibility to obtain a residence permit for a family	Your spouse and children can also obtain a residence permit, making the program attractive to family investors.
High standard of living	Hungary offers an excellent level of medical care and education for your children.
Convenient taxation	Tax on rental income is only 15%, which is significantly lower than in other European countries. This allows you to keep more profit from your investment.
No permanent residency requirements	You can travel, work or do business in other countries while maintaining your residence permit in Hungary. This provides flexibility in your plans.

In the next part of the article we will take a closer look at the legal and tax aspects of buying real estate in Hungary, as well as the stages of registration of residence permit through investments.

Legal and tax aspects of buying real estate in Hungary

When buying real estate in Hungary, it is important to consider a number of legal aspects that can have a significant impact on your investment. The first thing to note is the laws governing the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Foreigners are free to purchase real estate in Hungary, but there are some restrictions. For example, buying agricultural land may require additional permits. Therefore, if you plan to invest in such properties, it is better to consult a lawyer beforehand.

Legal and tax aspects	Description
Laws governing the purchase of real estate	Foreigners are free to purchase real estate, but there are restrictions, e.g. for agricultural land. It is recommended to consult a lawyer.
Tax on acquisition of real estate	The tax is 4% of the transaction value and should be factored into investment planning.
Tax incentives for investors	Tax deductions are available for expenses related to the repair and maintenance of the property. Tax on rental income is 15%.
Leasehold taxation systems	There are general and simplified taxation systems for rental income. The general system requires bookkeeping, while the simplified system requires payment of a fixed percentage of income.

Stages of residence permit registration through real estate investments

Now let's look at the step-by-step process of obtaining a residence permit through real estate investments.

1. Choosing a property: Start by looking for a suitable property. It can be an apartment, house or commercial property. Pay attention to location, infrastructure and potential rental yield.
2. Legal review: After selecting a property, do your due diligence. Make sure that the seller has all the necessary documents and that the property is free of encumbrances.
3. Conclusion of an agreement: After the inspection, you can conclude a preliminary sales contract. It is important that the contract clearly states all the terms of the transaction.
4. Payment and registration: After signing the contract, you make the payment and register your ownership in the Hungarian cadastre. This process may take a few weeks.
5. Applying for a residence permit: Once you have registered, you will need to collect all the necessary documents to apply for a residence permit. This includes your passport, real estate documents, proof of financial solvency and health certificates.
6. Waiting for a solutionAfter you submit your application, you will have to wait for a decision. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days.
7. Obtaining a residence permit: If everything is successful, you will receive a residence permit that will allow you to live and work in Hungary.

What documents are needed

You will need the following documents when applying for a residence permit:

• Passport and copies of all pages.
• Documents for the property purchased.
• A certificate of income or financial statement proving your financial solvency.
• Health insurance valid in Hungary.
• A certificate of no criminal record from your country.

It is important to prepare all documents in advance to avoid delays.

Application processing time

As mentioned above, the processing time for a residence permit application is usually between 30 and 60 days. However, in some cases this period may increase if additional information or documents are required. Therefore, it is better to apply well in advance and be prepared for possible delays.

Assistance from professionals (lawyers, real estate agencies)

Don't forget that professional help can make the process much easier. Lawyers and real estate agencies specializing in working with foreigners can provide you with the support you need every step of the way, from choosing a property to obtaining a residence permit. They can help you avoid common mistakes and protect you at all levels of the transaction.

Risks and possible difficulties of the program

As in any investment project, buying real estate in Hungary and obtaining a residence permit through investment is not without risks. Let's take a look at the main ones.

Potential risks for investors

The first risk is fluctuations in real estate prices. Although the market is currently showing growth, no one can guarantee that this trend will continue in the future. For example, in 2008, many investors experienced a sharp drop in real estate prices in different countries. Therefore, before investing, it is important to analyze the market thoroughly and evaluate possible scenarios.

The second risk is related to legal aspects. Although Hungary offers a fairly transparent legal system, there are still cases of real estate fraud. For example, you may encounter unscrupulous sellers who try to sell properties to which they have no rights. Therefore, it is crucial to work only with trusted agencies and lawyers who can ensure your protection.

Possible changes in legislation

The third risk is possible changes in legislation. Although currently the program of obtaining residence permit through real estate investments remains stable, in the future there may be changes that will affect the terms of the program. For example, the state may change the minimum investment amount or introduce additional requirements. Therefore, it is worth staying up to date and following changes in the legislation.

Peculiarities of the local real estate market

Another aspect to consider is the peculiarities of the local real estate market. In some regions, there may be an oversupply, resulting in lower prices and lower rental yields. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research the market before deciding to buy. For example, Budapest has a highly competitive rental market and you need to be prepared to offer something unique to attract tenants.

Conclusion

Hungary offers unique opportunities for investors wishing to obtain a residence permit through the purchase of real estate. The Hungarian residence permit program opens the door to living in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and provides access to a real estate market with high growth potential.

If you want to learn more about buying real estate in Hungary and obtaining a residence permit, do not hesitate to contact our company. We are ready to provide you with all the necessary information and support every step of the way.