Residence permit in Hungary for pensioners in 2024

A residence permit in Hungary is the first step towards obtaining a passport of an economically developed EU country. With the receipt of Hungarian residency, pensioners can move to a country with a relatively low cost of living, relax at medical resorts, use medical services and developed infrastructure, while being able to extend their status on the spot.

Hungary has developed many residence permit programs for different categories of citizens, for example, for entrepreneurs, students and investors. However, there is no separate program specifically for pensioners. In this case, the method of obtaining residency in this country is classified as a “residence permit for other purposes”, according to the Hungarian Immigration Office. This option is designed for those who do not plan to work or do business in the country, but have a stable source of income abroad.

In the article we will tell you how to get a residence permit under this option.

There is another option for obtaining a Hungarian residence permit for pensioners. For example, through the registration of a “golden visa”. Hungary’s Golden visa program has a number of separate advantages: a residence permit can be issued for 10 years with an extension for another 10 years — the longest period among European residence permit programs. Pensioners can also open a business under this program or not come to the country at all, but enjoy all the benefits.

Benefits for pensioners in Hungary

Hungary provides attractive conditions for pensioners who want to move to this country:

• Freedom of movement in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of 180.
• Access to high-quality European medical services in local clinics with insurance.
• Access to banking services to open accounts.
• There is no need to invest in the local economy.
• Access to educational institutions in Hungary.
• Obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.
• Living in a safe, economically developed and comfortable country with a mild, temperate continental climate and therapeutic resorts. Thermal springs are located on about 80% of the territory of Hungary. One of the most popular places is Lake Balaton with warm water and spectacular scenery.
• There are large expat communities in Hungary, including Russian speakers, which facilitates the process of adaptation and meeting new people.
• Holders of a Hungarian residence permit can freely move within the EU. Cultural centers: museums, theaters, sports events in many countries have special offers for older people. Exhibitions can often be visited free of charge or through special programs for pensioners.
• The opportunity to purchase more affordable housing in Hungary compared to other European countries. According to Numbeo, a large platform on the cost and quality of life in different countries, the average price per square meter in the center of Budapest is 3,594 euros — cheaper than in the capitals of France and Spain, by 70% and 35%, respectively.

Necessary documents for obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in Hungary, pensioners are required to provide the following documents:

1. foreign and national passports;
2. completed application form;
3. a photo of the applicant taken at least 3 months ago before submitting the documents;
4. medical insurance;
5. certificate of no criminal record;
6. a written statement of readiness to leave the country in case of refusal, including a copy of a valid air ticket or confirmation of the availability of funds for its purchase (you must leave the country within 30 days after receiving the refusal);
7. confirmation of the address of residence in the country (rental or document of purchased real estate);
8. a pension certificate or documents confirming financial viability.

It is important to keep in mind that if a family member finances a pensioner’s residence in Hungary, then it is necessary to verify family ties and provide documents confirming his financial viability to provide support. 

To stay in Hungary requires housing registered in the real estate register as a residential building or a separate house, or any other type of real estate suitable for living (at least 6 square meters of living space per person).

Stages of obtaining a residence permit in Hungary for pensioners

The process of obtaining a residence permit includes submitting an application, collecting the necessary documents, a medical examination, as well as an interview at the consulate.

Detailed steps:

1. the applicant prepares the necessary documents, buys or rents a house, apartment or other residential property;
2. submits biometrics to Hungary, applies for a temporary residence permit at the embassy or immigration office;
3. after this period, you can extend your residence permit;
4. after 3 years from the date of obtaining the first residence permit, the applicant has the right to apply for permanent residence;
5. after another 5 years, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship.

The validity period of the residence permit under this program is a maximum of 5 years and can be extended for a maximum of 5 years. An application for an extension of a residence permit must be submitted no later than 30 days before its expiration date.

If the application is rejected, the decision can be appealed within 8 days. During this period, you can file an appeal to the diplomatic or consular mission where the application was previously submitted.

Expenses for obtaining a residence permit

The cost of obtaining a residence permit includes the costs of consular fees, medical examinations, translation of documents, as well as insurance.

Basic fees:

The program is available to citizens of the Russian Federation without restrictions.

Reasons for cancellation of a residence permit for pensioners

Some of the most common reasons for the cancellation of a residence permit:

• Violation of the law. For example, the commission of criminal offenses or non-compliance with the conditions of stay.

• If the holder of a residence permit does not extend his status before the expiration date, this may lead to cancellation.

• Prolonged absence from the country may be the reason for cancellation. In this case, the pensioner must live in Hungary for at least 183 days a year.

• The residence permit was obtained on the basis of providing false information or forged documents.

• The recipient of the residence permit ceases to comply with the conditions on which his status was based. For example, he will not be able to confirm income abroad.

It is important to keep in mind that each case is different, and for more detailed information it is recommended to contact a lawyer or a consulate.

To obtain a “golden visa” in Hungary or purchase real estate for yourself or for relatives of retirement age, you can always contact Tranio managers — we will choose the best option for you.

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