Hungarian Residency by Investment: A Dubai Entrepreneur’s Story

Karim A., a successful investor, has been living and working in Dubai for many years. He manages an international real estate portfolio and participates in several tech startups across the Middle East and Europe. In recent years, Karim has increasingly considered diversifying his residency status and obtaining legal residence in the European Union—without the need for permanent living or running a business there. His goal was to secure freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, simplify investment activities in the EU, and establish an alternative “jurisdictional base” for his family.

After exploring various programs, he chose the Hungarian residency-by-investment option through the government’s “Guest Investor” (VIP Residency) program, relaunched in 2024. It turned out to be a strategically sound decision: Hungary offered Karim a reliable path to long-term EU residency—with no language requirements, no residency obligation, and no tax residency commitments.

Why Hungary?

Several key advantages attracted Karim.

First, the program grants a 10-year renewable residence permit in exchange for an investment of at least €250,000 in government-approved investment funds or bonds. The required holding period for the investment is only five years.

Second, the process can be initiated remotely: all paperwork can begin through a consulate or authorized representative. Personal presence is only required for biometric collection and opening a bank account.

Another important benefit was the ability to include the entire family in the residency: a spouse, children under 18 (or older if dependent), and in some cases, parents.

Application Process

The GARANT.in team conducted a strategic consultation with Karim, after which the document preparation began. Proof of income, bank statements, property documents, and legal agreements with the selected investment fund were compiled. Karim opted for a structure involving a contribution to an investment fund approved by the Hungarian National Bank, with a minimum amount of €250,000.

After preliminary approval of his candidacy and remote submission of documents through the Hungarian consulate in Abu Dhabi, Karim traveled to Budapest. There, he completed the account opening, signed the investment agreement, submitted his biometrics, and activated the process of obtaining his residence permit card.

The Outcome

Within four months, Karim and his family received Hungarian residence cards valid for 10 years. Today, he actively benefits from his Hungarian residency: he travels freely across Europe, expands his business in the EU, and plans to enroll his children in European universities. He is not required to fulfill physical presence requirements or submit annual reports, unlike in other countries.

“With GARANT.in, I got exactly what I was looking for—EU status, reliable legal support, and a transparent procedure. No hidden conditions or bureaucratic surprises. Everything was clear, step-by-step, and in my best interest. It’s the ideal option for an investor who values flexibility and strategic freedom,” says Karim.

Conclusion

The Hungarian residency-by-investment program is a solid tool for high-net-worth individuals looking to legalize their EU status without changing their lifestyle. And the GARANT.in team provides expert guidance at every stage—from initial consultation to receiving the residency card.