Frequently asked questions
What most people ask before requesting a quote. If your question is not here, write to us – we will answer.
FAQ
General
What does Onboard Residency do?
We handle residence permits, investment-based programmes and second citizenship, in several countries. We handle the case from the first question until you receive the permit, together with local partner offices.
What is outside your scope?
Recruitment: we neither offer nor look for jobs. We handle an employment-based permit only for someone who already has an employer. We do not provide legal or tax advice; where needed, we work with a local lawyer and tax adviser.
Where are you based?
In Budapest. Cases can be handled remotely, online; an appearance in person is needed only where the law requires it.
What languages do you work in?
Hungarian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Chinese
FAQ
Choosing a programme
I am not sure which programme suits me. What should I do?
Request a quote and tell us your goal: life and remote work, family, investment or citizenship. At pre-screening we look at your situation and suggest one or two programmes.
What is the cheapest route to Europe?
The remote-work permits, if you have a foreign employer and proven income: they require no investment. If you have neither, the Malta student residence permit is the way in: it requires tuition fees and means of subsistence, but no proof of income.
Which programmes lead to settlement?
The Spanish digital nomad permit, the Spanish non-lucrative visa (NLV), the Hungarian guest investor programme (if you move to Hungary) and the Malta Startup Residence Programme do. The Croatian digital nomad permit, the Hungarian White Card and the Malta student residence permit do not – the last two can be continued by switching to another residence purpose.
Which programmes lead to citizenship?
Directly, the Saint Lucia programme. Indirectly – through residence and then naturalisation – the Hungarian and Maltese programmes.
What is the difference between a residence permit and citizenship?
A residence permit gives you the right to live in a country for a set period and on set conditions. Citizenship is permanent, comes with a passport and does not depend on continuing to meet conditions.
FAQ
Process and timing
How long does the process take?
It varies by programme: the administrative time limit is 21 days for the Hungarian residence permits (70 days for the national residence card), 20 days for the Spanish digital nomad permit and 1 month for the non-lucrative permit; for the Croatian one, processing takes up to about 60 days (in our experience often 6–8 weeks) and the whole route typically 2–3 months, and Caribbean citizenship months. The quote gives the total time, including obtaining the documents.
Do I have to travel in person?
It varies by programme. Most programmes require an appearance in person for biometric enrolment (fingerprints, facial image), at the consulate or in the destination country; the citizenship programme has an interview, which can also be online.
What do you do to make my application successful?
We pre-screen, so that only cases with a chance are started. We submit a complete application, because incomplete or incorrect documents are the most common reason for refusal. And we work with a local expert who knows that procedure day to day.
What happens if missing documents are requested?
We handle it: we tell you what is needed, prepare it and submit it. All you need to do is send any missing original document.
What is an apostille, and do I need one?
An international certification that confirms the authenticity of a public document – such as a birth certificate or a police clearance certificate – for a foreign authority. Most programmes require it; we arrange it for you.
FAQ
Fees and payment
How much does it cost?
The fee depends on the programme and your situation, so we give you an individual, written quote. It lists our own fee and the official, translation and insurance costs on separate lines.
Why are there no prices on the site?
Because two cases are rarely the same: the number of family members, the state of the documents and the chosen route all change the cost. A general price would be misleading.
FAQ
Family and travel
Can I bring my family?
In most programmes, yes: your spouse and children under 18. Parents, adult children and siblings cannot be included in the residence programmes; where a programme's legislation differs from this, the programme page says so. The exceptions are the Hungarian White Card and the Malta student residence permit, where family members cannot be included.
Can my spouse work?
It varies by programme: in the Spanish digital nomad programme and the Hungarian guest investor programme, yes, without restriction; with the Spanish non-lucrative visa, no (family members cannot work either); under Hungarian family reunification, it can be applied for separately; in Malta, it is not automatic.
Can I travel in the Schengen area?
Yes, with a Croatian, Spanish, Hungarian or Maltese residence card, under the Schengen rules.
How long can I be away from my new country?
It varies by programme: for the Hungarian White Card the limit is 90 days, and for the guest investor programme there is no limit – but settlement does require actual residence. We show this on the programme pages.
FAQ
For partners
How can I join as an agency?
Fill in the partner application form. We will contact you within 3 days and agree the terms of cooperation.
Does my client stay mine?
Yes. In the basic model, we do not contact the client directly; the materials can also go out under your name.
Is there a minimum number of cases?
No. One case is enough to start.