Hungary Guest Investor Program
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What is the Hungary Guest Investor Program?
- The Hungary Guest Investor Program, often called the Hungary Golden Visa, is an investor residence program introduced by the Government of Hungary under Act XC of 2023.
- Open to non-EU/EEA nationals and their families who make a qualifying investment.
- A residence permit valid for up to 10 years, renewable for a further period of up to 10 years.
- Short-stay travel within the Schengen Area under the 90/180-day rule.
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Two investment options are currently available (in effect since July 1, 2024):
- An investment of at least €250,000 (approximately US$285,000) in a real estate fund registered with the Central Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, MNB), or
- A donation of at least €1,000,000 (approximately US$1.14 million) to a higher education institution maintained by a public-interest trust.
- From €250,000, excluding taxes and fees.
Benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa
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Live in Hungary
Your whole family can live and study in Hungary.
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Work and run a business
The investor residence permit allows you to work, be self-employed, or run a company in Hungary, unlike many other Golden Visa programs.
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Short-stay Schengen travel
Travel across the 29 Schengen countries under the short-stay rule of 90 days in any 180-day period.
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Access to healthcare and education
Access to Hungary's healthcare and education systems on the terms that apply to your residence status.
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No minimum stay requirement
You do not need to spend a minimum amount of time in Hungary to keep your residence permit.
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Pathway to citizenship and the rights it brings
- A path to citizenship
- You may apply for Hungarian citizenship once you meet the residence, language, and integration requirements under Hungarian law (generally around 8 years of continuous residence). Actual timelines vary from case to case.
- Once you become a Hungarian citizen
- The Hungarian passport ranks among the world's strongest, offering visa-free or eVisa access to most countries (rankings and the number of destinations change over time).
- Full EU citizenship rights: the freedom to live, work, and study in any EU member state.
Key advantages of the Hungary Guest Investor Program
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Residence permit valid for up to 10 years
One of the longest validity periods of any investor residence permit in Europe, renewable for up to another 10 years as long as you continue to meet the conditions.
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Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
The opportunity to apply for permanent residence and citizenship in an EU member state once you meet the requirements of Hungarian law.
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Flexible requirements
No upper age limit, no interview, and no education or management experience requirements.
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No minimum stay requirement
You are not required to spend a minimum amount of time in Hungary to keep and renew your investor residence permit.
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Investment from €250,000
Made through a real estate fund registered with the MNB, an entry point that is competitive by European standards.
Hungary Golden Visa requirements
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Main applicant requirements
- Aged 18 or older, with no upper age limit.
- Pass the required security and background checks.
- Demonstrate that your investment funds come from a lawful source.
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Dependents who can be included
- Legal spouse.
- Minor children (under 18).
- Certain other dependent family members (such as dependent adult children and dependent parents) through family reunification.
- Specific conditions and age limits follow the rules of Hungary's National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) in effect at the time of application — contact IMM Group to review your individual case.
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Choose 1 of 2 investment options:
- Real estate fund — from €250,000
- Purchase units in a real estate fund registered with the MNB and hold them for at least 5 years. At least 40% of the fund's net asset value must be invested in residential real estate in Hungary.
- Higher education donation — from €1,000,000
- A donation to a higher education institution maintained by a public-interest trust, in support of education, research, or artistic creation.
- (The €500,000 direct property purchase option was abolished with effect from January 15, 2025.)
How to apply for the Hungary Guest Investor Program
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Deposit and due diligence
Sign a deposit agreement and complete an initial eligibility assessment of your application.
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Sign the service agreement
Sign the service agreement for your Hungarian residence application and the investment agreement with the fund.
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Prepare your application
Complete your file based on your chosen investment option and the number of eligible family members included.
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Apply for the Guest Investor Visa
Submit your Guest Investor Visa application at a Hungarian embassy or consulate.
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Make the investment and apply for your residence permit
Once you receive the visa, travel to Hungary to make the investment and apply for your residence permit (valid for up to 10 years). Biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) are taken in person in Hungary.
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Receive your residence permit
Once formal approval is granted, your residence permit (valid for up to 10 years) is sent to your registered address.
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Renew your residence permit
Renew for up to another 10 years: under the fund option, you must still hold the investment; under the donation option, no further investment is required. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before your permit expires.
Frequently asked questions about the Hungary Guest Investor Program
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