Hungary Golden Visa 2025: The Ultimate Guide to EU Residency

The Golden Visa Hungary offers two pathways, including real estate investment funds for €250,000 and donations for €1 million. Through this, foreign investors may benefit from visa free travel to over 180 countries, a lower cost of living, access to universal healthcare, and a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

In this guide you will learn about:

• What the Hungary Golden Visa is
• Top 9 benefits of the Hungarian Golden Visa
• Investment options for the Golden Visa Hungary
• Hungary Golden Visa requirements
• How to get a permanent Hungary residence permit through the Golden Visa
• How to get Hungarian citizenship through the Golden Visa program

Top 9 Hungary Golden Visa Benefits

There are a number of benefits that come along with the Hungary Golden Visa program. Here are the top eight benefits:

1. Visa free travel: One of the top benefits of obtaining the Hungarian Golden Visa is that you have access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, along with 180 visa free countries.
2. Flexibility: The Hungarian Golden Visa program does not require any minimum stay, meaning you can travel freely to your home country or across the globe without worrying about maintaining your Hungary residency.
3. Lower cost of living: The cost of living in Hungary is significantly less than other European countries and the US. For example, the cost of living in Hungary in 60% less than the UK. This makes the country very appealing for those that want to work and study in Hungary.
4. Access to a top-notch healthcare system: Hungary has a universal healthcare system funded by the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK), which provides essential medical services to all residents. Hungarian residents can also access the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). There are also a large variety of private health insurance options available at a much lower cost. In 2021, Hungary ranked 34 out of 199 countries for the best healthcare.
5. Low risk investment: Applicants receive pre-approval before making the investment, minimizing the risk of investing with the potential of being denied.
6. Path to permanent residence and Hungarian citizenship: The Hungary Golden Visa may lead to Hungarian citizenship. This would allow applicants to receive the Hungarian passport after 8 years. The Golden Visa can also be renewed for an additional ten years, making this Hungarian permanent residency program a big plus for those looking to invest in the country.
7. Political and economic stability: Hungary’s strategic location in Central Europe and its stable economy make it an attractive destination for investment and residency.
8. Generous family eligibility criteria: The Hungary Golden Visa scheme allows for family members to gain residency and explore the rich cultural heritage. However, it does not inherently extend this status to future generations without further applications or naturalization processes. Each generation would need to navigate the Hungary residency or citizenship requirements independently.
9. Tax benefits: You become a tax resident in Hungary if you spend at least 183 days in the country within a year. If your stay is shorter, you generally won’t be liable for taxes. For those who qualify as tax residents, Hungary offers some of the lowest rates in the EU, with income tax set at 15%, corporate tax at 9%, and inheritance tax at 18%.

Investment Options for the Hungary Golden Visa

Foreign nationals seeking to apply for the Hungary Residency by Investment 2025 program have two primary routes available under the Guest Investor Program (GIP).

1. Real Estate Investment Fund

• Investment Amount: A minimum of €250,000 in a real estate fund approved by the Hungarian National Bank.
• Fund Allocation: At least 40% of the fund’s net asset value must be invested in Hungarian residential real estate.
• Holding Period: Investors are required to maintain their investment for a minimum of five years.
• Regulatory Oversight: Funds are subject to regular audits and must comply with strict regulatory standards.

As of 2024, the SPRINT Hungary Real Estate Development and Investment Fund became the first officially licensed fund for the Hungary Golden Visa, with one additional fund approved and three more awaiting regulatory clearance.

2. Public Trust Donation

• Donation Amount: A non-refundable donation of at least €1 million to a public interest trust foundation supporting higher education institutions in Hungary.
• Purpose: Funds are directed towards educational, scientific research, or artistic activities.
• Holding Period: No minimum holding period is required for this option.

Hungarian Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Only non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals can apply for the Hungary Residency by Investment 2025 program.

Family inclusion

Once the abovementioned criteria have been met, the following dependents can be included on the Golden Visa application:

• Spouse of the main applicant
• Children under the age of 18
• Parents who are dependent on the main investor or their spouse

Hungary Golden Visa Requirements

• They must be non-EU/EEA nationals (citizens of a third country).
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and hold a valid passport.
• The investment funds must come from legitimate, verifiable sources.
• A clean criminal record is mandatory, and applicants must not be flagged in the Schengen Information System.
• They should also not pose any risk to public order or national security.

Documents Required for the Hungarian Golden Visa Application

Here are the required documents to apply for the Hungarian Guest Investor Program:

• A passport valid for at least one year.
• The official residence permit application form, fully completed.
• Recent color photographs meeting official requirements.
• Proof of payment for the required application fee.
• Official documentation confirming the financial investment.
• Evidence of the legal source of investment funds.
• Six months of bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for the investment.
• A certificate showing a clean criminal record.
• Proof of valid health insurance coverage in Hungary.
• Required if including a spouse in the application.
• Birth certificates for any dependent children under 18.
• Documentation confirming financial dependency for any adult children or parents included in the application.

Application Process for the Hungary Golden Visa Program

Here is everything you need to know about the Hungarian Golden Visa application process:

Hungary Golden Visa Cost

Here are some of the the Hungary Golden Visa costs:

Luckily, for those looking into the Hungary real estate investment fund option, the real estate market in Hungary is thriving. In 2017 the Hungary property market stood at $0.63 billion, in 2024 it stands at $1.47 billion, making the Hungary real estate market a fantastic option for investors.

Hungary Residency by Investment Processing Time

Hungarian authorities may take up to 90 days to review and approve your Golden Visa Hungary application. You need to ensure you have a completed application form, proof of funds, and a valid passport.

Hungary Citizenship by Investment

Hungarian citizenship by naturalization is offered to those who have continuously lived in Hungary for eight years, have sufficient funds to live in the country, have a clean criminal record, and are proficient in the Hungarian language.

Naturalization offers a great opportunity for foreign nationals who may not have the option for other residency or citizenship options to become Hungarian citizens.

For example, Hungarian Citizenship by Descent is available to those that have familial ties to Hungary through a parent, grandparent, or even great grandparent.

Hungary Golden Visa vs Other Programs

How to Get Permanent Residency in Hungary Through the Golden Visa

Applicants can apply for permanent residency in Hungary after holding a temporary residence permit through the Golden Visa program for three years. The permanent residence permit Hungary is typically valid for five years and can be renewed.

Requirements for Permanent Residency in Hungary:

• Physical Presence: Applicants can spend no more than 270 days outside Hungary over the three years.
• Investment: The original investment qualifying for the Golden Visa Hungary must be maintained.
• Criminal Record: Applicants need to show a clean criminal record.
• Financial Stability: Proof of financial independence, such as bank statements or income verification, is required. A comfortable income estimate is at least 500,000 HUF (€1,350) per month for one person or 800,000 HUF (€2,160) for a family of four.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.