The Hungary Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program allowing foreign nationals to invest in the country in exchange for residency. Also known as the Hungarian Guest Investor Program, it offers the ideal opportunity for all non-EU and non-EEA citizens to invest in Hungary.
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 is the Hungary Golden Visa?
The Hungary Golden Visa program, officially known as the Guest Investor Program (GIP) or guest investor residence permit, offers residency by investment to non-EU and non-EEA citizens.
The Hungarian Golden Visa program was reintroduced in July 2024 and allows non-EU investors to gain the right to reside, work, and study in Hungary by:
- Investing a minimum of €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund, of which at least 40% is allocated to Hungarian residential properties OR
- By making a non-refundable donation of €1 million to a public trust supporting higher education.
This long-term Hungary guest investor visa is valid for ten years with the possibility to renew for ten years. Additionally, after eight years of residence, foreign nationals may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Low risk investment: Applicants receive pre-approval before making the investment, minimizing the risk of investing with the potential of being denied.
- 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 GCS Global Passport Index ranks Hungary 33rd out of 198 countries. 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.
- Political and economic stability: Hungary’s strategic location in Central Europe and its stable economy make it an attractive destination for investment and residency.
- 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.
- 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).
01/ 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.
02/ 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:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step one | Choose the right investment option for your needs. Working with a trusted migration partner like Global Citizen Solutions can help you find the ideal option for your needs. |
| Step two | Gather the required documents |
| Step three | Submit your full application for the Hungarian Guest Investor Visa along with the required documents to the Hungarian Immigration Authority. At this stage it might be easier to work with legal firms specializing in immigration to ensure you have everything necessary. All documents must be translated in Hungarian. |
| Step four | Await the outcome of your application. |
| Step five | Obtain the Hungarian Guest Investor Visa. This visa is issued for a period of up to two years. The applicant must travel to Hungary and submit documents for the visa within that time. |
| Step six | Once you arrive in Hungary you can complete your chosen investment as long as it is within the first 93 days of entering Hungary in order to obtain the Hungary Golden Visa. |
| Step seven | Once approved for the Hungary Guest Investor Program, you can then apply for the residency visa. Applicants must book an appointment at the National Directorate General of Immigration, submitting their biometric information, and providing the original documents. After the appointment, the permit should be ready within 21 days. |
| Step eight | Once approved you will receive your residency card which is valid for ten years and can be renewed as long as the investment is maintained. |
| Step nine | You can apply for permanent residence after a total of three years. |
| Step ten | After a period of eight years, you may be eligible for Hungarian citizenship. |
Hungary Golden Visa Cost
Here are some of the the Hungary Golden Visa costs:
| Real Estate Investment Fund | €250,000 |
| Donation | €1 million |
| Translation fees (all documents need to be translated) | €50 to €300 (depending on document volume) |
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
| Hungary | Portugal | UAE | Greece | Malta | Italy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | €250,000 | €200,000 | €214,977 | €250,000 | €375,000 | €250,000 |
| Passport ranking | 32 | 24 | 22 | 42 | 28 | 22 |
| Citizenship | 8 years | 5 years | 30 years | 7 years | 7 years | 10 years |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tax residency | 183 days | 183 days | 183 days | 183 days | 183 days | 183 days |
| Processing time | 90 days | 12-24 months | 3 months | 12 months | 12 months | 3-4 months |
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.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Golden Visa Application?
- Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists.
- Independent service: We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa so you can decide on the best option, and your investment will benefit from the legal due diligence services of a reputable Law Firm.
- 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
- All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication.
- Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs.
- Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
