Last reviewed on April 25, 2024
Hungary Golden Visa
Residence permit by investment to live in Europe and travel across the Schengen Area with the family
€250,000
Investment amount
10 years
RP validity period
State-approved
investment program
What is a Hungary Golden Visa program?
In November 2023, the Government of Hungary introduced a legislative proposal to grant investors the right to obtain a residence permit.
Previously, investors could get temporary residency by purchasing real estate for at least €155,000. Until 2017, there was also a permanent residency by investment program.
The new Hungary Golden Visa is available only for non-EU and non-EEA citizens.
Investors can choose one of three options: purchasing residential property, investing in local real estate funds, or donating to an institution of higher learning.
The minimum investment amount is €250,000.
The Golden Visa residence permit is granted for 10 years. It may be extended once for the same period.
7 benefits of the Hungarian Golden Visa
1
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Investors holding a Hungary residence permit can stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of 180. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is 3 hours away by car from Budapest. Flight tickets to Milan or Paris would cost just €22—37 without luggage, and the travel time is 2—3 hours.
Investors holding a Hungary residence permit can stay in the Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of 180. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is 3 hours away by car from Budapest. Flight tickets to Milan or Paris would cost just €22—37 without luggage, and the travel time is 2—3 hours.
2
Moving to Europe with the family and creating a safe haven
The Hungary Golden Visa allows investors to move to one of the most developed and affordable European countries with their spouses and children. Hungary was ranked 17th in the world's safest countries per the Global Peace Index 2023.
Hungarian residents can enter the country even when borders are closed for tourists.
The Hungary Golden Visa allows investors to move to one of the most developed and affordable European countries with their spouses and children. Hungary was ranked 17th in the world's safest countries per the Global Peace Index 2023.
Hungarian residents can enter the country even when borders are closed for tourists.
3
Low cost of living
Hungary's groceries, entertainment, and property prices are twice as low as in other European countries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Italy. The property price per square metre in the centre of Budapest starts at €3,700, while it is €7,400+ in Copenhagen.
Hungary's groceries, entertainment, and property prices are twice as low as in other European countries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Italy. The property price per square metre in the centre of Budapest starts at €3,700, while it is €7,400+ in Copenhagen.
4
Opening accounts in European banks
Hungarian residents can open bank accounts and deposits in local and international banks with a minimum pack of documents; usually, it’s enough to provide a passport and a residence permit card.
Hungarian residents can open bank accounts and deposits in local and international banks with a minimum pack of documents; usually, it’s enough to provide a passport and a residence permit card.
5
Opportunity to work and do business in Europe
Investors and their family members holding residence permits can get employed, set up businesses, and work as CEOs of their companies.
Investors and their family members holding residence permits can get employed, set up businesses, and work as CEOs of their companies.
6
Access to high-quality medicine and education
As per QS World University Rankings 2023, 11 Hungarian universities are included in the top 1,500 universities in the world. Hungarian graduates can work in all EU countries, the USA, and the UK.
Hungary is famous for its so-called medical tourism. Numerous thermal and mineral springs, high-quality dentistry, and esthetic surgery attract tourists from all over Europe. Prices here are 40—70% lower compared to the UK and Scandinavian countries.
As per QS World University Rankings 2023, 11 Hungarian universities are included in the top 1,500 universities in the world. Hungarian graduates can work in all EU countries, the USA, and the UK.
Hungary is famous for its so-called medical tourism. Numerous thermal and mineral springs, high-quality dentistry, and esthetic surgery attract tourists from all over Europe. Prices here are 40—70% lower compared to the UK and Scandinavian countries.
7
Tax optimisation
Hungary is one of the countries with the lowest tax rates in Europe. The income tax rate is 15%, and the corporate tax rate is 9%. The stamp duty for property purchase is 4%.
Hungary is one of the countries with the lowest tax rates in Europe. The income tax rate is 15%, and the corporate tax rate is 9%. The stamp duty for property purchase is 4%.
Practical guide on the Hungary Golden Visa
Step-by-step procedure
Requirements for applicants
Required documents
Answers to frequently asked questions
Who can get a Hungary residence permit by investment?
Costs of obtaining a Golden Visa in Hungary
Investors can choose one of the three options. The minimum investment amount is €250,000. The investment condition should be fulfilled within 93 calendar days after the first entrance to Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.
Property purchase — €500,000+
Investors are allowed to buy residential real estate. To purchase a property, one should obtain permission at the Land Registry; this can be done only with the help of a lawyer who accompanies the deal.
Purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+
Investment certificates should be issued by real estate funds registered with the Hungarian National Bank.
Donation to an institution of higher learning — €1,000,000+
The institution should be maintained by a public interest trust foundation performing a public task. The donation will be used to support education, scientific research, and artistic or creative activities.
Individual cost calculation for the Hungary residence permit
Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees
We will send the cost calculation to your email within 1 hour
Examples of investment properties for a Hungary Golden Visa
Hungary, Budapest
20 m²
1 
1 
Requirements for the Hungary Golden Visa Program
The Guest Investor Visa is issued for up to 2 years. It gives the right to enter Hungary to apply for a residence permit by investment.
With the Guest Investor Visa, one can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days out of 180. The visa also allows multiple entries to the country.
The investor is granted a Guest Investor Visa under the following conditions:
Provides a written confirmation of their intention to fulfil the investment condition. The investor’s entrance and stay in the country should serve the national economic interests of Hungary.
Has health insurance or money sufficient to cover possible medical expenses.
Confirms having money for travelling and living for the entire period of stay in Hungary.
Confirms that the investment capital comes from a legitimate source of income and is sufficient for investment.
Is not to be deported, and their entrance and stay in Hungary does not threaten the country’s national policy, social security, national security, or public healthcare.
Is not an EU or EEA citizen.
The investment should be made within 93 calendar days after the first entrance to Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.
When a residence permit is issued, the Guest Visa becomes invalid.
Required documents to get Hungary residency by investment
To apply for a Hungary Guest Investor Visa and a residence by investment, the investor should provide the following documents:
Passport with a validity period of at least 12 months.
Two 3×4 cm photos taken not earlier than a month ago.
Health insurance.
Written confirmation of the intention to fulfil the investment condition.
Proof of the legitimacy of the income.
Bank statement indicating a cash balance.
CV for each family member over 18.
Marriage certificate.
Birth certificates, if applicable.
Filled in residence permit form when applying for residency.
Confirmation of investing when applying for residency.
The list of documents is indeterminate and will be clarified once the Golden Visa is launched.
Step-by-step process for obtaining Hungarian RP by investment
The procedure is estimated based on Immigrant Invest lawyers’ experience. The steps and timeframe will be revealed once the program is launched in 2024.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary check of an investor. It helps identify the risk of denial on time and reduce it to a minimum.
Certified Compliance Anti Money Laundering Officers carry out the check. They know all the nuances of due diligence checks in different countries. The check is fully confidential.
Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining a residence permit
2 weeks
Document preparation
Immigrant Invest lawyers provide the investor with a list of documents to be prepared for a Guest Investor Visa application. The investor provides originals, and the lawyers translate and notarise the copies.
Guest Investor Visa application
The Guest Investor Visa is issued for 2 years. The investor must visit Hungary and apply for a residence permit within this period.
Up to 93 days
Travelling to Hungary and fulfilling the investment condition
Upon arriving in Hungary, the investor has to apply for a residence permit within 93 calendar days. Before applying, they invest in the chosen project.
3 days
Applying for a Hungary RP
After the investment is made, Immigrant Invest lawyers help the investor apply for a residence permit.
The application is processed for several days. In case of approval, the investor can make an appointment with a migration office online.
Up to 3 weeks
Submitting biometrics and getting a residence permit card
At the specified time, the investor visits the migration office, provides a passport and originals of documents, submits biometrics, and takes a photo for a residence permit card.
The card is sent to the investor by mail to the specified address within 21 days.
After 10 years
Extending of residence permit
Hungary residency by investment is valid for 10 years. It can be extended once for the same period.
How to get permanent residence and citizenship in Hungary
Hungary permanent residence can be obtained after 3 years of living there. To qualify, the investor has to spend at least 183 days in the country.
Permanent residence is granted for life, but an ID card should be renewed every 5 years.
After living in Hungary for 8 years, the foreigner can apply for citizenship. To qualify, they should not leave the country for more than 45 days a year within the whole period of residency. The investor also has to pass an exam on the Hungarian language and the country’s history.
