Updated on December 24, 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
5+ months
Obtaining period
10 years
RP validity period
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, effective from July 1st, 2024, is available only to 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.
9 benefits of the Hungarian Golden Visa
1
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Investors holding a Hungary residence permit can stay in Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days out of 180.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a 3-hour drive from Budapest. Flight tickets to Milan or Paris cost €22—37 without luggage, with a travel time of 2—3 hours.
Investors holding a Hungary residence permit can stay in Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days out of 180.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a 3-hour drive from Budapest. Flight tickets to Milan or Paris cost €22—37 without luggage, with a travel time of 2—3 hours.
2
Investing after visa approval
Before investing in the Hungarian economy and applying for residency, a foreigner gets a D visa called the Guest Investor Visa. The Migration Office conducts a Due Diligence check before granting it. Therefore, if the investor is cleared for the visa, the risk of residency refusal is minimal, ensuring the investment won’t be in vain.
Before investing in the Hungarian economy and applying for residency, a foreigner gets a D visa called the Guest Investor Visa. The Migration Office conducts a Due Diligence check before granting it. Therefore, if the investor is cleared for the visa, the risk of residency refusal is minimal, ensuring the investment won’t be in vain.
3
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 ranks 14th among the world’s safest countries, according to the Global Peace Index 2024.
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 ranks 14th among the world’s safest countries, according to the Global Peace Index 2024.
Hungarian residents can enter the country even when borders are closed for tourists.
4
Low cost of living
Hungary’s grocery, entertainment, and property prices are half those in other European countries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Italy. Property in central Budapest starts at €3,700 per square metre, compared to €7,400+ in Copenhagen.
Hungary’s grocery, entertainment, and property prices are half those in other European countries, such as Norway, Denmark, and Italy. Property in central Budapest starts at €3,700 per square metre, compared to €7,400+ in Copenhagen.
5
Opening accounts in European banks
Hungarian residents can open accounts and deposits in local and international banks with minimal documentation. Usually, a passport and residence permit card are sufficient.
Hungarian residents can open accounts and deposits in local and international banks with minimal documentation. Usually, a passport and residence permit card are sufficient.
6
Opportunity to work and do business in Europe
Investors and their family members holding residence permits can work, establish businesses, or serve as CEOs in their companies.
Investors and their family members holding residence permits can work, establish businesses, or serve as CEOs in their companies.
7
Access to high-quality healthcare and education
According to QS World University Rankings 2025, 11 Hungarian universities rank among the top 1,500 globally. Graduates from these universities can work across the EU, the USA, and the UK.
Hungary is known for medical tourism, with numerous thermal and mineral springs, quality dentistry, and esthetic surgery drawing visitors from Europe. Healthcare costs in Hungary are 40—70% lower than in the UK and Scandinavian countries.
According to QS World University Rankings 2025, 11 Hungarian universities rank among the top 1,500 globally. Graduates from these universities can work across the EU, the USA, and the UK.
Hungary is known for medical tourism, with numerous thermal and mineral springs, quality dentistry, and esthetic surgery drawing visitors from Europe. Healthcare costs in Hungary are 40—70% lower than in the UK and Scandinavian countries.
8
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 on 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 on property purchase is 4%.
9
Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
Investors can obtain permanent residence after living in Hungary for at least 3 years. After additional 8 years, they are eligible for citizenship.
Investors get all rights of Hungarian citizens, including visa-free travel to 171 countries.
Investors can obtain permanent residence after living in Hungary for at least 3 years. After additional 8 years, they are eligible for citizenship.
Investors get all rights of Hungarian citizens, including visa-free travel to 171 countries.
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
Under the Hungarian Golden Visa program, investors can select one of three options, with a minimum investment amount of €250,000. The investment condition should be fulfilled within 93 calendar days after the first entry into Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.
Option 1
Purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+
Purchasing fund units is available from July 1st, 2024. The fund must be on the list of qualified market operators maintained by the Constitution Protection Office. At least 40% of the fund’s assets must be allocated to residential real estate in Hungary.
The share certificate must have a 5-year maturity period and demonstrate a unit of €250,000 or more.
Option 2
Property purchase — €500,000+
Investors can purchase residential real estate, with permission required from the Land Registry; this can be done only with the help of a lawyer who accompanies the deal.
Purchasing real estate will become available on January 1st, 2025. Properties bought before this date do not qualify for the Golden Visa.
Option 3
Donation to an institution of higher learning — €1,000,000+
The institution must be managed by a public interest trust foundation carrying out a public task. Donations will support education, scientific research, and artistic or creative activities.
Individual cost calculation for the Hungary residence permit
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Examples of investment properties for a Hungary Golden Visa
Hungary, Budapest
€593,000 — €946,000
Stylish apartments with city view, First District, Budapest
75 m² — 107 m²
2—3 
2—3 
Hungary, Budapest
€552,000 — €581,000
Elegant apartments with 4 bedrooms, Eleventh District, Budapest103 m² — 124 m²4 4 Schedule a meeting
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Requirements for the Hungary Golden Visa Program
The Guest Investor Visa is issued for up to 6 months. 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 requirements. 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 must be completed within 93 calendar days after the investor’s first entry into Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.
The Guest Visa becomes invalid when a 10-year residence permit is issued.
Required documents to get Hungary residency by investment
To apply for a Hungary Guest Investor Visa and a residence by investment, the foreigner 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.
When applying for a residence permit, additional documents are required proving fulfilment of the investment conditions. Such documents are the following:
a share certificate if purchasing real estate fund units;
a purchase and sale agreement for real estate;
a certificate from the institution of higher learning if donating.
Step-by-step process for obtaining Hungarian RP by investment
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 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
Preparing documents
Immigrant Invest lawyers provide investors with a list of required documents for the Guest Investor Visa application. The investor submits the originals, and the lawyers handle notarisation of copies and arrange necessary translations.
≈ 1 month
Getting a Guest Investor Visa
The Guest Investor Visa is valid for up to 6 months. During this time, the investor must visit Hungary, complete the investment, and apply for a residence permit.
If the investor’s passport allows visa-free entry to Hungary, the Guest Investor Visa is not required.
2 business days
Trip to Hungary to apply for residency
The applicant enters Hungary on a Guest Investor Visa to sign an agreement with the fund or real estate seller.
If the investor opts to purchase fund units or make a donation, they must also buy or rent residential property, as a registered address in Hungary is required to obtain a residence permit.
The investor can apply for a residence permit in person at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing or online via the Enter Hungary platform.
If the applicant’s attorney-in-fact is a legal representative or legal entity, an online application is the only option.
Within 3 months
Fulfillment of the investment condition
The investor has 3 months after applying for residency to close the deal with purchasing of investment fund units or property or donating to a university.
Up to 30 days
Approval and receiving a residence permit card
The residency application is processed within 21—30 days.
The residence permit card is ready within 7 days after approval. Immigrant Invest collects and couriers it to the investor.
After 10 years
Extending of residence permit
Hungary residence by investment is valid for 10 years. It can be extended once for the same period.
To extend the residence permit, the investor must demonstrate that the investment conditions are still met. If the property was sold or its value has dropped below €500,000, the applicant must acquire a new property that meets the program’s requirements.
How to get permanent residence and citizenship in Hungary
Hungary permanent residence can be obtained after 3 years of living in Hungary. To qualify, the investor has to spend at least 183 days in the country.
Permanent residence is granted for life, though the ID card should be renewed every 5 years.
The foreigner can apply for citizenship after living in Hungary for 8 years as a permanent resident. To qualify, the applicant must not be absent from Hungary for more than 45 days per year throughout this period. Additionally, they must pass exams in the Hungarian language and on the country’s history.
Learn about Hungary’s Golden Visa program and the benefits can offer
Golden Visas in other European countries
Some European countries, such as Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy, also offer Golden Visas. As in Hungary, foreigners do not need to live there permanently to maintain the status.
Depending on the chosen country, investors can obtain residence permits for a minimum of €250,000 to 500,000.
Greece, Cyprus, and Spain offer residency in exchange for purchase of real estate.
Comparison of Golden Visa programs in Europe
Case studies
Residency and Immigrant Invest stay with you
After obtaining a Hungary investment visa, one may require additional services, such as document replacement or bank account opening. See how we continue to support our clients.
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