Last reviewed on August 7, 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 from July 1st, 2024, but 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.
Learn about Hungary’s Golden Visa program and the benefits can offer
8 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
Investing after visa approval
Before investing in the Hungarian economy and applying for residency, a foreigner gets a D visa named the Guest Investor Visa. The Migration Office conducts a Due Diligence check. Therefore, if the investor is cleared for a visa, the risk of residency refusal is minimal, and the invested money won’t be spent in vain.
Before investing in the Hungarian economy and applying for residency, a foreigner gets a D visa named the Guest Investor Visa. The Migration Office conducts a Due Diligence check. Therefore, if the investor is cleared for a visa, the risk of residency refusal is minimal, and the invested money won’t be spent 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 was ranked 14th in the world’s safest countries per 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 was ranked 14th in the world’s safest countries per 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 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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Access to high-quality medicine and education
As per QS World University Rankings 2025, 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 2025, 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.
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 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.
Purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+
Purchasing fund units is available from July 1st, 2024. A fund must be included in the list of qualified market operators the Constitution Protection Office maintains. At least 40% of the fund’s asset value should 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.
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.
Purchasing real estate will become available on January 1st, 2025. Properties bought before this date do not qualify for the Golden Visa.
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
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Examples of investment properties for a Hungary Golden Visa
Hungary, Budapest
150 m²
3 
3 
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 up to 6 months. The investor must visit Hungary, fulfil the investment condition, and apply for a residence permit within this period.
Up to 93 days
Travelling to Hungary and fulfilling the investment condition
The applicant arrives in Hungary on the Guest Investor Visa and fulfils the investment condition within 3 months: purchases fund units or real estate or donates to a higher learning institution.
If the investor chooses to purchase fund units or a donation, buying or renting a residential property is necessary. The registration address in Hungary is required to obtain a residence permit.
3 days
Applying for a Hungary RP
When the investment condition is fulfilled, the investor applies for a residence permit in person at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. Another option is to apply online via the Enter Hungary platform.
Notably, an online application is the only possible option if the applicant’s attorney-in-fact is a legal representative or a legal entity.
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.
To extend the residence permit, the investor proves the fulfilled investments. If the property was sold or its value decreased to under €500,000, the applicant must purchase a new one meeting the program conditions.
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.
The foreigner can apply for citizenship after living in Hungary for 8 years as a permanent resident. 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.
Case studies
Frequently asked questions
Articles and news about Hungary
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