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Updated on November 3, 2026
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 two options: 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 180 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 180 countries.
Your complete guide to the Hungary Golden Visa
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Step-by-step procedure
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Requirements for applicants
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Required documents
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Answers to frequently asked questions
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Costs of obtaining a Golden Visa in Hungary
Under the Hungarian Golden Visa program, investors can select one of two 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+
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
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.
Get your personal cost estimate for the Hungary Golden Visa
The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.
Who’s applying with you?
Add family members to get a precise estimate tailored to your case. You (main applicant) — always included.
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:
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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.
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Has health insurance or money sufficient to cover possible medical expenses.
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Confirms having money for travelling and living for the entire period of stay in Hungary.
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Confirms that the investment capital comes from a legitimate source of income and is sufficient for investment.
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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.
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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:
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Passport with a validity period of at least 12 months.
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Two 3x4 cm photos taken not earlier than a month ago.
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Health insurance.
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Written confirmation of the intention to fulfil the investment condition.
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Proof of the legitimacy of the income.
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Bank statement indicating a cash balance.
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CV for each family member over 18.
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Marriage certificate.
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Birth certificates, if applicable.
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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:
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a share certificate if purchasing real estate fund units;
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a certificate from the institution of higher learning if donating.
P6M
Step-by-step process for obtaining Hungarian RP by investment
1
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
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.
3
≈ 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.
4
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 higher education institution.
Investors 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.
5
Within 3 months
Fulfillment of the investment condition
The investor has 3 months after applying for residency to close the deal with purchasing investment fund units or donating to a university.
6
Up to 1 month
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.
7
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.
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
Your peace of mind starts with our credibility
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent. We assist investors in obtaining residence permits in Hungary and act strictly in accordance with Act XC of 2023 on the General Rules for the Entry and Residence of Third-Country Nationals, as amended, and the applicable implementing regulations.
We are also government-licensed to represent investors in Malta and several Caribbean countries. Our membership in the Investment Migration Council, the leading global association for industry experts, further reflects our commitment to the highest standards of integrity.
We are an IMC member
Trust your future to a reliable agent
Diligent
Our in-house compliance team runs thorough checks upfront to ensure eligibility and protect you from rejection risks.
Dedicated
From the first consultation to obtaining residency, we will support you at every step and answer all, even the trickiest, questions.
Confidential
We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.
Elena Ruda,
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
With almost 20 years of experience, direct partnerships, and local presence in Hungary, we ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent journey to EU residence.
Our team of legal and real estate experts will assist you at every step, from the first free consultation to selecting a property and securing your residence.
Your Golden Visa team
Our Hungary-based legal and migration experts know the law inside out and ensure a smooth residence process.
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
Get more than just a Golden Visa
Support continues after Hungarian residency is secured: we assist with bank account opening, residence permit renewals, family applications, and other related matters.
The scope is flexible and can be tailored to additional requests.
1.
Residence permit renewal
Keep your residence permit cards valid: we monitor renewal deadlines, prepare renewal files, and submit applications to the competent authorities on your behalf.
Keep your residence permit cards valid: we monitor renewal deadlines, prepare renewal files, and submit applications to the competent authorities on your behalf.
2.
Replacement of residence permit cards
If your residence permit card is lost or damaged, we manage the replacement process from start to finish, so you remain legally resident without interruption.
If your residence permit card is lost or damaged, we manage the replacement process from start to finish, so you remain legally resident without interruption.
3.
Residency for family members
Bring your family to Hungary easily after obtaining your status, including your spouse, children, and dependent parents.
Bring your family to Hungary easily after obtaining your status, including your spouse, children, and dependent parents.
4.
Opening a bank account
Gain access to Hungarian and EU banking without delays, as we prepare the documents, liaise with banks, and guide you through compliance checks for a smooth process.
Gain access to Hungarian and EU banking without delays, as we prepare the documents, liaise with banks, and guide you through compliance checks for a smooth process.
5.
Getting a tax identification number
Register with the Hungarian tax authorities quickly. With our support you avoid all the unnecessary bureaucracy.
Register with the Hungarian tax authorities quickly. With our support you avoid all the unnecessary bureaucracy.
Schedule a meeting
Let's discuss the details
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
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Latest news and terms updates
- July 6, 2026
Hungary has suspended the issuance of residence permits for guest workers. The government says the move is intended to protect the interests of Hungarian jobseekers. • Source
Frequently asked questions
Articles and news about Hungary
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Schedule a meeting
Let's discuss the details
We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.
Zlata Erlach
Head of the Austrian office
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