Hungary Golden Visa
For those who wish to have a second home in Hungary and travel visa-free across Europe
Download the guide Calculate the cost€250,000+ Minimum investment
6+ months Obtaining period
10 years Validity period
In 2024, Hungary reinitiated its Golden Visa Program, offering investors a pathway to obtain a residence permit through three distinct options, one of which includes a real estate purchase. The program stipulates a minimum investment of €250,000.
Applicants are required to demonstrate the availability of investment funds and provide evidence of their lawful origin. Significantly, the inclusion of family members in the application does not necessitate an increase in the base investment amount.
11 benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa
Relocation to Hungary
Golden Visa holders can reside in Hungary for the entire validity period of their residence permit and enjoy unrestricted entry to the country at any time, even during periods when the borders are closed to other foreigners.
Travelling across Europe without visas
Holders of a Hungary Golden Visa enjoy visa-free access to over 35 European countries, including all EU and Schengen nations. They can stay in these areas for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
For Schengen Area travel, only a Hungarian residence permit card is needed. To enter non-Schengen countries like Bulgaria or Montenegro, residents need a residence permit card, a valid passport, hotel booking confirmation, and occasionally, a bank statement.
Long validity period
The Hungary Golden Visa offers an extended validity of up to 10 years, with an option for renewal for an additional decade. This contrasts with other EU nations, where Golden Visas typically have shorter durations, ranging from 2 to 5 years.
Real estate investment option
The Hungarian government offers a pathway to obtaining a residence permit for investors through the purchase of residential properties within the country. This option is particularly advantageous for those seeking to relocate to Hungary via the Hungary Golden Visa Program.
Prospect of obtaining permanent residence and citizenship
Holders of a residence permit can seek permanent residency after three years of living in Hungary, and citizenship eligibility arises after an additional eight years.
With a Hungarian passport, visa-free travel is possible to 171 countries, including the USA, Great Britain, Japan, and Singapore.
Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare
Hungarian medicine, adhering to EU standards, offers services at lower costs compared to Germany or Scandinavian countries.
Residents can access healthcare in both public and private clinics and are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card, allowing for free or reduced-cost medical treatment across the EU.
European education
Seven Hungarian universities feature in the top 1000 globally, as per QS Top Universities, including institutions in Budapest, Szeged, and Debrecen. These universities provide programs in English, French, German, and Hungarian.
Adhering to the Bologna system, Hungarian higher education guarantees international recognition of its diplomas.
Affordable living standards
The average cost of living in Hungary, excluding rent, stands at €600 per person monthly. Thus, a four-person family typically requires around €2,000 per month.
Notably, living expenses in Hungary are approximately 1.5 times lower than in countries like Germany or Sweden.
Attractive tax system
Hungary boasts a competitive income tax rate of 15%. This is notably lower compared to rates in other European countries, such as Germany’s peak rate of 47.5% and France’s maximum of 55%.
Opportunity to work in Hungary
Holders of a Hungary Golden Visa are granted the flexibility to register a company in Hungary, pursue self-employment, or engage in employment under a labour contract.
No mandatory stay in Hungary to retain status
Investors are not obligated to reside in Hungary, allowing them the freedom to enter and exit the country as they please.
38 countries are visa-free with a Hungary Golden Visa
- Austria
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Italy
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- + 15 countries
Practical guide on the Hungary Golden Visa
- Step by step procedure
- Requirements for applicants
- Required documents
- Answers to frequently asked questions
PDF, 36 pages, 12 MB
Who can obtain a Hungarian Golden Visa
Investor
- Over 18
- Without criminal records
- Capable to confirm the legality of income
Spouse
Children
Financially dependent on the investor
Investment options under the Hungary Golden Visa Program
1st option
Purchase of investment fund units
€250,000+Applicants have the option to invest in Hungarian real estate by purchasing units from local investment funds. These funds must be invested specifically in real estate, and the investment certificates issued need to be registered with the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank).
The investments cannot be redeemed for a minimum period of five years following the purchase.
2nd option
Purchase of real estate
€500,000+Applicants also have the opportunity to invest directly in real estate by purchasing a residential property. However, this option necessitates a higher financial commitment compared to fund investments: the property must have a minimum value of €500,000.
The sales and purchase agreement the investor signs stipulates that the property cannot be resold for a minimum period of five years.
3nd option
Charitable donation
€1,000,000+Applicants can contribute €1,000,000 to a higher education institution that is part of the Foundation for the Management of Assets in the Public Interest. This donation is intended to support key areas such as education, scientific research, or artistic creation.
Documents required to get a Hungary residence permit by investment
To apply for a Hungary Golden Visa, investors must submit the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least 12 months.
- Two recent photos (3×4 cm), taken within the last month.
- Health insurance documentation.
- Written confirmation of intent to meet investment requirements.
- Proof of income legitimacy.
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds.
- CV for each family member over 18.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Birth certificates for relevant family members.
- Completed residence permit application for residency.
- Confirmation of investment for residency purposes.
Note: This document list is subject to change and will be updated upon the Golden Visa’s official launch.
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Individual cost calculation for the Hungary residence permit
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How can Immigrant Invest help you with buying property in Hungary?
At Immigrant Invest, our team of real estate experts assists investors in selecting appropriate properties upon request. We facilitate property viewings, verify the seller’s credibility, and ensure the integrity of the transaction.
Our legal team handles the procurement of permissions for real estate purchases, aids in finalising purchase and sale agreements, secures the property owner’s passport from the land committee, and forwards it to the Hungarian Immigration Service to validate compliance with the residence permit conditions.
Investment properties in Hungary
How to get Hungarian residency by investment
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence 
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
A Certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts a thorough verification of the investor’s data against international databases.
This meticulous screening process reduces the risk of application refusal to as low as 1%.
2 weeks
Collecting documents 
2 weeks
Collecting documents
Lawyers at Immigrant Invest tailor a document checklist specific to each investor’s circumstances for residence permit applications.
We provide assistance in completing government forms and facilitate the translation and notarization of necessary documents.
3 months
Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa 
3 months
Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa
The applicant is initially granted a Guest Investor Visa, valid for up to 2 years.
This visa authorises entry into Hungary for the purpose of applying for a residence permit through investment. Additionally, it allows for multiple entries and exits from the country, as well as the ability to reside in Hungary during its validity.
Up to 3 months
Fulfilling the investment conditions 
Up to 3 months
Fulfilling the investment conditions
Investments should be completed within three months from the date of first entry into Hungary on a Guest Investor Visa.
1 day
Applying for a Hungary Golden Visa 
1 day
Applying for a Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungarian Golden Visa application can be submitted either to the relevant immigration authority in Hungary or through an online process.
2 months
Receiving a residence permit card 
2 months
Receiving a residence permit card
The investor is required to visit the migration office at a designated time, present their passport and the original documents, provide biometric data, and have a photograph taken for the residence permit card.
The card is then mailed to the investor’s specified address within 21 days.
Golden Visa and Immigrant Invest stay with you
While obtaining and maintaining a residence permit, various everyday tasks may surface, such as dealing with banks, immigration services, city hall, and land committees. Our team will handle these responsibilities, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process for you.
Real estate selection
At Immigrant Invest, we provide a trusted real estate database and assist in selecting and facilitating property transactions.
Opening a bank account
We can guide you in selecting a bank and preparing the necessary documents to open an account.
Including family members
We handle document preparation and application processes for bringing your relatives to Hungary.
Residence permit card replacement
In case of loss, we assist in applying for a replacement residence permit card through the immigration service.
Residence permit renewal
We aid in gathering documents, ensuring compliance with renewal criteria, and submitting the extension application to the immigration service.
Obtaining permanent residence
We assist in document preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence to the immigration service.
Alternative residency options in Hungary
Foreign nationals can secure a Hungarian residence permit as financially independent persons by proving stable income from sources outside Hungary, such as foreign company salaries, rental income, pensions, or savings in foreign banks.
Applicants must show an income of at least €10,000 for themselves and for each family member.
A registered Hungarian address is mandatory for the applicant, achievable through either purchasing or renting property in any Hungarian region, with no minimum housing cost requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hungary have a Golden Visa?
Effective from 2024, Hungary introduces the new Golden Visa program. This initiative establishes a new visa category known as the ‘guest-investor visa,’ designed for individuals participating in government-recognized ‘strategically important investments’ within Hungary.
How much is a Hungarian residence permit?
Under the Golden Visa Program, investors have options such as purchasing a fund share valued at €250,000, or real estate in Hungary worth a minimum of €500,000. Additionally, a donation of 1 million euros to a member higher education institution of the Foundation for the Management of Assets in the Public Interest also qualifies for the Hungarian residence permit.
Can I get residency in Hungary if I buy a house?
Yes, buying property in Hungary as a foreigner can lead to residency. Purchasing real estate valued at €500,000 qualifies for a 10-year residence permit in Hungary.
How can I get a residence permit in Hungary?
To obtain a Hungarian residence permit, investors can utilise the Golden Visa Program. Alternatively, foreigners with stable external income can qualify for residency as financially independent individuals. The Golden Visa offers more benefits in terms of validity period and residence conditions compared to the financially independent option.
Can you get citizenship in Hungary after residence?
Residence permit holders can apply for permanent residence after three years of living in Hungary, and after another eight years, they can apply for citizenship.
A Hungarian passport enables visa-free access to 171 countries, including the USA, Great Britain, Japan, and Singapore.
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.
Zlata Erlach, Investment Program Expert