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
5+ months Obtaining period
10 years Validity period
What is a Hungary Golden Visa program?
In 2024, Hungary reintroduced its Golden Visa, allowing foreigners to obtain a residence permit through two options: purchase of fund units or a contribution to education. The minimum investment is €250,000.
Applicants for the Hungary residency by investment must prove they have the required funds and verify their lawful origin. Family members can be included in the application without increasing 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. They also 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 benefit from visa-free access to 38 European countries, including all EU and Schengen states. They can stay in these areas for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
For travel within the Schengen Area, a Hungarian residence permit card and a passport are required. To enter non-Schengen countries like Montenegro, residents need a residence permit card, a valid passport, hotel booking confirmation, and sometimes a bank statement.
Long validity period
The Hungary Golden Visa is valid for up to 10 years, with the option to renew for another 10 years. In contrast, Golden Visas in other EU countries typically last between 2 and 5 years.
Post-approval investment
Before applying for the Hungarian Golden Visa, foreigners obtain a type D Guest Investor Visa. To issue it, the Migration Department verifies the application. This check takes place before the investment is made, reducing the risk of residence permit denial.
In contrast, Cyprus, Malta, Greece, and Portugal require applicants to invest before receiving approval.
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, the UK, 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
Five Hungarian universities feature in the top 1000 globally, as per QS Top Universities, including institutions in Budapest, Szeged, Pécs, 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 cost of living
The average cost of living in Hungary, excluding rent, stands at €600 per person monthly. Thus, a family of 4 typically requires around €2,000 per month.
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 when needed. To maintain a residence status, the Golden Visa holder must only keep the investment.
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
- Holding a second passport if a US citizen
Spouse
- Registered partner included
- Holding a second passport if a US citizen
- Can be added later after the registration of the marriage
Children under 25
- Holding a second passport if US citizens
- If over 18 — students, unmarried, and financially dependent on the investor
- Children over 18 get a 3-year residence permit and can renew it for an additional 3 years if still meeting the requirements
Parents
- Of an investor or a spouse
- Holding a second passport if US citizens
- Financially dependent on the investor
- With pension as the only source of income
Investment options under the Hungary Golden Visa Program
1st option
Purchase of real estate 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.
Minimum cost of obtaining the Hungary Golden Visa through purchase of investment fund units
| Investment | €250,000+ |
| Administrative fee | €65,000 per family of up to 4 people if the spouse and only children under 18 are included
+ €10,000 per family member, starting with the 5th one €15,000 per child over 18 |
| Subscription fee | €5,000 |
| Annual maintenance fee | 2.5% of the investment amount |
| Total | €326,250+ |
2nd 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. The donation is non-refundable.
Individual cost calculation for the Hungary residence permit
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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.
- Proof of residential address in Hungary.
- 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.
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How to get Hungarian residency by investment
According to Immigrant Invest’s experience, obtaining a Hungary residence permit by investment takes at least 5 months. The process includes collecting documents, obtaining a Guest Investor Visa, fulfilling investment requirements, and applying for the Hungarian Golden Visa.
Lawyers accompany investors throughout the entire process.
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 notarisation of necessary documents.
3 weeks
Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa 3 weeks
Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa
Foreigners first receive a Guest Investor Visa, valid for up to six months. With it, investors enter Hungary to apply for a residence permit.
The visa permits multiple entries and exits and allows residence in Hungary during its validity.
Investors with passports of countries that have visa-free agreements with Hungary do not need to obtain the Guest Investor Visa.
1+ days
Applying for a residence permit 1+ days
Applying for a residence permit
The investor enters Hungary to sign an agreement with the fund or higher education institution.
The application for a residence permit is submitted either to the relevant immigration authority in Hungary or through an online process.
Up to 3 months
Fulfilling the investment conditions Up to 3 months
Fulfilling the investment conditions
Investments must be completed within three months from the date of the first entry into Hungary on the Guest Investor Visa.
Up to 5 weeks
Receiving a residence permit card Up to 5 weeks
Receiving a residence permit card
The investor must visit the migration office at a designated time, submit their passport and original documents, provide biometric data, and have a photograph taken for the residence permit card.
The application for residency is processed within 21–30 days, and residence permit cards are prepared within 7 days. Cards are sent to the investor’s address.
Why do investors turn to Immigrant Invest?
Immigrant Invest has been helping foreigners obtain temporary and permanent residence permits, as well as citizenship by investment, since 2006.
Our lawyers are well versed in the immigration laws of the countries we work with. Our Anti-Money Laundering Department conducts preliminary Due Diligence checks, reducing refusal risks to 1%.
By choosing Immigrant Invest, investors partner with a professional and experienced team.
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Golden Visa and Immigrant Invest stay with you
While obtaining and maintaining a residence permit, various everyday tasks may arise, 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.
Residence permit renewal
We assist in gathering documents, ensuring compliance with renewal criteria, and submitting the extension application to the immigration service.
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.
Obtaining permanent residence
We assist in document preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence to the immigration service.
Other services
We help to obtain tax numbers and tax certificates, change driver licence, select and purchase real estate, and incorporate companies.
Alternative residency options in Hungary
White Card is a residence permit granted to remote employees of companies registered outside Hungary. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- earn at least €3,000 per month for the last 6 months;
- have at least €10,000 in savings;
- rent real estate for a year;
- buy health insurance.
Digital nomads receive residence permits for one year with an option to extend it once for the same period. After two years, the foreigner must leave Hungary but can apply for the White Card again.
The residence permit for digital nomads does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, and family members cannot be included in the application.
Business residence permit. Foreigners can obtain a business residence permit by opening a company in Hungary with a minimum share capital of €7,700. The permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended once for 2 more years. This permit does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.
Family members, including spouses, minor children, and financially dependent parents, are eligible for residence permits one year after the main applicant obtains the status.
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
- Romania
- + 9 countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hungary have a Golden Visa?
Yes, Hungary has a Golden Visa, also known as a Guest Investor Visa. It is offered in exchange for an investment of at least €250,000 in fund units. Another option is a donation of €1,000,000 to a higher education institution.
The visa grants a 10-year temporary residency, with the possibility of renewal for another 10 years.
How much is a Hungarian residence permit?
Under the Golden Visa Program, investors have the following options:
- purchase of fund units valued at €250,000;
- donation €1,000,000 to a member higher education institution of the Foundation for the Management of Assets in the Public Interest.
Can I get residency in Hungary if I buy a house?
No, it is not possible to get a Hungary investment visa by purchasing a house. The country’s government removed this option at the end of 2024.
How can I get a residence permit in Hungary?
Investors can obtain a Hungarian residence permit through the Golden Visa program if they contribute at least €250,000 to the country’s economy.
Those with a monthly income of at least €3,000 and working remotely for companies outside Hungary can qualify for the White Card. Business residence permit might be obtained by entrepreneurs opening a company in Hungary with a minimum share capital of €7,700.
The Golden Visa offers more benefits in terms of validity period and residency conditions compared to the options for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
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, the UK, Japan, and Singapore.
What is the 10-year Golden Visa in Hungary?
The Hungary Golden Visa is a program that allows wealthy foreigners to become Hungarian residents by investment. The qualifying sum is €250,000, contributed to buying investment fund units. Another option is a charitable donation of €1,000,000+. Residency is granted for 10 years and can be extended once for the same period.
What are the benefits of Hungary Golden Visa?
One of the main advantages is the opportunity to live in Hungary, including its capital, Budapest, with the Golden Visa and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
- access to Hungary’s public healthcare and education systems;
- residency for 10 years;
- prospect of obtaining permanent residence and citizenship;
- tax optimisation.
Does Hungary allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Hungary permits dual citizenship. Foreigners who obtain a Hungarian passport do not need to renounce their other passports, provided their home country also allows dual citizenship.
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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