Hungary Guest Investor Programme (Golden Visa)

Applicants must choose one of the approved investment routes:
1. Real Estate Fund Investment 

• Minimum investment: €250,000
• Investment must be in a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National
  Bank

Key condition:

• Funds must remain invested for the required holding period (typically 5+ years)

Direct Real Estate Purchase

• Minimum investment: €500,000

• Must be:
  o Residential property located in Hungary
  o Free of liens and encumbrances
  o Held for at least 5 years

� A legal restriction is placed on the property during this period to prevent resale.

3. Higher Education Donation Route

• Minimum donation: €1,000,000
• Must be contributed to a public trust university in Hungary
• Funds must support:
  o Education
  o Scientific research
  o Artistic creation

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a clean criminal record
• Provide proof of legally sourced funds
• Demonstrate intention to complete one of the approved investments
• Hold valid health insurance
• Apply through Hungarian consular services abroad

Applicants must first obtain a Guest Investor Visa before entering Hungary.

Processing Timeline

Step 1: Guest Investor Visa Application

• 4–8 weeks (consulate processing)

Step 2: Entry into Hungary

• Visa valid for up to 6 months

Step 3: Residence Permit Application

• Must be submitted within 30 days of entry

Step 4: Government Processing

• 2–4 months (standard review period)

Total estimated timeline:
� 3 to 6 months average

Permit Duration & Renewal

• Initial residence permit: up to 10 years
• Renewable upon continued compliance and investment retention

� Renewal depends on:

• Maintaining qualifying investment
• Clean legal status
• Compliance with Hungarian residency rules

Key Benefits

✔ Long-Term EU Residency

• 10-year renewable residence permit
• Includes spouse and dependent children

✔ Schengen Mobility

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area (90/180 rule)

✔ Flexible Residency Requirements

• No strict minimum stay requirement in Hungary

✔ Family Inclusion

• Spouse and children included under one application

✔ Business & Lifestyle Flexibility

• Ability to live, study, or invest in Hungary
• Access to Hungarian healthcare system (with insurance)

Important Clarification

The Guest Investor Programme is often referred to as a “Golden Visa,” but it
is important to understand:

Feature Hungary Guest Investor Programme
Type Investment-based residence
Duration Up to 10 years
Work rights Limited / case-dependent
Citizenship Not direct
Focus Economic investment + residency

Who This Programme Is Best For

✔ Ideal for:

• High-net-worth investors seeking EU residency
• Individuals wanting long-term Schengen access
• Families relocating to Europe
• Passive investors preferring fund-based entry

❌ Not suitable for: 

• Low-capital applicants
• Those seeking fast EU citizenship
• Individuals needing immediate work rights in EU labor markets

Summary

The Hungary Guest Investor Programme offers one of Europe’s longest residence permits through investment, combining long-term stability with
flexible residency conditions.

• Minimum investment: €250,000 (fund route) / €500,000 (property)
• Processing time: 3–6 months
• Residence validity: up to 10 years
• Schengen access included
• Family included
• Investment-driven approval system