Hungary Golden Visa

Hungary offers a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking a high-quality living experience and lucrative investment options in the heart of Europe. By applying for the Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit, non-EU investors and their families can secure long-term residency in Hungary and gain access to the Schengen Area. This program provides an exceptional way to benefit from Hungary's central European location, thriving economy, and investment-friendly environment.

Key Advantages

A fast and efficient route to obtaining residence in Europe.

The opportunity to live and work in Hungary, along with visa-free access to all countries within the Schengen Area.

No mandatory minimum stay requirement for residency holders.

Includes the spouse and children under 18 as part of the residency application.

Requirements

Third-country nationals, along with their spouses and children under 18, can apply for the Guest Investor Residence Permit by making one of the following investments:

  1. Investment in a Real Estate Fund:
  • The acquisition of investment certificates from a real estate fund that is registered with the National Bank of Hungary, with a minimum investment of EUR 250,000.

Conditions for this option include:

  • At least 40% of the fund’s net asset value must be invested in residential real estate within Hungary. Though the fund may also invest in commercial real estate, the focus on Hungarian residential properties is a must.
  • The investment certificate must be held for a minimum of five years.
  • Only fund managers who possess a valid financial license and comply with the investment guidelines specified in the fund’s management policy are authorized to manage these funds.
  • To engage with guest investor visas, fund managers must either hold a site security certificate or be registered with the Constitution Protection Office.
  1. Donation to a Hungarian Public Trust:
  • A monetary donation of no less than EUR 1 million must be made to an institution of higher education operated by a public trust, provided the institution performs public functions.

Additional conditions:

  • Applicants must not be flagged in the Schengen Information System (SIS) or have any records of expulsions or bans on entry/stay.
  • Applicants must not pose a risk to public order, national security, or safety. Hungary’s law enforcement and national security services will be consulted during the application process.

 

Procedure

Initial Steps:

  • Secure a Guest Investor Visa and express the intention to pursue an approved investment option.
  • Investment finalization is not required at this stage in the application process.
  • Travel & Investment Completion:
    • After receiving the Guest Investor Visa, the applicant must travel to Hungary and complete the investment within three months.
  • Application Submission:
    • Submit the application for the Guest Investor Residence Permit to the immigration authorities or through the Enter Hungary electronic platform within 93 days of arriving in Hungary.
    • Include proof of the investment with the application.
  • Residence Permit Granting:
    • Once the conditions are met, no additional visits to Hungary will be required for the permit.
    • Both the applicant and their qualifying spouse and children will receive a long-term residence permit.
      • Initially valid for 10 years.
      • Renewable for another 10 years, provided the investment is maintained.

Acquiring Hungarian Citizenship after the Guest Investor Residence Permit

To be eligible for permanent residence in Hungary, a guest investor must reside legally in the country for a period of three years before applying. Starting from January 1, 2025, applicants will also be required to pass a cultural written exam in Hungarian as part of the process.

The route to citizenship typically follows after obtaining permanent residence, which usually takes a minimum of eight years of residency in Hungary. However, exceptions are made for Hungarian minor children and spouses. It remains mandatory to pass the Hungarian cultural exam, regardless of these exceptions.

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