Hungary Golden Visa

At the beginning of 2024, the new Hungary golden visa program was announced. The Guest Investor Residence Permit, as the government named it, is a long-term residence permit with a validity of 10 years. The real estate acquisition option was abolished starting January 2025.

Below, our Hungarian lawyers explain how the new program works and how foreign citizens can obtain residency by investment. We are also at your service with other solutions related to immigration to Hungary.

A new Hungary investment visa scheme for non-EU applicants

Like other European countries, the Hungary golden visa addressed non-EU citizens who want to relocate to European Union. For this purpose, applicants must meet a series of requirements. Compared to the old residency by investment scheme, the revamped program comes with additional options for those seeking to relocate here.

What is important to stress about this new type of visa is that it is not a direct Hungary citizenship by investment program. This means that Hungarian citizenship is available through naturalization only for those interested in this option.

The conditions of the new Hungary investment visa in 2026

People who want to apply for a golden visa in Hungary have the following investment options:

• a minimum of EUR 250,000 in real estate investment funds;
• at least EUR 1 million as a donation in a public trust.

Each type of investment comes with additional requirements, such as:

• the first one must be maintained for at least 5 years and is refundable;
• the second one, the donation, is a one-off payment;
• the donation is non-refundable.

Against any of these investments, an applicant becomes eligible for Hungary residency by investment for 10 years with the possibility of renewal.

Our law firm in Hungary can assist you in choosing a suitable option out of the 2.

Residency by investment through investment fund

Acquiring units in real estate investment funds is one of the main ways to acquire a Hungarian golden visa in 2026. For this purpose, the applicant must obtain a certificate from the distributor of the investment fund share of EUR 250, 000. The certificate must be issued under the applicant’s name, or under the real estate fund manager registered with the Hungarian National Bank. The certificate must be issued for a minimum period of 5 years.

Another condition is for a minimum of 40% of the investments to be in residential real estate in Hungary, and the manager of the fund must have a site security certificate or be listed in the register under the 2016 Act XXX on Defence and Security Procurement.

Please note that this option also implies the payment of various fees, which is why we recommend asking our lawyers in Hungary for complete information.

Document requirements for the Hungary golden visa

The list of documents when applying for the Hungary investment visa should include:

• a valid passport;
• proof of financial sustainability;
• proof of investment;
• valid health insurance;
• no criminal record.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they can make the desired investment within 3 months from filing their documents. We remind you that this program does not automatically grant Hungary citizenship by investment, especially since candidates are not required to live here.

Possibility to immigrate to Hungary with the family

Applicants may add their spouse and any children under the age of 18 under Hungary’s Golden Visa scheme. Older children may also be accepted, provided they can demonstrate:

• they depend on the main applicant;
• they are single;
• they are enrolled in school.

 Parents older than 65 may also be included on the same application. The main advantage is that no documentation of dependency is required. However, there will be additional charges for additional dependents.

Even if the program is not suitable for Hungary citizenship by investment, the fact that it enables a 10-year residence permit is quite advantageous compared to other European countries. Feel free to address our lawyers in Hungary for additional information.

Why choose the Guest Investor Residence Permit for Hungary?

There are various reasons for choosing the Hungary golden visa, among them:

• easy and quick access to European residency;
• a 10-year residence permit that can be renewed once for another 10 years;
• possibility to travel inside the EU Schengen area without a visa;
• no Hungarian tax on foreign income for holders who do not become Hungarian tax residents;
• freedom to live in Hungary.

Applications are handled by the National Directorate General for Aliens.

Permanent residency and citizenship through the Hungarian Golden Visa

After 3 years of residency, one can gain permanent residence in Hungary. The investor must stay in the nation for at least 183 days in order to be eligible.  Although the ID card should be renewed every 5 years, permanent residence is provided for life.
After 8 years of permanent residency in Hungary, the foreigner may petition for citizenship. The applicant must not leave the country for more than 45 days annually during this time in order to be eligible. They also need to pass tests on the history of the country and the Hungarian language.

Clients interested in the Golden Visa scheme can rely on our Hungarian lawyers for support with the post-immigration procedures.

Feel free to contact us for information on the golden visa and further access to Hungary citizenship by investment.