The Hungary Golden Visa – Are You Eligible? Your Questions Answered

Hungary introduced the Golden Visa, officially known as the Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit, to stimulate the national economy by attracting foreign capital. Through this programme, third-country nationals can obtain Hungarian residence permits in return for making qualifying investments. The scheme is built on legislative amendments and new government decrees, with its foundation set out in legislation T/6079/12. The Guest Investor Residence Permit gives residence to investors and includes family members.

The Hungary Golden Visa is open to third-country nationals, non-EU citizens, who are able to make the qualifying investment in Hungary. Applicants must meet standard eligibility criteria, and certain individuals may be restricted if they are subject to international sanctions, have a criminal record, or are otherwise deemed inadmissible under Hungarian immigration law.

No, the Hungary Golden Visa is open to all third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) including Russian nationals currently residing in Russia, dual citizens, and Russians holding a residence permit in another EU Member State.

The Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit is issued to investors and their family members for an initial duration of 10 years. After this period, it can be renewed once for an additional 10 years. This pathway serves as the foundation for obtaining permanent residency and, eventually, Hungarian citizenship.

No, there are no minimum stay requirements to receive or maintain the Hungary Golden Visa. At the same time, you and your family members included in your application have the right to relocate to Hungary and spend an unlimited amount of time there.

Applicants who reside in Hungary for three continuous years may qualify for permanent residency, while those pursuing Hungarian citizenship must spend most of their time in the country over an eight-year period.

The Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit covers the following family members:

• The main applicant
• Married spouse
• Biological, adopted, or foster children under 18 years old
• Minor children under 18 over whom the applicant or spouse has parental authority
• Economically dependent parents of the investor or spouse
• Siblings of the investor or spouse who are unable to support themselves due to ill health

Important notes:

Children must be under 18 at the time of applying for the travel visa to Hungary.

Once issued, the residence permit remains valid even if children turn 18. It is not required to show economic dependency on the main applicant.

Grandparents are not eligible under the programme.

Applicants have two main options to qualify for the Hungary Golden Visa:

1. Real Estate Investment Fund (€250,000 minimum)

Investors can contribute at least €250,000 to a Hungarian real estate investment fund regulated by the Hungarian National Bank. By law, at least 40% of the fund must be invested in residential real estate in Hungary, while the remaining 60% can be allocated to other types of real estate. These funds are professionally managed by licensed fund managers and are strictly supervised to ensure compliance with investment policies.

Key points:

• Investors retain ownership of the capital; it is invested, not spent.
• The fund may pay annual dividends depending on performance.
• Investors can divest after five years, though the investment must be maintained at the time of permit renewal should the investor wish to extend the residence permit for another 10 years.
• The primary goal of this investment is to obtain the Golden Visa rather than maximise financial return.

2. Financial Donation (€1,000,000)

Alternatively, applicants may choose to make a €1,000,000 donation to a higher education institution run by a Hungarian public trust foundation. Unlike the fund investment, this donation is non-refundable.

Both pathways provide a legal route to Hungarian residency under the Golden Visa programme, allowing applicants and their families to benefit from long-term residence and freedom of movement within the Schengen.

No. Eligibility for the Hungary Golden Visa is based entirely on the qualifying investment. Applicants and their family members do not need to demonstrate language proficiency or have any specific educational qualifications.

Long-term validity

The Hungary Golden Visa is initially valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years without requiring further investment.

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

Investors and their family members enjoy visa-free travel across all Schengen countries for 90 days out of 180 days.

No minimum stay requirements

There is no obligation to reside in Hungary.

Free public education for children

Children included in the application can attend Hungary’s public primary and secondary schools free of charge.

Limited tax obligations

Golden Visa holders are only subject to Hungarian taxation if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country. Existing double taxation treaties remain in effect.

Investment flexibility

Even if you sell your qualifying investment after five years, your residence permit remains valid for the full 10-year period.

Freedom to work or start a business

Hungary Golden Visa holders may establish businesses or take leadership roles in revenue-generating ventures, but there is no requirement to do so.

Preliminary government approval before investment

Authorities review and approve your application before any funds are invested, reducing financial risk compared with programmes that require payment upfront.

Depending on the chosen investment fund or securities broker, the main applicant may need to travel to Hungary once or twice in total. Some brokers offer remote account opening without requiring a physical visit, which may have slightly higher fees but can save on travel costs. All members of the application are required to visit Hungary in order to submit their biometric data.