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Hungary Golden VISA
Starts at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
Hungary | starts at €250,000 | EU Visa free
Essential Information
Country: Hungary
Capital: Budapest
Population: 9.6M
Language: Hungarian
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Program Started: 2024
Hungary’s Residency by Investment Programme, also known as the Guest Investor Programme, is the newest addition to Europe’s Golden Visa landscape. Offering a strategic location in Central Europe, Hungary provides a high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and a favourable cost of living.
With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant capital city, and excellent public services, the country is an ideal base for investors seeking Schengen access without mandatory relocation. The programme grants a 10-year residency permit (renewable) and visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
With multiple approved investment options, including a real estate investment fund and a philanthropic donation pathway, Hungary appeals to both commercial investors and impact-driven applicants.
The application process is streamlined, and Hungary’s membership in the EU, NATO, and Schengen Area ensures long-term stability and security for investors and their families.
Hungary’s Clear Route to European Nationality.
Hungary provides a structured path to long-term residency and citizenship. Under the Guest Investor Programme, applicants receive a 10-year residency permit, which is renewable.
After three years of legal residence, investors may apply for permanent residency, provided they maintain their investment and compliance. Citizenship is available after an additional eight years, subject to passing a Hungarian culture and language exam. Dual citizenship is permitted.
Importantly, while physical stay is not required to maintain the residence permit, applicants pursuing citizenship must show genuine integration, including physical presence in Hungary. For long-term EU rights and access to a powerful second passport, Hungary presents a legitimate and flexible route.
Investment Avenues That Open Doors.
Hungary offers two main investment options under the Guest Investor Programme.
The first is a minimum €250,000 investment into a government-approved real estate investment fund. The fund must allocate at least 40% of its value to Hungarian residential property, and the investment must be held for a minimum of 5 years. Fund managers must be licensed and approved by the Hungarian Constitution Protection Office.
The second option is a €1 million donation to a Hungarian public trust that supports education, research, or cultural activities. Applicants must first obtain a Guest Investor Visa, then travel to Hungary to complete identity verification, open an investment account, and submit their residence application.
The investment must be completed within 93 days of application, and approval is issued within 21 business days.
Stay Flexibility & Broad Eligibility Criteria.
Hungary’s Guest Investor Programme is highly flexible. There are no physical stay requirements to maintain the residence permit, provided the applicant retains their investment and address in Hungary.
To be eligible, applicants must be 18+ years, possess a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence. Valid health insurance is mandatory. The programme is open to non-EU nationals, and the application can include a spouse, dependent children, and parents.
While residence can be maintained with minimal in-country presence, those pursuing permanent residence or citizenship must eventually establish a physical presence and integrate culturally.
Europe’s Tax Haven in Disguise: Low Rates, No Pressure to Relocate.
Hungary offers one of Europe’s most attractive tax environments for investors. Individuals are only considered tax residents if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country or declare Hungary as their primary residence.
For non-residents, foreign income is not taxed. For those who become residents, Hungary has a flat personal income tax rate of 15%—among the lowest in the EU—and a corporate tax rate of just 9%. There is no wealth tax and no inheritance tax on close family transfers.
Hungary also has double taxation agreements with over 80 countries. This framework allows for flexible tax planning depending on the investor’s goals. Whether maintaining global tax residency or relocating for long-term EU access, Hungary’s tax system offers efficiency and predictability.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Hungary Residency by Investment Program?
The Hungary Guest Investor Programme typically takes around 4 months. After initial onboarding, applicants apply for a Guest Investor Visa (Type D), visit Hungary to complete identity verification, open accounts, and finalize investment. Approval is issued within 21 business days of fulfilling investment obligations.
Can I retain Hungary residency while keeping my current passport?
Yes. Hungary grants residency, not citizenship by default. This means you keep your existing nationality without any conflict. Dual citizenship considerations only apply if you pursue Hungarian nationality after naturalisation.
Legal Basis for Hungary Residency by Investment:
The programme is backed by Act II of 2007 on the Entry and Stay of Third-Country Nationals, with specific provisions introduced under the 2024 Guest Investor Visa Decree, outlining eligibility and investment thresholds for third-country investors.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with a Hungary residency permit?
With a Hungarian residency permit, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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