Hungary Will Not Grant Golden Visas for Real Estate Purchases

Brittany Collins

After the launch of the updated Hungary Golden Visa program at the beginning of 2024, investors expected the real estate purchase option to become available. However, the Hungarian government cancelled the option before it was even launched.

According to the initial bill, investors could obtain 10-year residency if they purchased residential real estate in Hungary. To qualify, the property had to cost at least €500,000, with no other requirements set. To maintain residency, investors needed to hold the property for at least 5 years. To extend the status, they had to own property worth €500,000 or more when submitting the application for the extension.

The real estate option was set to launch on January 1, 2025. However, in December 2024, the government completely removed this option from the law.

Experts state that this change aims to prevent possible market distortions from the surge in demand for properties by foreign investors.

Other options available under the Hungary Golden Visa

While direct property purchases are no longer available, the Hungary Golden Visa program still offers two alternative investment routes.

1. Purchase of real estate fund units. This is an indirect property investment route to Hungarian residency. Applicants can qualify by purchasing at least €250,000 worth of units in a real estate investment fund. The chosen fund must be registered in Hungary, approved by the National Bank, and have at least 40% of its assets invested in residential real estate in Hungary.

After 5 years, fund units can be sold to return the investment.

2. Charitable donation. Under this option, applicants contribute a minimum of €1 million to a Hungarian institution of higher learning. The invested money is used to support scientific research or artistic creation.

Latest Hungary Golden Visa statistics

According to recent statistics, by the end of February 2025, Hungary received Guest Investor Visa applications from around 190 investors, with 25 of them already applying for a residence permit. 10 residence permits have been issued, and the remaining RP applications are being processed.

Among applicants are citizens of China, Vietnam, South Africa, India, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and others.