Updated on May 29, 2026
A 10-year residence permit to live in the centre of Europe and travel across the Schengen Area visa-free
Hungary's official investor residence route is the Guest Investor Residence Permit, often searched for as the Hungary Golden Visa. It is designed for eligible third-country nationals who meet Hungary's entry and residence conditions and complete a qualifying investment. Current official Hungarian guidance lists two qualifying routes: an investment fund share of at least EUR 250,000 issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank, or a financial donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to an eligible higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission. The permit may be issued for up to 10 years and may be extended once for up to another 10 years if the legal conditions continue to be met.
€250,000
Minimum investment
Timing varies
Process timing
10 years
Validity period
1
Golden Visa holders obtain residence permits in Hungary. The status of a resident allows them to live, work, and study in the country without obtaining additional permits.
Golden Visa holders obtain residence permits in Hungary. The status of a resident allows them to live, work, and study in the country without obtaining additional permits.
2
Investors are not required to live in Hungary for a minimum number of days per year to maintain the status. This offers flexibility for those who travel frequently or have multiple residences.
Investors are not required to live in Hungary for a minimum number of days per year to maintain the status. This offers flexibility for those who travel frequently or have multiple residences.
3
Investors can visit all the Schengen countries without needing a separate visa and stay there for up to 90 days every six months.
Investors can visit all the Schengen countries without needing a separate visa and stay there for up to 90 days every six months.
4
The visa covers the main applicant's spouse, children, and parents. Immediate family members enjoy the same residency benefits without additional applications.
The visa covers the main applicant's spouse, children, and parents. Immediate family members enjoy the same residency benefits without additional applications.
5
With the Golden Visa, investors can run companies, benefiting from Hungary's location and favourable business climate.
With the Golden Visa, investors can run companies, benefiting from Hungary's location and favourable business climate.
6
Hungary has reputable educational institutions and a reliable healthcare system, ensuring quality services for the investor and their family members.
Hungary has reputable educational institutions and a reliable healthcare system, ensuring quality services for the investor and their family members.
7
The permit can support a later long-term residence strategy only if the applicant meets separate residence-card conditions. Hungarian citizenship is a separate naturalisation process with its own residence, language, security and eligibility requirements.
The permit can support a later long-term residence strategy only if the applicant meets separate residence-card conditions. Hungarian citizenship is a separate naturalisation process with its own residence, language, security and eligibility requirements.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Hungary investment program versus other Golden Visas
Over 18
Non-EU and non-EEA citizen
With second citizenship if a US citizen
With a legitimate source of income
Over 18
Including registered partners
With second citizenship if a US citizen
Can be added later after the registration of the marriage
Including children of the investor’s spouse
With second citizenship if US citizens
Unmarried
Studying at a university
Financially dependent on the investor
With second citizenship if US citizens
Financially dependent on the investor or the investor’s spouse
The only allowed income is pension
With second citizenship if US citizens
Eligibility depends on nationality, immigration status, sanctions screening, due diligence, and the selected investment route. Do not rely on a broad no-restrictions rule; fund participation may have route-specific restrictions for some applicants, including US persons.
Foreigners can choose between two options to obtain the Hungary investors visa.
1. Purchase of real estate fund units — €250,000+
A fund must be listed among the qualified market operators maintained by the Constitution Protection Office. At least 40% of the fund's asset value must be invested in residential real estate in Hungary.
2. Donation — €1,000,000+
The institution must be managed by a public interest trust foundation that carries out public duties. The donation is used to support education, scientific research, and artistic or creative activities.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Hungary investment program versus other Golden Visas
The sequence includes document preparation, entry-stage visa or visa-free entry where applicable, residence-permit filing in Hungary, investment proof, biometrics and authority review. Timing depends on the route, applicant facts, document completeness and authority processing.
To obtain Hungary residence by investment, the investor provides the following documents:
a valid international passport;
two 3×4 cm photos taken within the last month;
a CV;
a marriage certificate;
a birth certificate;
a written confirmation of intention to fulfil the investment condition — when applying for a visa;
health insurance or proof of sufficient funds to cover possible medical expenses;
proof of sufficient funds for travelling and living in Hungary;
proof of the legitimacy of the income;
documents proving fulfilment of the investment conditions — when applying for a residence permit;
proof of accommodation in Hungary: a lease or purchase and sale contract.
Aside from the Hungary Golden Visa, there are several alternative pathways for obtaining a residence permit in Hungary. Each option is tailored to different needs and circumstances, making Hungary accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Employment-based residency. Non-EU citizens can obtain a residence permit by securing a job with a Hungarian company. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable Hungarian or EU candidate is available for the position. Once this condition is met, the applicant can apply for a residence permit that allows them to live and work in Hungary.
Study-based residency. Those accepted into a full-time university program can apply for a student residence permit, which is valid for the duration of their studies. This also allows part-time employment within the document’s validity period.
Hungarian university graduates can turn their student permits into other types of permits.
Entrepreneurship and business. Entrepreneurs can obtain a residence permit by opening a company in Hungary. This involves:
creating a viable business plan;
registering the business;
demonstrating the potential for economic contribution.
The minimum authorised capital is €7,700. Successful applicants can gain residency by actively managing their business operations in Hungary.
Digital nomad visa. The Hungary White Card is aimed at digital nomads and remote workers. This permit allows non-EU nationals to live in Hungary while working remotely for a company abroad. Applicants must show proof of remote employment, sufficient financial means of at least €3,000 per month, and valid health insurance.
Family reunification. Individuals with family members who are Hungarian citizens or certain legal residents can apply for a residence permit under the family reunification category. This pathway requires proving the family relationship and demonstrating that the sponsor has adequate financial means to support the applicant.
The Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit does not by itself grant permanent residence or citizenship. Long-term residence and naturalisation are separate legal procedures.
A later long-term residence strategy requires a separate review of the residence-card conditions, physical-presence rules, security checks and other eligibility requirements in force at that time.
If citizenship is later pursued, eligibility and outcome depend on the separate naturalisation rules in force at that time. Citizenship, EU rights and travel access should not be treated as outcomes of the investor permit.
Since its establishment in 2023, MyGoldenVisa has helped 200+ foreigners obtain residency by investment. We guide investors through the entire application process—from an initial consultation to the issuance of residence permits—and continue to support them afterward with additional services.
Investors choose us for the following reasons:
Expertise. Our lawyers have deep expertise in immigration laws and all Golden Visa requirements. They have years of experience in investment immigration.
Risk management. We conduct preliminary checks to identify potential issues and find solutions. This reduces the risk of application denial.
Reliable information. We use trusted sources, track regulatory changes, and provide investors with up-to-date information.
By choosing MyGoldenVisa, investors gain a dedicated partner committed to a smooth residence-by-investment process.
MyGoldenVisa helped me invest in a property fund, and it turned out much easier than I imagined. Today, I enjoy both the financial return and the freedom of European residency — it truly gave me more than I hoped for.
a business consultant
The service was professional and friendly. The Hungary Golden Visa was new when I applied, but MyGoldenVisa’s experts already knew every detail of the law. Their guidance gave me the confidence to proceed without fear of mistakes.
Entrepreneur
I wanted quick Schengen access without overcomplicated rules. Their team explained everything about Hungary’s programme and handled the application flawlessly. I invested €250,000 in a Hungarian property fund. The process was faster than I expected and fully compliant.
a corporate lawyer
Investment amount — €250,000+
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries
Creating of a safe haven or moving to Italy
Special tax regime
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Possibility to live, study, and start a business in Greece
Prospect of citizenship in 7 years
Investment amount — €169,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Ability to live, study, start a business, and work in Malta
New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence
Investment amount — €300,000+
Tax optimisation
Property investment income
Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 8 years
Investment amount — €600,000+
Visa-free entry to France and Spain
Simplified US and Schengen visas processing
Only 3-month residing a year to keep the residence permit
Investment amount — $870,000+
Moving to the USA or creating a safe haven
Opportunity to obtain US citizenship
Opening bank accounts in the USA
Investment amount — AED 2,000,000+
Residency for 10 years
Moving to the UAE or creating a “safe haven”
Tax optimisation
Opening a bank account in the UAE
Investment amount — $400,000+
Visa-free entry to Japan, Singapore, and other 100+ countries
Opportunity to obtain a US E-2 business visa
A safe haven in a warm country by the sea
Investment amount — $200,000+
Investment amount — $230,000+
Investment amount — $240,000+
Investment amount — $235,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, the UK, and China
Eligibility for the US E-2 business visa
No taxes on foreign income, dividends, interest, and royalties in Grenada
Investment amount — $250,000+
Investment amount — $25,500+
Long-term visa to live in Thailand or create a safe haven for up to 15 years
Bonuses and privileges for visa holders
Tax optimisation
Investment amount — $130,000+
Fastest citizenship program in the world
Opportunity to get a 5-year visitor visa to the USA
Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years
Investment amount — €50,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Beneficial terms and tax incentives for businesses
Prospect of citizenship in 10 years