Updated on February 27, 2025
A 10-year residence permit to live in the centre of Europe and travel across the Schengen Area visa-free
The Hungary Golden Visa program allows foreigners to obtain residency by making qualifying investments starting from €250,000. There are two options: investment in fund units and donation to a higher learning institution.
The initial temporary residency is granted for 10 years. Then, it can be renewed for another 10 years.
Applicants must be non-EU citizens, possess a clean criminal record, and prove the legality of their income.
The Hungary residency program is attractive to investors seeking residency in a stable and prosperous EU country.
€250,000
Minimum investment
5+ months
Processing time
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.
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After three years, a temporary residence permit can lead to permanent residency. In another eight years, the investor can apply for citizenship.
After three years, a temporary residence permit can lead to permanent residency. In another eight years, the investor can apply for citizenship.
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
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 process of acquiring the Hungary Golden Visa takes at least 5 months. Investors first obtain the Guest Investor Visa, which is issued for up to 6 months and allows entry into Hungary to apply for a residence permit.
01.
Prepare and notarise necessary papers with the help of lawyers. This includes gathering personal identification documents, financial records, and any other required paperwork.
02.
Apply for a Guest Investor Visa, valid for up to 6 months. This visa allows you to stay in Hungary while fulfilling investment requirements and applying for a residence permit.
This step can be skipped if you qualify for visa-free entry to Hungary.
03.
Enter Hungary and submit your application for a residence permit in person to the relevant immigration authority or online. If applying online, you must do so from within Hungary.
04.
Purchase investment fund units or donate to a higher education institution. This step must be done not later than 93 days after the first entry into Hungary with the Guest Investor Visa.
05.
Provide biometrics, which is mandatory for identity verification, and receive the residence permit card by mail.
The application is considered within up to 30 days. The residence permit card is issued within an additional 7 days.
06.
Extend the residence permit for another 10 years by proving that the investment has been maintained.
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 Golden Visa can lead to both permanent residency and citizenship.
Permanent residency. You can apply for permanent residency after 3 years of continuous residence in Hungary. During this time, you cannot leave Hungary for more than 4 consecutive months and can spend no more than 270 days in total outside the country. The application process includes an interview and thorough background checks.
Citizenship. To qualify, you must hold permanent residency for eight years. To maintain permanent status, you must spend more than 180 days a year in Hungary and cannot leave for more than 6 consecutive months. The application process requires proving integration into Hungarian society, demonstrating proficiency in the Hungarian language, and passing the Hungarian culture and laws exam.
Permanent residency and citizenship grant you the right to live and work in Hungary indefinitely without the need for renewal. As a Hungarian national, you gain the ability to live and work in all EU states and travel freely to 171 countries worldwide.
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.