Updated 13 September 2025
23 January 2025 • The second investment fund was licensed to participate in the Hungary Golden Visa • Source
20 December 2024 • Hungary abolished the real estate option for obtaining a Golden Visa • Source
29 October 2024 • The first investment fund was licensed to participate in the Golden Visa program • Source
11 May 2024 • Hungary reduced the validity of the Guest Investor Visa from two years to six months • Source
1 January 2024 • Hungary launched the Golden Visa • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Garnitsarik Elena Garnitsarik

Hungary Golden Visa

The Hungary Golden Visa allows visa–free travel across the Schengen Area, offers a safe haven, and provides the opportunity to relocate to the European Union.

Hungary Golden Visa

€250,000

Minimum investment

2 options

To choose

5+ months

Obtaining period

10 years

Golden Visa validity

Investors obtain residency in Hungary under the Guest Investor Visa program, also known as the Golden Visa.

Applicants choose one of two options: investing in local real estate funds starting at €250,000 or making a donation to a higher education institution starting at €1,000,000.

With the Golden Visa, living in Hungary is a right, not an obligation for the investor.

Residency is granted immediately for 10 years and can be renewed once for 10 more years.

7 benefits of Hungary residency by investment

Visa-free entry to Schengen countries

Investors with Hungarian residency can travel across the Schengen Area without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180.

Low tax rates

Personal income tax in Hungary is 15%, while corporate tax is 9% — among the lowest rates in Europe.

Opportunity to work and do business in the EU

Investors and their family members can take up employment in Hungary, register a business, and hold the position of director in their own company.

Services of international banks

Foreigners with a Hungary residence permit by investment can open accounts, keep savings, and carry out financial transactions in international banks.

Affordable cost of living

Living in Hungary is about 30% cheaper than in Italy and 10% cheaper than in Spain. A single person needs around €662 per month, while a family of four requires about €2,330, excluding rent.

European education

Children of investors with residency can study in Hungarian schools and universities. Education follows the Bologna system and European standards, while tuition costs are lower than in many other EU countries.

Family inclusion in the application

Alongside the main applicant, a spouse and children up to 17 years old can obtain residency status.

Visa-free travel to 29 European countries

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

View all

Requirements to apply for the Hungary Golden Visa

Over 18 years old
With lawful income
With health insurance
Not a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area

Spouse of the applicant

Up to and including 17 years old

Financially dependent on the investor

Investment options for obtaining a Hungary Golden Visa

Option Purchase of fund units — €250,000+
Details

The investor buys units issued by real estate investment funds licensed by the Central Bank of Hungary. The validity period of the certificate must be at least five years.

In 2025, the licensed funds are the Hungary Real Estate Development and Investment Fund SPRINT and the Granit Asset Management fund.

In addition, the investor must purchase or rent real estate to confirm a registered address in Hungary.

Additional costs

€210+
Government fees

€12,000+ per year
Real estate rental

Option University donation — €1,000,000+
Details

The investment is directed towards supporting education, scientific research, or artistic creativity.

The applicant must also confirm a registered address in Hungary by purchasing or renting real estate.

Additional costs

€210+
Government fees

€12,000+ per year
Real estate rental

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Key documents to apply for a Hungary Golden Visa

  • Copy of international passport
  • Completed guest visa application form
  • Photos
  • Health insurance
  • Statement of intent to invest
  • Proof of investment made
  • Proof of lawful income
  • Bank statement confirming sufficient funds to live in Hungary
  • Marriage and birth certificates if family members are included in the residency application
  • Applicant’s biography

How to obtain Hungary Golden Visa: step-by-step process

1.

Preliminary check

Passportivity conducts a preliminary check of the investor. This helps to identify and reduce the risk of refusal in advance.

If the lawyers notice any “red flags”, they will suggest solutions, for example, submitting additional documents or choosing another program.

2.

Document preparation

Passportivity lawyers provide the investor with a list of documents required for the residence permit application and, if needed, an entry visa. The investor supplies the originals, while the lawyers arrange translations and have copies notarised.

3.

Obtaining an investor guest visa

This visa is required for applicants whose citizenship does not allow visa-free entry to Hungary. The documents are submitted to the Hungarian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. The visa is valid for up to six months.

4.

Arrival in Hungary and submission of residency application

The applicant travels to Hungary to sign investment documents, open a bank account, and file the residence permit application.

The investment must be paid within three months after submitting the residency application.

5.

Obtaining residency 🔥

Once the investment is paid, the authorised body reviews the investor’s documents and makes a decision on the case. The process takes up to 30 days, with an additional week required to issue the residence permit card.

6.

Renewal of residency

Hungarian residence permits can only be renewed from within Hungary via the Enter Hungary online platform. The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the permit expires.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates strictly within the framework of the conditions set out in Act XC on the General Rules for the Residence and Entry of Third–Country Nationals of 2023.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit — guided by experts

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

No. In December 2024, Hungary abolished the option of obtaining a Golden Visa through the purchase of real estate worth €500,000. Today, investors can choose between two options: buying units in investment funds or making a donation to a university.

Until 2023, foreigners could obtain Hungarian residency by purchasing property worth at least €155,000. To maintain the status, they had to live in the country for at least 183 days per year.

The validity period depends on the grounds for residency. Typically, temporary residence cards are issued for 1 to 3 years. Investors, however, receive residency immediately for 10 years.

Residency in Hungary can be obtained by investment in the country’s economy starting at €250,000. Applicants either buy units in investment funds or donate to a higher education institution.

Including additional expenses, a single applicant will spend €267,110+, while a family of four will spend €267,410+.

To qualify for citizenship, foreigners must live in Hungary for three years with temporary residency and then another eight years with permanent residency. They must also pass a citizenship test, which includes knowledge of the language, culture, and laws. Once the application is approved, they take an oath of allegiance.

An investor becomes a tax resident if they live in Hungary for more than 183 days a year or have a centre of vital interests, such as family or business, in the country. Non‑residents pay tax in Hungary only on income earned within the country.

Hungary has a flat personal income tax rate of 15%. Corporate profits are taxed at 9%.

Hungarian citizenship cannot be obtained directly by investment. However, wealthy foreigners may qualify for residency by investing at least €250,000 in the economy. A residence permit is issued for 10 years, with the option of renewal for the same period.

Hungary does not offer permanent residency by investment. Since 2024, however, investors can obtain a residence permit immediately for 10 years. This requires buying units in investment funds or making a charitable donation to a university. The minimum cost starts at €250,000.

In 2024, Hungary launched its Golden Visa. Investors can obtain a 10‑year residence permit, which allows visa‑free travel across the Schengen Area. To qualify, they must invest at least €250,000 in the national economy by buying units in a private investment fund or donating to a university.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Hungary Golden Visa without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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