🇭🇺 Hungary Guest Investor ProgrammeKey points on investment immigration/golden visas
The Hungary Guest Investor Programme (Guest Investor Programme, GIP) will take effect on July 1, 2024, offering a ten-year residence permit through investment of at least €250,000 in regulated real estate funds or donations to higher education institutions. The previous option of directly purchasing residential property for €500,000 has been canceled as of January 2025. The thresholds and options may be subject to further adjustments, with actual details based on the latest official announcements.
| Type | Residence (guest investor residence/golden visa type) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | Approximately €250,000 (real estate fund pathway; equivalent to approximately US$270,000, depending on the exchange rate). |
| Primary investment methods. | Investment in a real estate fund regulated by the Hungarian Central Bank for €250,000, or a donation of €1,000,000 to a higher education institution. |
| Residency Requirements | Generally, there are no strict minimum residence days, but investment must be maintained and updated as required. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | Generally, after residing for the required period (approximately 8 years) and meeting citizenship criteria, one may apply; it is not automatically granted. |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse and dependent children among family members. |
| Processing Timeline | Varies by case; must first obtain a guest investor visa before applying for residency. |
| Recent Changes | Effective July 2024; the €500,000 direct property purchase option will be canceled starting January 2025. |
Key considerations
- The previous option of direct property purchase has been canceled, with real estate funds and donations now being the primary pathways.
- Fund investments must be made in qualified products regulated by authorities and maintained for a certain period, with market and liquidity risks still present.
- Obtaining a ten-year residence does not equate to acquiring citizenship, as there are additional residency requirements for naturalization.
General process
- Select a regulated real estate fund or donation pathway and prepare the necessary funds.
- Apply for the investor visa and enter Hungary.
- Obtain a residence permit for guest investors after completing the stipulated investment.
- Maintaining investment and residency is required, with subsequent status assessed based on long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one still obtain a golden visa in Hungary through property purchase?
As of January 2025, the option for direct residential purchase at €500,000 has been canceled. The primary pathways now include investing in regulated real estate funds at €250,000 or donating to higher education institutions; please refer to the latest official announcements for accuracy.
How long can a Guest Investor in Hungary apply for citizenship?
Generally, one must legally reside for the required duration (approximately 8 years) and meet language and other naturalization requirements before applying, with no guaranteed timeline; please refer to the latest official announcements.
Official sources：Hungarian National Police Headquarters Immigration Management (Official Information on Guest Investor Residence) · Data Date：2026-06。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.