Hungary Golden Visa 2026: Residence Permit & Citizenship

What is the Hungary Golden Visa?

The Hungary Golden Visa is an immigration program that provides investors with a 10+10 year residence permit. Hungary relaunched its investment-based residence program, which ended in 2017, as the Guest Investor Program as of 2024. Stay informed about the benefits and latest developments of the program.

  • 10+10 year residence permit
  • Family members included in the program
  • Investment opportunity after visa approval
  • Fast application process (6 months)
  • Work permit and business establishment opportunity
  • Visa-free travel in the Schengen area
  • Right to Hungarian citizenship after 8 years
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Hungary Residence Permit
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Hungary Golden Visa Requirements

Investors wishing to benefit from the Hungary Golden Visa program must fulfill one of the specific investment options recognized by the Hungarian government. Apart from this, the program requirements are as follows:

Who Can Apply?

The investor’s spouse, children under 18, and the main investor’s sibling who needs care due to health conditions can be included in the program. Children over 18 are not included in the program, but since a 10+10 year visa is granted, they can benefit from all these years. In addition, the investor’s parents can join the program if they are financially dependent, but they must also have the financial means to support themselves.

Application Process

How to Get a Hungary Golden Visa?

The Hungary Golden Visa application is completed in an average of 6 months. Our partners provide professional support during the application process to help procedures proceed flawlessly. During the application process, investors are required to show a residential address in the country. Within the scope of this requirement, a service is offered to provide a temporary residential address to individuals in order to facilitate the application process.

Right Consultancy and Strategic Investment Decision

Choose the most suitable lawyer and investment consultant for you from our professional partner network; evaluate all investment options together either face-to-face or online.

Application for Guest Investor Visa

Apply for the guest investor visa by visiting the Hungarian Consulate. As a result of the application, a 3-6 month temporary Hungarian investor visa is issued.

Travel to Hungary and Completion of Investment

It is necessary to travel to Hungary 1 or 2 times. Here, a bank account will be opened, the investment will be completed, and the application process will be carried out.

Residence Permit Application

At this stage, the residence permit application is made and biometric data is collected.

Delivery of Hungary Residence Card

Once your residence permit is approved, your 10-year Hungary residence card is delivered.

Hungary Golden Visa Renewal Process

The residence permit is renewed at the end of 10 years and issued again as a 10-year residence card. If you stay in Hungary for 8 years with permanent residency, you can gain the right to apply for citizenship.

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Hungary Golden Visa Investment Options

For the Hungary Golden Visa residence permit, it is necessary to invest in real estate funds licensed by the Central Bank of Hungary. Currently, there are two fund investment options available, and new alternatives are expected to be added in the future. The investment options are as follows:

Real Estate Fund Investment (€250,000): At least €250,000 must be invested in real estate funds approved by the Central Bank of Hungary. The investment must be kept within the fund for at least 5 years.

Donation to Educational or Cultural Institutions (€1,000,000): A donation of at least €1,000,000 must be made to institutions supporting educational or cultural activities. With this method, a residence permit can be obtained faster, but the donation is non-refundable.

Other Important Points: The fund investment can be sold after 5 years and 1 day have passed. In this case, the 10-year residence permit in Hungary continues. Just about 1 week before the end of the 10th year, you have the chance to extend your residence permit for another 10 years by repeating the €250,000 fund investment.

Hungary Golden Visa Changes

The Hungary Golden Visa program was first launched on January 1, 2013, and terminated on March 31, 2017. Under this program, investors were able to obtain a residence permit by purchasing real estate.

Following the termination of the program in 2017, the Hungarian government launched the new Golden Visa application, the “Guest Investor Program,” on July 1, 2024. This program offers investors a renewable residence permit valid for 10 years and also grants the right to free movement in the Schengen area.

Hungary Golden Visa Costs

Under the Hungary Guest Investor Program, when a real estate fund investment of €250,000 is made, the total cost for an average family of four ranges between approximately €256,000 and €300,000. In addition to the investment amount, this amount includes visa and residence permit application fees, health insurance, translation and notary expenses, and legal consultancy costs.

  • Investment Amount: €250,000
  • Visa Fee (per person): €110
  • Residence Permit Application Fee (per person): €61 – €100
  • Health Insurance (per person, annual): €500 – €1,000
  • Legal and Consultancy Fees: €5,000 – €20,000
  • Translation and Notary Expenses: €500 – €1,000

In line with the items above, the total cost may vary depending on the number of people in the family and the scope of the preferred consultancy service. Please contact our authorized partners to get information on detailed fees and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Hungary Golden Visa (golden visa) continue?

The Hungary Golden Visa continues under the name "Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit".

How is a Hungary residency permit obtained?

Residency permits in Hungary can be obtained through the new golden visa program called the Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit. This program offers the opportunity of residency in Hungary for 20 years through investment.

Does the Hungary Golden Visa grant a work permit?

Yes, the Hungary Golden Visa program provides both residency and work permits. Within the scope of this program, investors and family members can work in Hungary without needing an additional work permit or take on managerial positions in their own companies.

Why did Hungary abolish the residency permit program by buying a house?

Hungary has decided to end the "residency permit by buying a house" program. Under this program, investors could obtain residency by buying a house (real estate) in Hungary. The basis for the abolition decision lies in the increase in housing prices resulting from intense interest from foreign investors, the disruption of the supply-demand balance, and this situation making access to housing difficult for local people. In addition, changes in demographic structure in some regions and the resulting social unrest were also influential in making this decision.

What are the advantages of obtaining a residency permit through investment in Hungary?

Obtaining a residency permit through investment in Hungary offers visa-free travel in the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area. One of the most important advantages of the program is that it provides a 10-year residency permit and this period can be extended for another 10 years. In addition, while residency permit holders have the right to work legally in Hungary, they also have the opportunity to establish their own businesses.

What are the required documents for the Hungary Golden Visa?

Among the documents required for applications within the scope of Hungary's residency permit through investment program are the application form, valid passport, biometric photograph, golden visa investment documents, financial sufficiency documents, health insurance, and marriage certificate.

Is Hungarian citizenship acquired through investment?

Yes, it is possible to obtain Hungarian citizenship through investment; however, this process does not happen directly. To apply for citizenship, you must have resided in the country continuously for at least 8 years.

Which countries can be visited with a Hungary residency permit?

Hungary residency permit holders can travel visa-free to 27 countries in the Schengen area. These countries are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Norway, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary itself. However, since the entry conditions and procedures of each Schengen country may differ, it is important to check the valid residency and visa policies of these countries before traveling.

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