Short answer: On 4 November 2026 the Hungarian government published a bill abolishing the Hungary Golden Visa (the Guest Investor Program). If the bill passes, no new applications will be accepted from 1 January 2027. Applications submitted by 31 December 2026 with the administrative fee paid will be decided under the current rules. Anyone who wants to use the programme needs to apply before that date.
This article explains what the bill changes, how people at different stages are affected, the steps to meet the 31 December deadline and the alternatives if the programme closes. For the full programme requirements: Hungary Golden Visa guide.
What Is Changing in the Hungary Golden Visa?
Hungary launched the Guest Investor Program on 1 July 2024. It grants a 10-year residence permit for an investment of at least €250,000 in a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, or a donation of at least €1,000,000 to a higher education institution. The direct home purchase route was removed on 30 December 2024.
The bill published on 4 November 2026 would remove the programme from Hungary’s immigration law altogether. Its main provisions are:
- No new guest investor visa or residence permit applications will be accepted from 1 January 2027.
- Applications submitted by 31 December 2026 with the administrative fee paid by that date (new visas, new permits and extensions) will be decided under the current rules.
- Investors who received a guest investor visa before 1 January 2027 can still apply for a residence permit after the closure.
- Existing residence permits stay valid until they expire but cannot be extended.
- Family members’ permits will be capped at 10 years; the investor and family can work for the life of the permit.
- The permit can be withdrawn if the qualifying investment ceases to exist.
The bill has not been passed yet; the text may change during the parliamentary process.
Who Is Affected and How?
If the bill passes, the impact depends on your current stage:
| Your situation | What happens under the bill? |
|---|---|
| I have not applied yet | If you apply for the visa and pay the fee by 31 December 2026, you are assessed under the current rules. No applications are accepted after 1 January 2027. |
| I applied for the visa and paid the fee | Your application is decided under the current rules. |
| I have a guest investor visa | If your visa was issued before 1 January 2027, you can still apply for a residence permit after the closure. |
| I have a residence permit | Your permit stays valid until it expires and your right to work continues, but it cannot be extended. |
| My family has permits | Family members’ permits are capped at 10 years and cannot be extended afterwards. |
Can You Still Meet the 31 December 2026 Deadline?
Yes, but time is short. Under the bill, what matters is that the application is submitted and the administrative fee is paid before 31 December 2026. The steps are:
- Get an assessment now: check your eligibility, family members and documents showing the lawful source of funds.
- Choose the fund or donation route: the €250,000 real estate fund is the most common route; fund units are held for at least 5 years.
- Complete your documents: passport, police record, source-of-funds documents and family documents must be apostilled and translated.
- Apply for the guest investor visa and pay the fee: the application is made at a Hungarian consulate; the visa fee is €110 per person.
- Complete the investment and residence application: after the visa is issued, a Hungarian bank account is opened, the investment is made and the residence permit application is filed.
Consular appointments may fill up towards the end of the year, so aim to have your documents ready by mid-December.
What to Know Before Deciding
- No extensions: under the bill, a 10-year permit issued today cannot be renewed when it expires. Factor this into long-term plans.
- Investment locked for 5 years: fund units must be held for at least 5 years.
- No citizenship route: Hungary has no citizenship by investment. The general rule for citizenship is 8 years of continuous residence.
- The bill may change: dates or transitional rules may change in parliament. Check the latest status when planning your application.
Alternatives If Hungary Closes
Main options for investors seeking EU residence who cannot meet the Hungary deadline:
| Country | Minimum investment | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | From €250,000 | 5-year residence through real estate; no minimum stay |
| Bulgaria | €511,292 | Direct permanent residence through a fund |
| Portugal | €500,000 | Residence through a fund; average stay of 7 days per year |
| Latvia | From €50,000 | Residence through company capital |
| Italy | From €250,000 | Investor visa through a startup, company or donation |
| Dubai | AED 2 million | 10-year residence through real estate (outside the EU) |
For a comparison of all programmes: Golden Visa countries.
The main advantage of the Hungarian programme was EU residence for a relatively low €250,000 through a real estate fund. For a similar budget with real estate, Greece is the closest option today. If you want a permanent solution to Schengen visa problems: a permanent solution to Schengen visa problems.
Sources
- IMI Daily – Hungary Proposes to Abolish Its Golden Visa Program from 2027 (6 November 2026)
- Expat Orbit Budapest – Hungary plans to close its guest investor programme (9 November 2026)
- Flott Invest – Hungary Golden Visa: Guest Investor Program requirements
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. We are following the bill and will update this article when anything changes.
Plan now to meet the 31 December deadline
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