Both are EU residency by investment routes, but Greece is property based while Hungary now centres on a regulated fund certificate.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Both programmes grant residence in an EU and Schengen member state in return for a qualifying investment. Greece is property based with thresholds that vary by location. Hungary relaunched investor residence as the Guest Investor Programme, which now centres on a regulated real estate fund certificate after the direct property purchase option was removed in January 2025.
In Greece the real estate threshold is 800,000 euros in high demand areas, 400,000 euros elsewhere, and 250,000 euros for a commercial to residential conversion or a restored listed property. In Hungary the main route requires at least 250,000 euros in approved investment certificates of a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, and a donation route to a higher education institution also exists.
Government charges and professional fees apply in both. Confirm the current figures with each authority.
Greece issues a five year renewable residence permit. The Hungarian guest investor residence permit is valid for ten years and is renewable. Processing times vary with demand, so confirm before planning.
Neither grants an immediate passport. Both give EU and Schengen residence, with naturalisation later following each country's national law after qualifying residence and other conditions. Confirm the current rules.
Greece suits buyers who want a tangible property and the option of long term rental within the rules. Hungary suits those who prefer a fund certificate and a long ten year permit with low presence requirements.
| Item | Greece Golden Visa | Hungary Guest Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | Real estate 400,000 to 800,000 euros; 250,000 euros for conversion or restoration | Real estate fund certificate from 250,000 euros |
| Main route | Real estate | Regulated real estate fund certificate |
| Direct property option | Yes | Removed January 2025 |
| Permit length | Five years, renewable | Ten years, renewable |
| Authority | Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum | National Directorate General for Aliens Policing |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum; National Directorate General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. The direct property purchase option was removed in January 2025. The main route is now a regulated real estate fund certificate.
The Greek permit runs five years and renews. The Hungarian guest investor permit is valid for ten years and is renewable.
No. Both grant residence first, with naturalisation following national law after qualifying residence.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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