Only one of these is open to new applicants. Hungary runs a current investor residency route. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applications in 2023. We publish this so the position is clear.
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.
Hungary operates the Guest Investor Programme, a residence route run by the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing with funds registered by the National Bank of Hungary. Ireland operated the Immigrant Investor Programme through its Immigration Service Delivery, part of the Department of Justice, but it was closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. So today this is an open route on one side and a closed route on the other. The table sets out the position.
The Irish government agreed to close the Immigrant Investor Programme to further applications from 15 February 2023. From that date new applications are not accepted and will be refused. Applications already on hand at the time of closure continue to be considered, and people already approved are not affected. Anyone reading older pages that quote an investment figure and a timeline for the Irish route should treat that material as out of date for new applicants. Confirm the current position with Immigration Service Delivery.
Hungary asks for at least 250,000 euros into approved certificates of a registered real estate fund, held for at least five years, or a public trust donation of 1,000,000 euros. An earlier property option was removed in January 2025. Research indicates the permit runs for ten years and is renewable for a further ten, with processing often quoted at around four to six months and no strict minimum stay. Confirm the current figures and rules with the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing.
If you were considering the Irish investor route, it is closed to new applicants and you should not rely on advisers who still market it as open. If you want a current European Union investor residency route, Hungary is one option among several. A vetted advisor can set out what is actually open today.
| Item | Hungary Guest Investor Programme | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Open | Closed to new applications since 15 February 2023 |
| Outcome | Residency, ten year renewable permit | Was residency, now unavailable to new applicants |
| Indicative entry | From 250,000 euros into an approved fund, or 1,000,000 euros donation | No longer offered to new applicants |
| Official authority | National Directorate General for Aliens Policing | Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. National Directorate General for Aliens Policing publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. The Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications on 15 February 2023. Applications already on hand continue to be considered. Confirm with Immigration Service Delivery.
Research indicates the Guest Investor Programme is open, around an approved fund placement from 250,000 euros or a 1,000,000 euros donation. Confirm the current rules with the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing.
No. The Hungary route is residency. Citizenship would follow only after years of lawful residence under Hungarian rules. Confirm with the authority.
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.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
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