One of these is no longer open. Spain ended its golden visa to new applicants in 2025, while Hungary launched its Guest Investor Programme as a newer residence by investment route. We publish the pair so the contrast 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.
The table below sets the two side by side. The key point is status. Spain no longer accepts new golden visa applications, so the comparison is for context. Hungary is the open route here.
If you were considering Spain, the relevant question now is which open alternative fits your goal, and Hungary is one of several. Verify the current rules of any route before acting.
Spain historically granted residence for a qualifying property investment, commonly cited from 500,000 euros, but that path is closed to new applicants and the figures are no longer actionable.
Hungary centres on a subscription of at least 250,000 euros into a qualifying real estate investment fund, held for a set minimum period, with the fund regulated and overseen by the relevant Hungarian authorities. A direct property purchase option that was discussed earlier has been removed. Confirm the current eligible routes and figures with the authority.
Spain is not a live option for new applicants, so there is no current timeline to quote.
Hungary issues a residence permit with a long validity once the qualifying investment is in place, and requires the investment to be completed within a short window after entry. Treat any stated turnaround as indicative and confirm it.
Both Spain and Hungary are European Union member states, so residence in either gives travel rights within the Schengen area for the residence holder. Neither golden visa nor guest investor permit is itself a passport.
Citizenship in either country would follow separate naturalisation rules over a number of years. Confirm the current naturalisation requirements before planning around them.
Spain is no longer relevant for new applicants. Anyone who held a Spanish golden visa should confirm renewal rules with the Spanish authorities.
Hungary may suit those who want a long validity EU residence permit through a regulated fund investment and accept that it is residence rather than a passport.
| Item | Spain legacy golden visa | Hungary Guest Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025 | Open, launched in 2024 |
| Outcome | Was residence by investment | Residence by investment with long permit validity |
| Main qualifying route | Historically property from 500,000 euros, no longer open | From 250,000 euros in a qualifying real estate investment fund |
| Path to citizenship | Through ordinary naturalisation, confirm current rules | Through ordinary naturalisation, confirm current rules |
| Official authority | Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration | National Directorate General for Aliens Policing |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. National Directorate General for Aliens Policing, Hungary, and the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Spain closed the golden visa to new applicants on 3 April 2025. Existing holders may continue to renew. Confirm your position with the Spanish authorities.
A subscription of at least 250,000 euros into a qualifying real estate investment fund held for a set period. Confirm current routes and figures with the National Directorate General for Aliens Policing.
No. Both are residence routes. Citizenship would follow separate naturalisation rules over years. Confirm the current requirements with each 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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