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Hungary Guest Investor Programme

Hungary offers a long term residence route for investors who place qualifying capital in approved assets. This page sets out how it works and where to confirm the current rules.

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Reference
Official authorityNational Directorate General for Aliens Policing (Orszagos Idegenrendeszeti Foigazgatosag)
ProgrammeHungary Guest Investor Programme
Information current as ofJune 2026

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.

Reviewed by the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 2 May 2026.

Overview

The Guest Investor Programme, often called the Hungary golden visa, opened to applicants in 2024. It grants a guest investor residence permit to people who make a qualifying investment in Hungary.

The permit is reported to be issued for up to ten years and to be renewable. There is no published minimum stay requirement, so it suits investors who want a foothold in the European Union without relocating. Confirm the current validity and conditions with the official authority.

Qualifying routes

Two main routes are reported. The first is a subscription of at least 250,000 euro into a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian regulator, where at least 40 percent of the fund net asset value is held in Hungarian residential property.

The second is a donation of 1,000,000 euro to a designated public trust or higher education institution. The investment is generally expected to be completed within a set number of days after first entry and held for a minimum period. Verify the exact figures and holding period before acting.

Timeline

Applicants first obtain a guest investor visa, enter Hungary and then complete the qualifying investment within the published window before the residence permit is issued. Processing times vary by case. Confirm current timelines with the official authority.

Indicative costs

The headline figures below are indicative. Government charges, due diligence and professional fees are additional and change over time.

What it unlocks

The guest investor residence permit allows the holder to live in Hungary, a member state of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Rights of travel, work and family inclusion depend on the permit terms set by the authority. Confirm what your permit allows before relying on it.

RouteIndicative amountNotes
Real estate fund subscription250,000 euroAt least 40 percent of fund net asset value in Hungarian residential property
Public trust or higher education donation1,000,000 euroReported as not refundable
Government and due diligence feesConfirm the current figure with the official authorityAdditional to the investment

Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. National Directorate General for Aliens Policing (Orszagos Idegenrendeszeti Foigazgatosag) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.

Common questions

Does the Guest Investor Programme lead to citizenship?

It is a residence route. Any path to citizenship would follow Hungary general naturalisation rules, which are separate. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority.

Is there a minimum stay in Hungary?

No published minimum stay has been confirmed for the guest investor permit. Check the current conditions with the official authority before relying on this.

Can I buy a home directly to qualify?

The reported routes are a regulated real estate fund subscription or a donation, not a direct home purchase. Verify the qualifying assets with the official 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.

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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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