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Hungary | EU Golden VISA
Secure residency in Hungary with expert-led guidance
Starts at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
hungary | Starts at €250,000 | EU Visa Free
Essential Information
Country: Hungary
Capital: Budapest
Population: 9.6M
Language: Hungarian
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
VISA Free Access: EU VISA Free
Program Started: 2024
Program Overview
Hungary’s brand-new Guest Investor Programme (2024) offers a 10-year EU residency permit through two flexible investment options.
Centrally located in Europe, Hungary is part of the EU and Schengen Zone, giving you visa-free access across 27 countries.
With no minimum stay requirement and fast processing, it’s ideal for global investors seeking an efficient, long-term EU base without relocation. Spouses, children, and parents can be included.
Investment & Pricing Options
Applicants can choose one of the following government-approved investment routes:
€250,000 Real Estate Investment Fund: Invest into a regulated Hungarian fund that allocates 40%+ to residential property. Must be held for 5 years.
€1,000,000 Donation: Contribute to an accredited Hungarian public trust supporting education or culture.
Additional costs: legal fees, due diligence, and health insurance. Investments must be completed within 93 days of your application, with approval issued within 21 business days.
Eligibility & Dependents
To qualify, applicants must:
Be 18+ with a clean criminal record
Pass Hungarian government due diligence
Hold valid health insurance
Provide proof of accommodation in Hungary
You can include your spouse, dependent children, and parents in the application. There are no language, education, or relocation requirements to maintain residency. However, citizenship requires physical presence.
Application Timeline & Process
The Hungary process is efficient and split into five steps:
Onboarding & Document Collection – 1 day
Guest Investor Visa Application – 1–2 weeks
Travel to Hungary for Identity Verification
Complete Investment Within 93 Days
Residency Permit Issued in 21 Business Days
A renewable 10-year residence permit is granted.
Free From Borders handles the full process — from onboarding to investment to approval.
Why choose Hungary?
10-Year EU Residency with no renewal stress
Visa-Free Schengen Access
No Stay Requirement to keep the permit
Low Tax Environment – 15% flat income tax, 9% corporate tax
Includes Family Members
Path to Citizenship after 8 years with physical residence
Hungary is a stable, high-growth EU country offering excellent value and flexibility for investors who want EU access without lifestyle disruption.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Hungary Residency by Investment Program?
The Hungary Guest Investor Programme typically takes around 4 months. After initial onboarding, applicants apply for a Guest Investor Visa (Type D), visit Hungary to complete identity verification, open accounts, and finalize investment. Approval is issued within 21 business days of fulfilling investment obligations.
Can I retain Hungary residency while keeping my current passport?
Yes. Hungary grants residency, not citizenship by default. This means you keep your existing nationality without any conflict. Dual citizenship considerations only apply if you pursue Hungarian nationality after naturalisation.
Legal Basis for Hungary Residency by Investment:
The programme is backed by Act II of 2007 on the Entry and Stay of Third-Country Nationals, with specific provisions introduced under the 2024 Guest Investor Visa Decree, outlining eligibility and investment thresholds for third-country investors.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with a Hungary residency permit?
With a Hungarian residency permit, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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