Hungary Golden Visa
EU Residency by Investment in 10 Years
Guest Investor Programme · Source-of-Funds Focused
Independent, buy-side advisory backed by 4,600+ families guided.
Why does smart capital choose
the Hungary Golden Visa in 2026
This comparison shows how the Hungary Golden Visa in 2026 sits against the residency-by-investment programmes offered by Portugal and Greece.
What is the Hungary Golden Visa
This is what to consider before committing.
- The Hungary Golden Visa, officially the Guest Investor Programme, grants long-term EU residence to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment.
- The qualifying route is a €250,000 investment into a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, held for at least five years.
- The residence permit is valid for 10 years and renewable once for a further 10.
- There is no minimum stay requirement to hold the permit.
- Family is included: spouse, minor children, and financially dependent parents.
What has recently changed in the programme
Because the programme is new and has already changed, we track every legislative update. This is the single most common area where outdated advice appears online.
What are eligible investment options
for the Hungary Golden Visa
Regulated Real Estate Fund
Invest €250,000 in an investment fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, where at least 40% of assets are Hungarian residential real estate and the fund appears on the qualified-operators list. Held for a minimum of five years. The qualifying route for the Guest Investor Programme.
Explore the Fund RouteThe programme also allows a €1,000,000 donation to a public-interest higher education institution. It is non-refundable and rarely chosen. We advise on the fund route.
How does the timeline
to residency unfold
We synchronise your legal and investment workstreams to eliminate dead time. Timeframes are indicative and depend on the client.
You begin with your advisor and independent Hungarian counsel. Source-of-funds preparation starts immediately, since it is the application’s main risk.
Counsel prepares and submits the Guest Investor Visa application. This D visa allows entry to complete the investment.
window opens
On first entry you have a strict window to complete the €250,000 fund investment. We coordinate banking, transfer, and subscription so nothing slips.
permit application
With the investment confirmed, counsel files the guest investor residence permit application.
The residence permit is issued, valid for 10 years and renewable once for a further 10.
residence eligibility
After three years of actual residence (183 days per year), you may become eligible for permanent residence. Citizenship eligibility follows after eight years.
You begin with your advisor and independent Hungarian counsel. Source-of-funds preparation starts immediately, since it is the application’s main risk.
Counsel prepares and submits the Guest Investor Visa application. This D visa allows entry to complete the investment.
window opens
On first entry you have a strict window to complete the €250,000 fund investment. We coordinate banking, transfer, and subscription so nothing slips.
permit application
With the investment confirmed, counsel files the guest investor residence permit application.
The residence permit is issued, valid for 10 years and renewable once for a further 10.
residence eligibility
After three years of actual residence (183 days per year), you may become eligible for permanent residence. Citizenship eligibility follows after eight years.
What are applicants’
prerequisites
Spouse. Legally married or in a registered partnership with the main applicant.
Minor children. Biological or adopted, under 18.
Dependent parents. Financially dependent parents of the applicant or spouse.
What is the source-of-funds requirement
The single most common reason guest investor applications stall is source of funds. Proving the lawful origin of your €250,000 to Hungarian and EU standards is where cases succeed or fail. Most agencies address it late. We build this file first.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lawful origin | You must document where the invested capital came from, traced to a legitimate source. |
| Documentary trail | Bank statements, sale contracts, employment or business income, inheritance or gift records, as applicable. |
| Complex cases | Sponsor, gift, or multi-source funds need a structured evidence plan built early, not at filing. |
| EU compliance | The evidence must satisfy both Hungarian authorities and EU anti-money-laundering standards. |
| Timing | We build and stress-test this file before any application is submitted, to pre-empt questions. |
What are the mandatory fees
Capital is at risk. The investment is returned subject to fund performance, not guaranteed.
What additional costs must be budgeted for
legal, and administrative costs.
Why commit to the Hungary
Golden Visa programme
Long EU residence
A 10-year permit, renewable once for a further 10.
No minimum stay
No physical presence required to hold the permit.
Family included
Spouse, minor children, and financially dependent parents.
Fast processing
Weeks, not years, to the Guest Investor Visa.
Regulated investment
A €250,000 fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank.
Schengen access
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area during the permit’s validity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Guest Investor Programme is active. The route is a €250,000 investment in a regulated real estate fund.
No. The direct real estate purchase route was terminated on 15 January 2025. Competitor sites that still list it are out of date.
No. There is no minimum stay requirement to hold the residence permit. Permanent residence later requires actual residence of 183 days per year.
Yes. Spouse, minor children, and financially dependent parents.
The Guest Investor Visa is issued in weeks. The full residence permit follows once the investment is completed within the required window after entry.
Source of funds. Proving lawful origin of your capital is where applications stall. We build this file first.
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