Golden visa in Hungary by property investment

What is a golden visa in Hungary?

The golden residency programme was launched in Hungary in 2024. It is available to citizens of non-EU and EEA member states. Participants have several options:

• invest in property funds from €250,000;
• buying residential real estate valued from €500,000 (available from 1 January 2025);
• donate to a higher education institution over €1 million.

The visa has a duration of 10 years, with the option for a single renewal for the same period period. Upon completing 3 years of residence, investors who lived at least 183 days per year in the state can apply for permanent residency. This form of residency is indefinite, though holders must renew it every 5 years.

Residents can apply for a passport after 8 years having lived in country. The main conditions for citizenship are:

• stay outside the country for no more than 45 days per year;
• pass a Hungarian language and history test.

Residents can shorten the required period to obtain a passport if they were born in the country (5 years), are married or parents of a Hungarian citizen (3 years), or have Hungarian ancestors (immediately after applying for a residence permit).

Hungary golden visa conditions

The main applicant needs to meet several criteria to participate in the programme:

• 18 years of age and older;
• no criminal record;
• citizenship in a non-EU or EEA country;
• income from a legal source;
• medical insurance.

The status can also extend to the investor's spouse, their minor children, and parents who are financially dependent on them.

Documents required to obtain a golden visa in Hungary

The participant in the program must initially secure a visitor visa to enter the country for fulfilling investment conditions and applying for a residency. The next papers are necessary:

• a completed application form;
• written confirmation of the intention to fulfil the conditions of the programme;
• passport issued at least 1 year ago;
• 2 photos 3x4, taken at least 1 month ago;
• health insurance;
• documents confirming the availability of a legal source of income;
• bank account statement;
• CV.

For long-term residency, you will also need documents confirming the fulfilment of the programme conditions. This can be a property purchase agreement, a share certificate or a donation certificate from a university.