Hungary Golden Visa Program (Guest Investor Residency Permit)
As Ketenci & Ketenci Law Firm, we have many years of experience in citizenship and residence programs through investment worldwide. As a first in Türkiye, we are pleased to offer advisory services to investors regarding the Hungary Golden Visa Program. To date, in addition to Hungary, we have provided consultancy services to hundreds of clients and their families in obtaining residence and citizenship in many EU countries, including Portugal, Malta, Ireland, and Greece.
Language
Hungarian
Currency
Hungarian Forint
Total Area
93.026 km²
Capital
Budapest
Government
Democracy
Population
9.71 million
Program Overview
The Hungarian Parliament has finalized the long-awaited immigration regulations and introduced the innovative Golden Visa program, officially named the Guest Investor Residence Permit. Having joined the European Union in 2004, Hungary has become an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking to live within the EU. Through this new program, Hungary offers an exciting opportunity for prospective applicants by providing comprehensive investment options, family reunification advantages, and long-term residence rights, creating a compelling pathway to EU residency.
Investment Options
To qualify for the Guest Investor Residency Permit, investments should align with Hungary's economic interests. Investors can proceed with one of the investment options below:
o Fund Investment: Investing a minimum of EUR 250,000 in real estate investment fund shares, registered by the National Bank of Hungary.
o Donation: Donating a minimum of EUR 1,000,000 to a public trust-managed higher education institution for educational, scientific, or artistic development.
Family Inclusion in the Hungarian Golden Visa Program
The program allows the inclusion of the investor’s spouse and children under the age of 18. Unmarried children over the age of 18 who are financially dependent, as well as the investor’s parents, may also be included in the application.
Program Details
Validity Period
The residence permit granted under the Hungary residence-by-investment program is valid for 10 years and may be renewed for an additional 10-year period, provided that the relevant conditions are met. Subject to the continuation of the qualifying investment, it is possible to apply for permanent residence after 5 years; following this stage, exit from the investment may also be possible, provided that the applicable legal and practical conditions are fulfilled.
Application Process
Investors begin the process by obtaining a Guest Investor Visa, which allows entry into Hungary and initiation of the residence application. This visa is issued as a single-entry visa with a validity of up to six months.
After entering Hungary, the investor submits the residence permit application within Hungary to the competent immigration authority. The application is expected to be filed within the statutory time limits (generally within 30 days) from the date of entry. As part of the application process, biometric procedures, including fingerprinting and photograph collection, are completed.
The qualifying investment must be completed either prior to or concurrently with the residence permit application, taking into account the visa validity period and the overall application timeline.
Required Documents
- Passport
- Proof of investment fund participation or donation
- Bank account statements and financial sufficiency documents
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance certificate
- Proof of accommodation
Benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa Program
- Long-term residence in an EU member state
- A 10-year residence permit with the possibility of renewal for an additional 10 years
- Short-term visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- No minimum physical residence requirement
- No tax liability unless tax residency is established
- The right for the investor and family members to live in Hungary
- A fast and predictable application process
- Practical completion of the process within a short timeframe
- Flexible family reunification covering family members
Permanent Residency Status
Applicants who legally and continuously reside in Hungary under the Guest Investor Residence Permit may, subject to meeting the relevant conditions, apply for National Permanent Residence (National Residence Card) after three years. Permanent residence applications are assessed separately, taking into account the applicant’s actual period of stay and other legal criteria.
Pathways to Hungarian Citizenship
Hungarian citizenship may be acquired through descent, general naturalization, or simplified naturalization. Hungary allows dual citizenship. The Hungary Golden Visa does not grant direct citizenship; however, it may provide access to citizenship applications under the general naturalization regime through long-term and lawful residence status. For citizenship by general naturalization, the applicant is required to have legally and physically resided in Hungary for at least eight years.
Citizenship applications are additionally subject to requirements including Hungarian language proficiency, as well as tests and interviews relating to Hungarian constitutional and basic state knowledge.
