Inside Hungary's 10-Year Guest Investor Residency
Hungary is reviving its golden visa scheme, offering a 10-year residency permit to foreigners who invest at least €250,000 in local real estate funds or donate to higher education. This program provides a long-term pathway for non-EU investors and their families to live and work in the country.
Inside Hungary's 10-Year Guest Investor Residency
Hungary’s "Golden Visa" program offers one of the most stable long-term residency options in the EU for non-EU nationals. Unlike many European programs that have been scaled back or canceled, the Guest Investor Residence Permit remains a reliable path for those seeking a 10-year renewable stay.
The program focuses on high-value investments that benefit the national economy. Currently, the most accessible route is a €250,000 investment in real estate fund units registered with the Hungarian National Bank. These funds must hold at least 40% of their assets in Hungarian residential property. Alternatively, investors can choose a €1 million donation to a designated higher education institution.
Who can apply
This permit is particularly attractive for digital nomads and entrepreneurs who want full access to the Schengen Area without the burden of a minimum stay requirement. You can live and work in Hungary, run a business, or simply use it as a base for travel.
The residency extends to your family as well. Spouses, minor children, and dependent parents are eligible for inclusion. While the direct real estate purchase option was removed in mid-2025 to help stabilize local housing markets, the fund-based model continues to provide a clear path to residency.
The application process
The journey begins with a Guest Investor Visa, which is valid for six months and allows you to enter Hungary to finalize your investment. Once you arrive, you have 93 days to complete the transaction.
- Investment: Hold fund units for a minimum of five years.
- Fees: Expect to pay roughly €110 for the initial visa and between €60 and €100 for the permit itself.
- Timeline: Processing usually takes about 21 days once your submission is complete, though the total process from visa to permit can take up to five months.
Applications are managed through the Enter Hungary portal or at regional immigration offices. For more details on living in Budapest or exploring other visa updates, check our recent coverage.
Read our full Hungary guide for the complete picture.