Hungarian Golden Visa FAQ

Can I travel to and live in any of the Schengen countries?

Yes, with the Guest Investor Residence Permit the guest investor can stay up for 90 days in 180 days in other Schengen area countries.

Is the cost of living in Hungary low or high?

While living expenses have certainly increased in recent years, Hungary still ranks among the most affordable European nations according to the living cost index. Housing, transportation, food, educational fees, and other living expenses are significantly lower than in most Western European nations.

European Golden Visas: which is better?

Each program has its unique benefits and requirements, so the best choice depends on the applicant’s specific needs, such as investment capacity, desired residence flexibility and long-term goals.

Can the Golden Visa application be done remotely or in an embassy?

We need to seperate the processes, because the first step is the Guest Investor Visa and the second (and final) step is the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

The application of the Guest Investor Visa can be done at the applicant’s country of residence at the Hungarian Consulate.

The application of the Guest Investor Residence Permit can only be done in Hungary.

Can the investor sell the investment at any time?

The investor must keep the investment for at least 5 years (the financial donation is the only exception). After 5 years, they can sell it and still keep the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

If the investor sold his/her investment after 5 years, but he/she wishes to renew his/her Guest Investor Residence Permit for 10 more years, he/she will need to invest again.

What are the investment options for a Golden Visa in Hungary?

The law provides three ways for guest investors to invest in Hungary in order to successfully obtain the Guest Investor Visa. These investments are:

• the acquisition of investment units issued by a real estate fund registered by the National Bank of Hungary, with a minimum amount of EUR 250 000,
• the acquisition of ownership of a residential property with a value of at least EUR 500 000, located in kind in the geographical territory of Hungary, registered in the real estate register according to its parcel number, free of any legal title, encumbrances or claims,

(this option is only valid from the 1st of January, 2025)

or

•  the making of a financial donation of at least EUR 1 000 000 to a higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission for the purpose of supporting educational, scientific research or artistic creation.

What are the top 5 advantages of the Hungarian Golden Visa?

Low taxes, economic stability, inmediate access to the EU, public security, residence permit for 10+10 years.

Is there an entry deadline for the Guest Investor Visa holder required by law?

The applicants may enter Hungary at any time after the issuance of the Guest Investor Visa and within the period of validity of the Visa. Please note, however, that if they have made a declaration of commitment to make the investment when applying for the visa, they must make the commitment within 3 months of the date of issuance of the visa and they must provide proof of the investment within 3 months of entering Hungary via the Enter Hungary interface.

Is there mandatory minimum period of stay in Hungary for the Guest Investor Residence Permit holder?

There is no rule on the minimum period of stay in Hungary for the Guest Investor Residence permit holder.

Can the application for the Guest Investor Residence Permit and the related application for a family reunification residence permit be submitted together?

An application for the Guest Investor Residence Permit and for the purpose of family reunification may be submitted by the family members at the same time.However, it is essential that the family member(s) of the main applicant are not entitled to family reunification until the main applicant (the investor) has obtained the Guest Investor Residence Permit. As regards third-country nationals who are subject to a visa requirement when crossing the external borders, please note that they are not allowed to apply for a family reunification residence permit in the territory of Hungary.