How to Get a Guest Investor Residence Permit Through Investment

Hungary eliminated the EUR 500,000 direct real estate investment option for its Golden Visa (now Guest Investor Program) in December 2024 and announced the decision in its National Gazette. As such, only two options remain for those who want to obtain a Guest Investor Residence Permit through investment. These options can help secure a twenty-year (10+10) permit. It is important to note that the residence permit is only available to non-EEA and non-EU citizens.

Real Estate Investment of EUR 250,000

If you want to get a permit, you can make an investment in real estate to the value of at least EUR 250,000. Your investment bond certificate must be issued by a registered estate fund manager, and the manager must be registered with the Hungarian National Bank. You must also keep the investment for at least five years. You can exit the fund after the five-year period and renew your residency permit after 10 years.

EUR 1,000,000 Donation to a Public Higher Education Institution

Another option is to donate at least EUR 1,000,000 to an approved public trust. The trust must support higher education or other public activities and functions. If you choose the donation route, you have to donate within 93 days of applying for residency. Also, keep in mind that the donation is non-refundable.

Benefits of the Guest Investor Residence Permit

While the investment requirements for getting a permit may be steep, the permit itself comes with several benefits. For one, you can stay in Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

You are also not required to stay in the country for a specific period to qualify for your residence permit. However, if you want to apply for permanent residency or citizenship, the rules change. You must have lived in Hungary for three years to apply for permanent residency. If you want to become a citizen, you will have to live in the country for at least eight years.

Other benefits include a low cost of living, since Hungary’s property prices, grocery costs, and even entertainment expenses are half of those in some other European countries. You will have access to good quality healthcare at up to 70% lower costs than in the UK and other countries. Opening an account and depositing in a local or international bank will require only your passport and residence permit card. Plus, you will enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. Hungary’s income tax rate is 15%, and the corporate tax rate is 9%.

How to Qualify for the Guest Investor Residence Permit

If you are interested in applying for a guest investor residence permit in Hungary, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• You must not have a criminal record.

• You must be over 18.

• You must be a Non-EU/EEA or Swiss national.

• You need valid health insurance and a real source of income.

• You must be ready to invest as explained above.

If you have a spouse and children under 18, you can include them in your application. 

If you are refused, you can appeal within eight days of receiving the notice. You can submit your appeal at the foreign mission or diplomatic mission where you handed in your application.

Is the Guest Investor Residence Permit Right For You?

The Guest Investor Residence Permit can be a good option if you are a non-EU or non-EEA national wanting access to Hungary and the wider Schengen Area. However, you must be financially prepared and know all there is to know about the investment routes. A legal or financial professional can help you ensure your application is compliant and also guide you in responding to a potential refusal.