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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Hungary Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Hungary Guest Investor Program (GIP) offers 10-year residence in the EU through a EUR 250,000 investment in a real estate fund or a EUR 1 million public interest donation. The direct real estate option was eliminated in 2025; the process is completed in approximately 4-6 months.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
Guest Investor (GIP)
Fund investment
EUR 250,000 (5-year term, 40% residential)
Donation option
EUR 1,000,000 (public interest)
Residence duration
10 years (renewable)
Processing time
Approximately 4-6 months
Note
Direct real estate option eliminated (2025)

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking long-term (10-year) EU residence at a low entry amount (EUR 250,000 fund).
  • Those preferring a managed fund investment over direct real estate.
  • Those wishing to establish a stable base at the heart of the EU.
  • Those targeting Schengen free movement with family members.

The Guest Investor Program (GIP) 2024

Hungary relaunched its long-closed investor residence route in 2024 under the name Guest Investor Program (GIP). The program initially also allowed direct real estate purchase; however, this option was eliminated in January 2025. Today, the main valid route is investment in a regulated real estate fund.

How Does the Fund Investment Work?

A EUR 250,000 investment is made in an approved, regulated real estate fund; the fund has a term of at least 5 years, and a certain portion of its portfolio consists of residential real estate. The investment must be completed within 93 days of the first entry into Hungary. Alternatively, a EUR 1,000,000 public interest donation route is also available.

10-Year Residence

GIP provides long-term residence valid for 10 years, renewable for another 10 years. This provides a stable base at the heart of the EU with Schengen free movement. Family members can also be included in the application.

From Visa to Residence Card

Hungary's Guest Investor Program is arranged as a clear sequence, and understanding that order helps applicants plan with confidence. It suits investors who want a long, ten-year residence in the heart of the EU at a relatively contained entry level, and families are welcome, as relatives can be included. The journey begins with the guest investor visa, which lets you enter and then place the qualifying fund investment within the set window after arrival. Once the investment is made, you file the residence application and receive your residence card. Because the direct property option has been removed, the route now centres on an approved real estate fund held for a fixed term, so it appeals to those comfortable with a managed, medium-term commitment rather than owning a specific building. Sensible preparation includes a clean criminal record, valid health insurance, and thorough documentation of the legal source of your funds, all of which are easier to assemble before the clock starts. The process typically runs over several months, which rewards early organisation. Given the recent changes to eligible investments, confirming current fund options and timelines with a qualified adviser is a wise first step.

Benefits

  • Long-term residence of 10 years.
  • Free movement within the Schengen area.
  • Relatively low entry amount (EUR 250,000 fund).
  • Family members can be included.
  • Life at the heart of the EU.

Requirements

  • EUR 250,000 in an approved real estate fund (within 93 days of initial entry).
  • Clean criminal record and health insurance.
  • Documentation of the legal source of funds.

Costs

Real estate fund investment
EUR 250,000
Donation alternative
EUR 1,000,000
Government and application fees
Apply separately

Process

  1. Guest investor visa

    Entry into Hungary with a visa.

  2. Investment

    Making the investment in an approved fund within 93 days.

  3. Residence application

    Application for a 10-year residence permit.

  4. Residence card

    Obtaining the residence card after approval.

FAQ

Can I get residence by buying real estate directly?
No. The direct real estate option was eliminated in January 2025; fund investment or donation are now valid.
How long is the residence valid?
It is valid for 10 years and renewable for another 10 years.
Is the fund investment refundable?
The fund has a 5-year term; a refund may be possible at maturity depending on fund conditions.
When do I need to make the investment?
The investment in the approved fund must be completed within 93 days of the first entry into Hungary with a guest investor visa.
Which family members can be included?
A spouse, dependent children, and, under certain conditions, dependent parents can be included in the application.
Is there a path to citizenship?
GIP does not directly grant citizenship; citizenship requires meeting separate requirements, including long-term actual residence and language proficiency.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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