Hungarian Golden Visa Program

Hungary

The new act on immigration offers favorable conditions for third-country nationals. To facilitate foreign investment, Hungary offers the Guest Investor Residence Permit, commonly known as the Hungarian Golden Visa, which allows international investors to reside and work in Hungary, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The program grants third country citizens the right to reside in Hungary for ten years, with the possibility of extension. The residence permit allows investors to work without the need for any further permit in Hungary. Holders of the permit may engage in business activities and manage businesses within Hungary, as well. Unlike other residence permits, it does not impose an obligation to stay in Hungary. Investors have multiple ways to invest between EUR 250,000 to EUR 1,000,000.

About the Visa

The visa entitles the holder to stay for more than 90 days within a period of 180 days and to make multiple entries, as well as to apply for a permit.

A third-country national may be granted a visa

  • whose entry and residence in Hungary is of national economic interest in view of their investments in Hungary,
  • who holds a valid travel document, has the necessary permit for return or onward travel, provides proof of the purpose of his/her entry and stay, has sufficient means of subsistence to cover his/her subsistence and subsistence costs and travel expenses throughout his/her stay, is insured for the full range of healthcare or can afford to pay for healthcare, is not subject to expulsion or a ban on entry or residence, or his/her entry or residence does not endanger public policy, public security, national security or the public health interests of Hungary, is not subject to an SIS (Schengen Information System) alert,
  • who declares that he/she has or intends to have at least one of the following investments:
    • the acquisition of investment units of at least EUR 250,000 issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank,
    • the acquisition of ownership of a residential property with a value of at least EUR 500,000, situated in the geographical territory of Hungary and registered in the Land Register under its parcel number, free of legal title, encumbrances and claims, or
    • making 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.
  • who certifies that he/she holds an amount of money corresponding to at least one of the investments referred to in the preceding point, of lawful origin, which must be available or transferable within the territory of Hungary,
  • who submits a written commitment to make at least one investment of the amount and type specified in the previous point within three months of entering the territory of Hungary.

Important details

  • the legal origin of the funds available shall be proven by credible means, in particular by a public or private document or a private document having full probative value certifying the origin of the property, rights in rem or pecuniary interest; or proof of taxable income from a regular employment relationship or business activity.
  • the maximum validity period of the visa is six (6) months. After receiving the visa, within 93 days of the first entry into Hungary, the visa holder must submit an application for a guest investor residence permit. By this time, the visa holder must also confirm the completion of the undertaken investment.
Hungary

About the permit

The permit entitles the holder to stay in Hungary and to pursue activities as an independent person for remuneration or as a managing director of a company, cooperative or other legal person established for gainful purposes, in accordance with the law.

The permit and the related residence permit for the purpose of family reunification entitle the holder to work for remuneration, for or under the direction of another person, on the basis of an employment relationship, and the third-country national is entitled to work in Hungary without restriction.

A third-country national may be granted a Guest Investor Residence Permit

  • who holds a valid guest investor visa.
  • who proves that he/she has at least one of the investments listed above

Important details

  • The maximum validity period of a permit is 10 years, and it may be extended for another 10 years for the same purpose.
  • After receiving the visa, within 93 days of the first entry into Hungary, the visa holder must submit an application for a permit. By this time, the visa holder must also confirm the completion of the undertaken investment.
  • The period of validity of the family reunification residence permit for close family members will be aligned with the period of validity of the guest investor’s residence permit.

Experience Unmatched Benefits

  • Quick and effective path to European residence
  • Live and work in Hungary with visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Includes spouse and children under the age of 18