Residence by investment in HungaryOverview
Hungary's Guest Investor Programme replaced the former residency bond scheme and opened on 1 July 2024 under Act XC of 2023 on the general rules of entry and residence of third-country nationals. The applicant first obtains a guest investor visa, valid for six months, from a Hungarian consulate, then enters Hungary and applies for the guest investor residence permit. The investment may be completed before the visa application or within a short period after arrival, and the immigration authority has short statutory deadlines for decisions once a complete file is lodged.
Two routes are currently available. The first is the purchase of at least €250,000 of investment units in a Hungarian real estate fund registered with the Magyar Nemzeti Bank and managed by a manager approved for the programme; the units must be held for at least five years, and the fund must allocate a significant share of its assets to Hungarian residential property. The second is a non-refundable donation of at least €1,000,000 to a public-interest trust foundation that maintains a Hungarian higher-education institution. A direct residential property route was included in the original legislation but was withdrawn before it became operational, so buying an apartment does not qualify.
The permit allows residence but is not in itself a permanent status. Holders who actually move to Hungary can later apply for a national permanent residence card after three years of continuous residence, subject to income, accommodation and absence limits, and naturalisation typically requires a further period of residence, a Hungarian-language constitutional examination and a clean record. Hungary taxes resident individuals at a flat 15% personal income tax rate, and permit holders who spend fewer than 183 days a year in the country are not generally tax resident.
Prospective applicants should note the political context. Following the April 2026 parliamentary elections and the change of government, the new administration has not set out its position on the programme. Existing permits remain valid under current law, but investors should factor in the possibility of future amendments and avoid committing capital to a fund without a clear path to filing.
Key benefits
- Residence permit valid for up to ten years, renewable once for a further ten
- No minimum physical stay requirement to keep the permit
- Spouse and minor children receive permits for the same term
- Free movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180
- Regulated, NAV-based fund investment with a defined five-year holding period
- Short decision deadlines once a complete application is filed
- Flat 15% personal income tax for those who choose to become Hungarian tax residents
Requirements
- Third-country national aged 18 or over
- Qualifying investment of €250,000 in approved real estate fund units, or a €1,000,000 donation
- Fund units held for at least five years from acquisition
- Funds of lawful origin, documented to the satisfaction of the fund manager and the authorities
- Clean criminal record and no national security concerns
- Valid travel document and comprehensive health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary for the residence permit application
- Application for the residence permit within the validity of the guest investor visa
Investment options
Real estate fund units
€250,000
Investment certificates in a real estate fund registered with the Magyar Nemzeti Bank and approved for the programme, held for at least five years and redeemed at net asset value.
Higher-education donation
€1,000,000
A non-refundable gift to a public-interest trust foundation that maintains a Hungarian university or college.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Initial assessment
We review eligibility, family members, timing and source of wealth, and discuss the political outlook before any commitment.
- 2
Fund onboarding
The investor completes KYC with an approved fund manager and subscribes for units, or arranges the donation agreement with a qualifying foundation.
- 3
Guest investor visa
The application is lodged at a Hungarian consulate with evidence of the investment or commitment; the visa is valid for six months.
- 4
Entry and permit application
After entering Hungary, the investor and family apply for the guest investor residence permit and give biometrics.
- 5
Permit issue
Residence cards are issued for up to ten years for the investor, spouse and minor children.
- 6
Maintenance and renewal
The investment is held for the required period; the permit can be renewed once for a further ten years.
Typical documents
- Valid passports for all applicants
- Fund subscription confirmation or donation agreement and payment evidence
- Source of funds and source of wealth documentation
- Criminal record certificates from the country of nationality and residence, apostilled
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Marriage and birth certificates for family members
- Passport photographs and completed application forms
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth gives clients a candid view of the Hungarian programme, including its advantages and the uncertainty following the 2026 change of government. We coordinate with approved fund managers and independent Hungarian counsel, prepare a well-documented source-of-wealth file and manage the sequence of visa, entry and permit application so that the family's time and capital are committed only when the path is clear. Every engagement is handled discreetly and integrated with the client's broader residence and succession planning.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can I buy an apartment in Budapest to qualify?
No. The direct residential property route was withdrawn before it took effect. The only property-related option is investment in an approved real estate fund.
Is there a minimum stay?
No. The guest investor permit has no minimum stay requirement. Permanent residence and citizenship, however, require genuine residence in Hungary.
Will I get my money back from the fund?
Fund units can be redeemed at net asset value after the five-year minimum holding period. Value can rise or fall, and returns are not guaranteed.
Does the permit lead to permanent residence?
Not automatically. A national permanent residence card can be applied for after three years of continuous residence in Hungary, subject to income, housing and absence limits.
Who can be included?
The investor's spouse and minor children can apply in parallel and receive permits for the same period.
Is the programme likely to change?
The government formed after the April 2026 elections has not announced its position. Existing permits remain valid, but new applicants should allow for possible amendments.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
