Hungary, a beautiful country in Central Europe, is known for its rich culture, historic landmarks and thriving economy. Its Guest Investor Programme, launched in 2024, gives investors and their families a ten-year residence permit, renewable for another ten years, with the right to live and work in Hungary and travel across the Schengen Area. It is a strong choice for anyone seeking a stable, strategic base in the heart of Europe.
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordering Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, a strategic location for anyone with interests across Europe.
Hungary covers an area of about 93,000 square kilometres and has an extremely diverse geography. The Great Hungarian Plain covers the southeast, offering vast flatlands that support the country's rich agriculture. Western Hungary has rolling hills and low mountains, while the north holds higher peaks. The Danube flows through the capital, separating Buda from Pest.
The capital, Budapest, is famous worldwide for its food, culture and nightlife, its thermal baths and the Hungarian Parliament Building. It is often called the "Pearl of the Danube".
Hungarian is the official language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English and German are widely spoken in urban areas, especially among younger generations and in business. Hungary is a parliamentary republic.
Hungary has a diverse economy and is a member of the European Union, which brings strong trade ties and foreign investment. Its key sectors include manufacturing, particularly automotive and electronics, as well as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and tourism. The currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Hungary is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, the World Trade Organization and the OECD, and a member of the Schengen Area. Budapest is home to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Investing in a second residency can offer various benefits, including better global mobility, access to education and healthcare, retirement planning, a pathway to citizenship and a Plan B for the family.
Travel visa-free within the Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your spouse and children under 18 can join you, and dependent parents can also apply. They can submit their applications at the same time as yours.
You and your family members can work in Hungary without restrictions, and you can run your own business.
There is no minimum time you must spend in Hungary, either to keep your permit or to renew it.
Secure a 10-year residence permit with the right to renew it for another 10 years.
As well as making a qualifying investment, every main applicant must meet the conditions below.
Investment fund shares of at least EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, held for at least five years in a blocked securities account. At least 40% of the fund's net asset value must be invested in residential real estate in Hungary.
A one-off donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a Hungarian higher education institution maintained by a public trust, to support education, scientific research or artistic work. No further investment is needed to renew the permit.
The application process for Hungary's Guest Investor Programme is straightforward, and applications are currently processed in about 4 months. The process can be divided into the following stages.
Hungary's Guest Investor Programme was established in 2024 and is governed by the following legislation:
There are two investment options. The first is buying investment fund shares of at least EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, held for at least five years. The second is a donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a Hungarian higher education institution maintained by a public trust, to support education, scientific research or artistic work.
Applications for Hungary's Guest Investor Programme are currently processed in about 4 months.
Your spouse or registered partner and your children under 18, including adopted children, can apply for family residence permits. Dependent parents of you or your spouse can also apply. Family members can submit their applications at the same time as yours.
The residence permit is valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed once, for another 10 years. To renew a fund-based permit, you must still hold the investment when you apply. A donation-based permit can be renewed without a further investment.
No. There is no minimum stay requirement, either to keep your permit or to renew it.
Yes. The residence permit lets you work in Hungary without restrictions and run your own business. Family members with a family residence permit can also work.
Hungarian residence permit holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Yes. The residence permit application is made in Hungary, and you must attend in person to give your fingerprints and photograph, even if the application was submitted online.
A thirty-minute consultation with our advisory team will tell you whether Hungary is the right programme for you, and if it is not, which of our other programmes is.