Learn More About Hungary's Guest Investor Program

Why is Hungary's Golden Visa Program Unique?

Hungary's Golden Visa Program (officialy: Guest Investor Residency Program) is unique due to its combination of flexibility, affordability, and long-term benefits.

Here's how it stands out from other Golden Visa programs around the world:

• Obtain 10+10-Year Residency: Enjoy long-term security and the freedom to live and work in Hungary.
• Travel Visa-Free Within the Schengen Zone: Explore 26 European countries without the hassle of visa applications.
• Bring Your Family: Share the benefits of residency with your loved ones for 10+10 years.
• Launch or Manage Your Own Business: Establish or expand your entrepreneurial ventures in a thriving economy.
• Work Freely: Pursue career opportunities without restrictions.
• Maintain Residency with Flexibility: No minimum stay requirement in Hungary to keep your residency status.

Who is Eligible for the Hungarian Golden Visa?

First take a look at who is eligible! 

Hungary's Golden Visa Program welcomes investors from around the world. The guest investor residency program is specifically designed for non-EEA citizens, often referred to as 'third-country nationals.' If you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, you are eligible to apply.

Citizens of countries such as China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Vietnam, Russia, Lebanon, Nigeria, Egypt, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and many more are welcome!

How to Qualify as a Guest Investor?

Guest Investors need to contribute to Hungary's national economic interests in order to obtain their Golden Visa.

Applicants can qualify as a 'Guest Investor' through one of the following investment options:

• Purchase investment fund shares from a designated real estate fund, with a minimum value of 250,000 EUR.
• Acquire a residential property in Hungary valued at a minimum of 500,000 EUR. The property must be free of any encumbrances and duly registered with the land registry. An official government appraisal will determine the property's value. Please note that property purchases cannot be made before January 1, 2025.
• Make a donation of at least 1,000,000 EUR to a Hungarian public university. The donation must be allocated to support education, research, or the arts.

You can realize your investment before or during the visa process.

Current Availability of Real Estate Investment Funds

Currently, no publicly available list of eligible real estate investment funds exists. Some well-established Hungarian funds are awaiting necessary national security assessments and central bank approvals.

Some common fees associated with these funds include:

• Entry fees: Up to 3% of the investment amount, though many funds waive this fee.
• Exit fees: Similar to entry fees, up to 3% upon withdrawal.
• Management fees and administrative costs: An ongoing fee of 1-2% of the investment value annually.
• Portfolio transaction costs: Costs incurred when the fund buys or sells properties, typically 0.1-0.2% of the fund's value per year.
• Performance fee: An additional fee if the fund performs exceptionally well, exceeding a certain benchmark, usually 10-20% of the profits above the benchmark.
• Early redemption fee: Around 1% if the investment is withdrawn before a specified period.

It's essential to note that "guest investors" are protected under consumer laws. The investment terms offered to them cannot be different from those offered to Hungarian or EU citizen investors. This ensures fairness and transparency in the investment process.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Guest Investor Visa in Hungary?

The Guest Investor Visa offers a unique opportunity for third-country nationals to arrive to Hungary even before contributing to the nation's economy. 

Required Documents

In addition to the eligibility criteria, applicants must submit the following documents for planned investments:

• Investment Declaration: Specify which investments you intend to make within three months of receiving your investor visa.
• Proof of Funds: A certificate from a bank (foreign or Hungarian) confirming you have the necessary funds permanently available for investment.
• Verification of Funds' Origin: a public or private document with full probative value proving the origin of the assets, property rights, or property value; or proof of taxable income from regular employment or business activity.
• One passport photo

Other Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Guest Investor Visa, applicants must:

• Declare their intention to make the specified investment or provide evidence of having already done so.
• Hold a valid travel document.
• Possess the required permit for return or onward travel.
• Provide evidence of the purpose of their entry and intended stay.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses, and the return journey.
• Have comprehensive health insurance coverage or demonstrate sufficient funds to cover potential healthcare expenses.
• Not be subject to an expulsion order or entry/residence ban, and whose presence in Hungary poses no threat to public order, security, national security, or public health
• Not be subject to an SIS alert.

What Do You Need for the Guest Investor Residence Permit?

Your investment must be realized, after which you may apply for the guest investor residence permit in Hungary. 

You need to attach the following to your application:

Proof of Investment

• A sales contract for a residential property, countersigned by a lawyer and officially registered in the land registry.
• Proof of registration of an alienation and encumbrance prohibition in favor of the Hungarian State for a duration of 5 years.
• You must provide evidence that the property is entirely free of any liens or encumbrances.

Other Essential Documents

The same documents required for the investor visa application. These typically include proof of identity, health insurance coverage, and evidence of sufficient funds.

Important Considerations

• The immigration authority will meticulously verify the land registration and may conduct an assessment of the property's market value.
• The application for the residence permit must be submitted within 93 days of your entry into Hungary.
• It's crucial to note that the application can only be submitted while you are physically present in Hungary.

What Are the Family Benefits of Hungarian Residency?

Does obtaining Hungarian residency extend to your family? Absolutely. 

If you have a guest investor residence permit, the Hungarian immigration system warmly welcomes family reunification. This means your loved ones can apply to live with you in Hungary

Who Can Join You?

• Your spouse.
• Your minor children, including those adopted or in foster care. This also extends to any minor children of your spouse for whom they have parental custody.
• Both your dependent parents and those of your spouse.
• In certain cases, other relatives such as siblings, adult children, grandchildren, and grandparents may qualify if they can't care for themselves due to health conditions.

What Documents Are Needed?

The main documents usually required are those that verify your family connection:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Adoption papers
• Any other reliable proof of relationship

Key Points to Remember

• The family reunification residence permit is typically granted for up to 10 years and can be renewed
• If any changes occur to a family member's marital status (for instance, divorce or the death of a spouse), the authorities must be notified.
• Depending on your family member's visa needs, the application process can either be done at a Hungarian embassy or consulate abroad, or from within Hungary itself.

What Is the Processing Time for the Hungarian Golden Visa and Residence Permit?

The Hungarian Golden Visa offers a pathway to residency in Hungary and the broader European Union. But how long does it take to obtain? In the best-case scenario, the processing time for the Hungarian Golden Visa and subsequent residence permit typically takes around 3-4 months.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the procedural deadlines involved:

Guest Investor Visa Application:

• Submission and security checks typically take up to 36 days (15 working days for security checks + 21 working days for processing).
• The visa itself is valid for 6 months, providing ample time to complete the subsequent steps.

Entry and Investment

• Investors have 3 months from their entry date to make the required investment.

Guest Investor Residence Permit Application

• The application must be submitted within 93 days of entering Hungary.
• Processing typically takes 21 working days, but may be extended up to 45 days if more information is needed or there are delays in security checks.

Potential Delays

While the typical processing time is 3-4 months, it's wise to allow for some flexibility in your plans in case of unforeseen delays. It's important to be aware that the process could take longer if the immigration authority requests additional information or if there are complications with the security checks.

If you're considering the Hungarian Golden Visa, be sure to consult with our immigration experts to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Conclusion

Hungary's Golden Visa program opens a world of possibilities for those seeking a secure and prosperous future within the European Union. With its flexible investment options, family-friendly policies application process, Hungary stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a European home.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to obtain residency, explore Europe visa-free, and create a lasting legacy for you and your loved ones.

Want to consult with an immigration expert to make an informed decision? Contact us!