Hungary Residency by Investment

Hungary offers a long‑term residence route for third‑country investors under the 2024 Immigration Act via the Guest Investor Program (GIP). It grants a 10‑year, renewable residence permit with Schengen travel rights and coverage for close family. This is a residency pathway—citizenship follows ordinary naturalization.

Qualifying investment routes (verify latest regulations and thresholds):

- Real estate purchase: at least €500,000 in Hungarian residential property, held for 5 years. Title must be clean; funds traceable and lawful.

- Real estate fund units: at least €250,000 in units of a qualifying Hungarian real estate fund (registered and government‑recognized), held for 5 years.

- Public‑interest donation: €1,000,000 non‑refundable contribution to an approved public‑interest trust/foundation (e.g., education, research, culture).

Family inclusion

- Spouse and unmarried minor children can be included (check current age/dependency definitions; adult dependents may have additional criteria).

Eligibility and documentation

- Age 18+, non‑EU/EEA/Swiss; clean criminal record; no Schengen security concerns.

- Proof of lawful source of funds/wealth and sufficient means; comprehensive KYC (passports, CVs, bank/asset evidence); private health insurance.

Process and timeline

1) Pre‑screening and route selection; prepare KYC and source‑of‑funds evidence.

2) Apply for a Guest Investor Visa at a Hungarian consulate.

3) Enter Hungary, submit investment contracts/proof, provide biometrics, and file the residence application.

4) Permit issuance typically in ~2–4 months after a complete file; renew while maintaining the qualifying investment.

Rights and next steps

- Live in Hungary and travel within Schengen for short stays (90/180 rule). Work rights can depend on permit conditions; separate authorization may be required for employment—confirm current rules.

- This permit does not directly grant citizenship. Ordinary naturalization generally requires multi‑year residence, clean conduct, integration, and Hungarian language ability.

- Holding a residence card does not automatically make you a Hungarian tax resident. Residency depends on days and ties. Hungary levies a 15% flat personal income tax and a 9% corporate tax. Always confirm the latest implementing rules, eligible funds/projects, and costs before proceeding.