Hungary presents an enticing destination for those seeking an exceptional living experience and promising investment opportunities in the heart of Europe. Investors and their families, from outside of the European Union, can now apply for a Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit and become long-term, legal residents in Hungary with access to Europe’s Schengen Area.

Benefits of Hungarian residence by investment

• 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

Requirements for the Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit:

A third-country citizen, as well as their spouse and children under 18, can obtain a Guest Investor Residence Permit by investing in one of the following options:

1. Real Estate Investment Fund:

The acquisition of investment certificates, issued by a real estate fund registered with the National Bank of Hungary, for at least EUR 250,000

The following conditions apply:

• At least 40% of the net asset value of the real estate fund must comprise investments in residential real estate within Hungary. This means that while the fund may invest in commercial real estate, a minimum of 40% of its assets must be in Hungarian residential property
• Investors are required to hold the investment certificate of the real estate fund for a minimum of five years
• Only fund managers with a financial license, who adhere to pre-established investment principles outlined in the fund management policy, are permitted to establish a real estate fund
• Fund managers must hold either a site security certificate or be registered with the Constitution Protection Office in order to engage with guest investor visas

2. Donation to a Hungarian Public Trust:

Monetary donation of, at least, EUR 1 million to an institution of higher education operated by a public trust performing public functions

The applicant must not have any Schengen Information System alerts, expulsions, or bans on entry and stay, nor pose a threat to public order, security, or national security. The immigration authority will also consult Hungary’s law enforcement and national security services regarding the application.

Procedures for the Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit

An applicant must obtain a Guest Investor Visa and declare their commitment to one of the investment options during the visa application process, although finalizing the investment is not mandatory at this stage.

Once they have received the Guest Investor Visa, the applicant must travel to Hungary, where they will complete their investment within three months and apply for a Guest Investor Residence Permit with the immigration authority or via the electronic platform, Enter Hungary, within 93 days of their initial entry into Hungary. Along with the application, proof of investment must be provided. Once all the requirements are met, no further travel to Hungary is necessary.

The applicant, and their qualifying spouse and children, will receive a long-term residence permit valid for 10 years, and renewable for a further 10 years with a maintained investment.

Acquiring Hungarian citizenship after the Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit

To become eligible for Hungarian citizenship after holding the Hungary Guest Investor Residence Permit, applicants must first obtain long-term residence status. This requires at least five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Hungary, along with successfully passing a written Hungarian cultural knowledge exam. Once long-term residence has been granted, applicants must continue residing legally and continuously in the country for a total of eight years before they can apply for citizenship, provided all other legal requirements are met.