Hungary Revives Golden Visa Program: Key Details Revealed
Hungary reopens its Golden Visa program with three investment routes—real estate funds, property purchase or a €1M public donation—granting residency for non-EU investors and families, including Schengen travel rights.
As the EU urges member states to curb “golden visas” and “golden passports”, Hungary has quietly relaunched its Golden Visa scheme, offering residence permits to non-EU and non-EEA citizens in exchange for investments in the country. The program is designed to lure overseas investors by bundling residential property options with streamlined family pathways and extended residency benefits.
Three investment routes for the Hungarian Golden Visa
Applicants must select among three qualifying investment tracks to secure a Hungarian Golden Visa:
Subscribe to approved Hungarian real-estate funds for a minimum of €250,000.
Purchase residential real estate valued at least at €500,000 with a five-year lock-in.
Make a capital donation of at least €1,000,000 to public trusts supporting Hungarian universities and colleges.
Before receiving a Golden Visa, foreign investors first obtain an Investor Entry Visa valid for two years. This enables multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day window. The Hungarian Golden Visa itself is issued for ten years and may be renewed for a second decade.
Family, travel and business benefits
Beyond pure investment avenues, the program delivers a wider package of perks:
Family reunification: Spouses and dependent children may accompany the investor to Hungary.
Visa-free travel: Hungarian residence permit holders can enter and move freely within the Schengen Area and enjoy unlimited access to Hungary itself.
Work & enterprise: The permit opens doors to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in Hungary, plus the wider EU and Schengen regions.
Pathway to residency and citizenship
After three years of residence, investors may apply for permanent residency. Following a further five years, they become eligible for Hungarian citizenship.
Background: Hungary’s earlier Golden Visa chapter
Hungary operated a previous Golden Visa program from 2013 through 2017, granting permanent residency for investments of at least €300,000 in government bonds. The scheme was shelved in favour of the current real-estate–focused and education-donation model.
