HungaryResidency By Investment

Overview

Hungary’s ‘Guest Investor Program’ was launched in late 2023 and underwent modifications in 2024. This Residency by Investment (RBI) offers two different options for non-EU nationals and their family members to obtain a residence permit in Hungary:

Investment of at least EUR 250,000 into a Hungarian Real Estate Fund;
Charitable donation of at least EUR 1 million to Hungarian Public Trusts.

Foreign investors are initially granted a two-year Guest Investor Visa, which allows multiple entries into Hungary and permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days. Investors must complete their chosen investment option within three months of their first entry. For this reason, it is recommended that investors enter Hungary within 90 days of the visa being issued to open their securities account and submit their residency application promptly. Hungary operates on fixed “subscription dates” for investment fund entries, which occur either on the last day of each month or every two months, depending on the fund. After an investor makes the required investment, they must wait until the next subscription date. Approximately two weeks after that date, the official investment certificate is issued. The residence permit is typically granted 21 days after the relevant subscription date, and ID cards are produced roughly two weeks later. Investors should obtain a registered address, as this enables them to open a residential bank account with most banks in Hungary.

Residence Permit Validity

The residence permit issued through the ‘Guest Investor Program’ is valid for 10 years, with an option of an extension for 10 more years. Hungarian ‘Golden Visa’ holders are not required to reside in the country to maintain their residency physically, but they must keep the investment and registered address in the country.

Family Inclusion

Investors can extend their Guest Investor residence permit to their immediate family members, including spouses and children under the age of 18. Dependent parents, siblings, and direct-line relatives may obtain residence permits in Hungary, valid for up to 3 years, through separate procedures.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Hungary’s ‘Guest Investor Visas have to comply with the following criteria:

Demonstrate proof of good health
Have enough financial means to accomplish the preferred investment
Must not be subject to a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert, expulsion, or ban on entry or stay
Not be a threat to public order and security in Hungary

The application process involves Due Diligence checks, and applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to finalize the investment and regular income for residing in Hungary: EUR 27,000 for the main applicant and EUR 16,000 for each dependent. These funds must be present in the account at the time of applying for the residence permit. The program does not allow Russian and Belarusian nationals to apply. However, it’s open for Iranian, Afghan, and Ukrainian citizens.

Benefits

Visa-free travel

Visa-free access to the EU’s Schengen Area for up to 90 out of 180 days.

Simple and Fast Procedure

Attaining a residency in Hungary typically takes around 2-4 months. No interview or language test, and education or managerial experience is required.

Hedge Against Instabilities

A second home in the EU can hedge against socio-political or economic turbulences and future uncertainties.

EU Tax Heaven

Hungary has one of the most liberal Tax Code in the EU: Corporate tax is just 9% and income tax is 15%.

Healthcare & Education

Access to premium healthcare and education institutions after getting a residence permit in Hungary.

High Living Standards

Residents in Hungary enjoy a secure environment and a high-quality lifestyle.

Investment Options

Investment Options and Fees

Non-EU nationals and their immediate family members can obtain residence permits in Hungary by making one of the following investments, which corresponds to the national economic interest of Hungary:

Investment of at least EUR 250,000 into Hungarian Property (Real Estate) Funds

Investors must keep their investment for at least 5 years. At least 40% of the net asset value of the Property Fund must be invested in residential real estate projects in Hungary.

Donate at least EUR 1 million to the Hungarian Public Trusts

The investment is non-refundable, and funds must be allocated for an institution of higher education operated by a Public Trust, conducting public functions.

The validity period of residence permits obtained through the donation option can be prolonged automatically.

Applicable Fees

The application process involves several cost components, including legal services, government and processing fees, due diligence charges, and address registration. Bayat Group’s professional fees depend on the complexity of the case and the number of applicants included in the file.

1. State / Government Fees

Guest Investor Visa Application Fee:	€110 per applicant
Residence Permit Application Processing Fee:	HUF 39,000 (approx. €100) per applicant
Residence Permit Card Issuance Fee:	HUF 15,000 (approx. €40) per card
Appeal Fee (if applicable):	€160 per refusal appeal
Mandatory Health Insurance:	From €500 per year
Fund Subscription / Entry Fee (if choosing the fund option):	Approx. €5,000, depending on the selected fund

2. Professional, Legal, and Administrative Fees (varies depending on service provider)

Administrative / Processing Fee (via authorized agents):	Approx. €60,000 per family of up to six (spouses and 4 children are under 18)
Additional adult dependent:	€10,000
Additional minor (under 18) dependent:	€5,000
Service for maintaining a registration address in Hungary:	€1,000 (per year)

3. Other Possible Costs

Document translation & notarization:	€50–€150 per document
Apostille/legalization:	varies by jurisdiction
Courier & administrative expenses:	€100–€300

Application Process

Step 1 : Internal Due Diligence and Qualification Assessment

Bayat Legal Services’ compliance team will conduct an internal due diligence check, which entails a background security screening of the applicant, Preparation of KYC (Know Your Client) and a qualification assessment.

Step 2 : Study the Application and Agreement Signing

Bayat Legal Services will meticulously analyze the client's case. Once this is done, the client will proceed to sign a retainer agreement with the firm. Subsequently, Bayat Group will curate a customized list of necessary documents – recognizing that each client's situation is unique – to facilitate the application preparation process.

Step 3 : Obtaining an Initial Guest Investor Visa

Bayat Group will assist in applying for the initial Guest Investor Visa, needed to perform all procedures related to the Golden Visa process. Applications can be filed through the electronic platform Enter Hungary, no later than 93 days from the date of first entry with the Guest Investor Visa. Hungarian authorities conduct official Due Diligence checks. The processing can last up to 21 days. After the application approval investors are required to submit biometrics data and receive the initial residency card in person.

Step 4 : Making the Preferred Investment

Applicants need to finalize the selected investment option.

Step 5 : Approval & Transaction Accomplishment

Investors need to make a full investment within 90 days after the first entry in Hungary with the ‘Guest Investor Visa. All applicable fees should also be covered.

Step 6: Residence Permit Issuance

After completing the investment, Hungarian authorities will automatically convert the Guest Investor Visa into the Guest Investor Residence Permit. This permit is valid for up to 10 years, with the option of prolonging it for another 10 years. ID cards can be renewed as long as property ownership and a valid address in Hungary are maintained