Hungary golden visa: Guide for UK residents

A Golden Visa is a type of residency-by-investment programme which allows foreign nationals to receive a residency permit in exchange for making a financial investment in the host country. In Hungary, your options as a UK resident are investing in a real estate fund or making a non-refundable public trust donation.¹

This comprehensive guide breaks down what’s unique about Hungary’s Golden Visa programme, how to apply for one step-by-step, and the benefits of being a Golden Visa holder. We also address some of the most commonly asked questions about the Hungary Golden Visa.

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Key Programme Details: Hungary Golden Visa

• The Hungary Golden Visa is initially issued for 10 years, and is renewable for an additional 10 years.
• It’s upgradable to permanent residency for those who stay full time in Hungary for 3 years.
• Hungary Golden Visa applicants can include children up to 26 years old and parents on their application.
• The typical processing time for an application is 4-6 months: faster than many other EU Golden Visas.
• Hungary offers an excellent quality of life, with strong healthcare and education.

What is Hungary’s Golden Visa?

Hungary’s Golden Visa programme - officially the Hungarian Guest Investor Programme (GIP) - allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Hungary, and in turn visa-free access to the Schengen Area in exchange for different types of investment.

Launched in 2024, it’s one of the newest Golden Visa programmes within the EU. It’s also one of the most desirable, giving investors and their families the chance to live, work and study in the fascinating Central European nation known for its high standard of living and comparatively low costs.

The Hungary Golden Visa is particularly unique as it’s the only EU Golden Visa programme which allows applicants to complete their investment after an initial residency permit has already been issued.¹

Benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa

Residency advantages

The programme offers a residency permit valid for a full ten years initially -- and it can then be renewed another 10 years. There’s also no strict minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa.

Favourable business and tax environment

With the Golden Visa, you can set up companies and open bank accounts within Hungary and the EU. Hungary also boasts one of the lowest tax rates within the entire EU: it has a corporate tax rate of 9 percent, while income is taxed at 15 percent and inheritance at 18 percent.²

Cost of living

Living costs in Hungary tend to be much lower than in most Western European countries. For a family of four, the estimated monthly cost of living is around €2265.¹

Quality of life

Hungary’s strategic location in the centre of Europe and strong public transport system means that you’ll also have easy access to its numerous neighbouring countries and the rest of the continent. Hungary also has a low crime rate.³

Healthcare

Hungary’s healthcare lives up to European standards. Golden Visa holders and their families have access to national healthcare services.

Education

Hungary boasts a quality education system with internationally recognised universities. Children of Golden Visa holders can attend Hungarian schools and unis. The system follows the Bologna structure, meaning degrees are recognised across Europe.

Eligibility Criteria for Hungary Golden Visa: Who qualifies?⁴

The Hungary Golden Visa programme is open to third-country nationals, meaning that they come from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, with a valid passport.

They also have to make one of two qualifying investments which are deemed to be in Hungary’s “national economic interest”.

They’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and have no outstanding tax liabilities worldwide.

They’ll also need to demonstrate that the invested funds come from legal sources.

Furthermore, applicants will need to show that they can support themselves, and aren’t relying on state social assistance. Unlike with other EU Golden Visa incomes, there is no specified minimum monthly income requirement.

Passport holders across all nationalities, including British, are welcome to apply.

Hungary Golden Visa Requirements⁵

The following is a core list of the documents you’ll need in order to apply for the Hungary Golden Visa:

• Passport valid for at least 12 months and biometric photo.
• Your investment/fund share certificate OR donation receipt.
• Proof of lawful origin of the funds, such as bank statements, tax returns and income documentation.
• Proof of health insurance, either private international insurance or Hungarian national insurance accepted by NDGAP (Hungary’s Foreign Authority).
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary. Even if you’re not planning on residing in the country, investors need to register an address for their residency permit.
• Proof of financial means of support. You need to show that you can support yourself (and any dependents) while in Hungary.
• Police certificate from any country of residence within the past 5 years.
• Final application form and proof of payment
• Family documents (such as marriage and birth certificates) if applying with dependents.

Investment Options and Pathways to Hungarian Residency

Types of Eligible Investments⁶

• Investment of at least €250,000 in investment units of a real-estate fund registered by the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungary’s central bank). The fund is required to invest at least 40 percent of its net value in Hungarian residential real estate.
• Donation of at least €1,000,000 to a higher-education institution maintained by a public trust (for purposes of education, scientific research or artistic creation).
• A direct investment in residential real-estate (minimum of €500,000) was formerly an option, but this route is currently closed (as of November 2025).

Hungary Golden Visa Costs and Fees⁶

In addition to either an investment worth €250,000 or one million euro donation, applicants will need to factor in additional application fees.

Under the fund route, applicants will need to budget in additional €65,000 for their application fee, which covers families of up to four people.

Successful applicants under this route will also need to pay annual management fees of up to 2.5 percent.

It’s possible to recover your capital after a minimum five-year holding period, provided the investment remains compliant with Hungarian regulations.

Unlike the donation route, which is non-refundable, the fund option is structured to allow an exit after five years. But keep in mind: the actual return of your capital depends on the fund’s terms, market conditions and regulatory compliance.

Regardless of their chosen route, the investor will also need to buy or rent real estate in order to have a registered address, which is a requirement for any Hungarian residency permit.

Last but not least: there’s a government processing fee ranging between €110–€150 for your application.

How to Apply for Hungary Golden Visa¹

If you’re putting in all of the effort (not to mention capital) to qualify for a Hungary Golden Visa, you’ll want to make sure that your application is as strong as possible.

Below we break down the steps to applying for the visa, and shed some light on how to prepare a successful application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Decide which route you will take. It’s recommended to talk to a financial or legal professional who specialises in Hungary.
2. Apply for a Guest Investor D-Visa if your nationality requires a visa to enter Hungary. The visa is then valid for up to six months.
3. Enter Hungary on the Investor Visa (or visa-free entry) in order to make your chosen investment within 93 days.
4. Apply for the Guest Investor Residence Permit after your investment has been realised, or submit your application at the competent regional directorate of NDGAP. The application is available on the Enter Hungary Online Platform.⁷
5. Attend an official interview. After your application has been approved, you’ll need to attend an in-person interview, which will include biometric data collection.

The steps don’t quite end here: after obtaining your permit, you’ll need to maintain your investment. That means either that the fund shares are held for the required minimum term, or your donation remains registered.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Ensure that your investment meets official criteria. That means it needs to be made through government-designated channels or funds to be considered.
• Gather your documents early. This will also give you time to make sure that they’re all officially translated into Hungarian and apostilled or legalized.
• Plan for family inclusion early on. A plus of the Hungary Golden Visa is that you can include your children up to age 26 and your parents.⁸ But they’ll all need separate documentation and background checks. Without this, it could slow down application processing significantly.
• Work with an accredited legal or migration advisor. Hungarian immigration and investment law can be complex and may change. A licensed local advisor can help ensure compliance and prevent costly delays.

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FAQs on Hungary’s Golden Visa

What is the Hungary Golden Visa and how does it work?

Officially called the Guest Investor Residence Permit, the Hungary Golden Visa allows non-EU nationals to gain long-term residency by making a qualifying investment, whether €250,000 in a government-approved real-estate fund or a one million euro donation to a Hungarian university. In return, investors get a 10-year renewable residence permit for themselves and their family.

Do I have to live in Hungary full time to keep my Golden Visa?

No. One of the main perks of the Hungarian Golden Visa is that there’s no strict minimum stay requirement. You don’t have to live there permanently to keep your residency status. However, you will need to meet minimum stay requirements if your goal is to acquire permanent residency or citizenship.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your Golden Visa application, and they’ll get the same residence rights as you (for studying, working, or living in Hungary). You can also include your parents if they’re older than 65.

Can I gain residency in Hungary if I buy a house?

No, while in many cases you can buy a house in Hungary as a foreign national, it won’t lead to residency. The Hungary Golden Visa used to include a real estate purchase option, but this was abolished in January 2025.

Does the Hungary Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

It can be, but there are no automatic guarantees. You’ll still need to meet Hungary’s regular naturalisation requirements, which generally include several years of continuous residence, a clean record, and knowledge of the Hungarian language (about a B1 level, or ability to hold a basic conversation).

Why should I opt for the Hungary Golden Visa instead of another Golden Visa programme?

The Hungary Golden Visa stands out for its long validity, low investment threshold, and flexibility. Unlike many other European residency-by-investment schemes, Hungary offers a 10-year residence permit (renewable for another 10 years) in exchange for a €250,000 investment in a government-approved real estate fund: one of the lowest entry points in the EU. You also don’t need to live in Hungary full-time, making it ideal for globally mobile investors and their families.

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Sources used:

1. Get Golden Visa - Hungary Golden Visa: Residency by Investment 2025
2. IST Hungary - Hungary Golden Visa
3. Immigrant Invest - Pros and Cons of Living in Hungary
4. Embassy of Hungary in Peking - Hungarian Guest Investor Visa
5. National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing - Guest Investor Visa and FAQ
6. Hungary Golden Visa - How to Obtain Hungary Golden Visa
7. Enter Hungary - Information on Purposes of Residence
8. La Vida Golden Visa - Golden Visa Hungary

Sources last checked on date: 03-Nov-2025