Hungary Guest Investor Visa (GIV)

Introduction about Hungary

Country Key Data

Passport Ranking: High global mobility (190+ destinations)
Population: ~9.6 million
GDP per Capita: ~USD 18,000
Capital: Budapest
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Government Type: Parliamentary republic

The Hungary GIV is significant within the investment migration landscape because:

It reintroduces Hungary to the EU residency-by-investment market
It emphasizes regulated real estate development, not broad open-market property purchases
It offers one of the longest residency lengths (10 years) in the EU for investors
It demonstrates a shift toward controlled investment channels in response to EU-level scrutiny
It competes directly with programs in Greece, Spain, and Italy

Why Choose This Program?

Program Qualifications

Be at least 18 years old

Clean criminal record

Make a qualifying investment under approved categories

Show legal source of funds

Hold valid health insurance

Commit to maintaining the investment for the required period

Benefits

Investment Options

Option 1: Real Estate Fund Investment

Minimum Investment: EUR 250,000

Investment into real estate funds approved by Hungarian authorities

Funds must allocate assets primarily to Hungarian real estate

Must be held for at least 5 years

Regulated and overseen investment channels

Option 2: Donation to Public Trust / Foundation Supporting Higher Education

Minimum Contribution: EUR 1,000,000 (non-refundable)

Direct support for educational and public-interest institutions

Aligned with national development priorities

Option 3: Purchase of Residential Real Estate (Coming into effect after regulatory finalization)

Minimum EUR 500,000

Property must be new construction or registered as eligible

Ownership must be maintained for required period

Additional restrictions may apply (e.g., no resale for X years)

Note: Regulations may evolve as program implementation matures.

Roadmap to Residency

Select investment route

Submit application and undergo background checks

Receive Guest Investor Visa to enter Hungary

Complete investment and register with authorities

Obtain 10-year residence permit

Maintain investment for required holding period

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

Confirm investment capacity and documentation readiness.

Step 2: Choose Investment Route

Real estate fund (EUR 250k), donation (EUR 1M), or residential property (when active).

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Include identity documents, police clearance, proof of funds, and investment plan.

Step 4: Make the Investment

Funds transferred after approval-in-principle.

Step 5: Receive Residence Permit

Valid for 10 years, renewable.

Step 6: Maintain Investment & Compliance

Meet minimum holding requirements and remain in good legal standing.

Step 7: Long-Term Residency Options

After sufficient residence, applicants may explore:

National Permanent Residency

EU Long-Term Residence Permit (subject to physical presence)

Risks & Realities

Pros

Longest investor residency duration in Europe (10 years)

Competitive investment thresholds (EUR 250k)

Schengen travel access

Family eligibility

Central European location with strong connectivity

Cons

Program still evolving; regulatory adjustments expected

Donation option is high-cost (EUR 1M, non-refundable)

Real estate options restricted to approved channels

Citizenship requires long-term physical residence and language proficiency

Market performance risks for fund investments

“Hungary is more than a destination — it’s where your family’s next chapter begins. Take the first step today toward a life of peace, prosperity, and purpose.”

Download Full Citizenship Guide