Want to live, work, and travel freely across Europe? Hungary’s Golden Visa is one of the fastest, most affordable, and most flexible routes to EU residency available anywhere in the world right now — and in 2026, the doors are wide open.
Here is everything you need to know.
What Is the Hungary Golden Visa?
The Hungary Golden Visa — officially called the Guest Investor Residence Permit — allows non-EU citizens to invest in Hungary in exchange for the right to reside, work, and study in the country. Relaunched in July 2024, the programme offers a 10-year renewable residence permit through two clear investment pathways.
No complicated bureaucracy. No minimum stay requirement. Just a qualifying investment — and you are in.
Investment Pathways
From 2026, there are two investment avenues available for applicants.
Option 1 — Real Estate Investment Fund: €250,000
Investors can purchase €250,000 worth of units in an approved investment fund regulated by the Hungarian National Bank, with at least 40% of the fund’s net asset value allocated to Hungarian residential properties.
Two currently approved funds are Gravitas Hungary Fund and SPRINT — a private closed-end fund whose primary investment targets include residential real estate, logistic complexes, hotels, and offices.
Option 2 — University Donation: €1,000,000
Investors can make a non-refundable donation of €1,000,000 to a specific Hungarian higher education or cultural institution to support educational, scientific research, or artistic creation activities. The institution must be managed by a public interest trust foundation carrying out a public task.
Important: The €500,000 direct real estate purchase pathway was abolished in January 2025. Only the investment fund and donation pathways remain in effect.
Read Also: European Court Of Justice Fines Hungary €200 Million Over Asylum Law Violation
The full process takes at least five months from start to finish. Here is how it works:
Step 1 — Choose Your Investment Route Decide between the €250,000 fund option or the €1,000,000 donation. Work with a qualified immigration expert to verify eligibility and conduct due diligence.
Step 2 — Apply for the Guest Investor Visa (D Visa) Before investing, you first obtain a D visa. The Migration Office conducts a due diligence check at this stage — minimising the risk of residency refusal later.
Step 3 — Travel to Hungary and Invest Complete your qualifying investment within 93 calendar days of first entry on your Guest Investor Visa.
Step 4 — Apply for Your Residence Permit Submit your residence permit application within six months of visa issuance. Processing takes 21 to 30 days, and your permit card is issued within seven days of approval.
Step 5 — Receive Your 10-Year Permit Your residence permit is valid for 10 years and renewable for a further 10 years.
How Long Must the Investment Be Maintained?
Your investment must be maintained for at least five years. You are allowed to divest after five years, but if you want to renew your residency upon expiry, you will be required to make another investment of the same type and value.
Key Benefits of the Hungary Golden Visa
The Hungary Golden Visa offers visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, along with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries on the Hungarian residence permit. The programme has no minimum stay requirement, meaning holders can travel freely without jeopardising their residency status.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is available only to non-EU and non-EEA nationals. Applicants can include their spouse and children under 18. Children aged 18 to 26 may also be included if they can prove financial dependency, are currently studying, and are unmarried. Parents aged 65 and over can be included without needing to prove dependency. Additional fees apply for each extra dependent.
