Residency by Investment in Hungary

Minimum Investment Amount

€250,000

Processing Time

2-3 months

Key Residency Benefit

Route to Hungarian citizenship

What makes Hungary a popular investment location?

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, architectural landmarks and picturesque landscapes.

Its capital, Budapest, is a dynamic city divided by the Danube River, home to historic sites such as Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and numerous thermal baths. Hungary’s culinary scene is equally notable, offering traditional dishes that reflect its deep-rooted history.

With a unique language, Magyar, and a cultural identity shaped by both Eastern and Western European influences, Hungary presents an exceptional blend of old-world charm and contemporary living.

Guide to Hungary's Residency by Investment programme

The Hungarian government first introduced its Residency by Investment Programme in 2013. Following legislative updates, the latest version—called the Guest Investor Program—is set to launch on 1 July 2024 under the new Hungarian Immigration Act.

This programme allows non-EU nationals to obtain a guest investor residence permit valid for up to 20 years, provided their stay is deemed to be of national economic interest.

Applicants must make a qualifying investment of €250,000 in a real estate fund or €500,000 in Hungarian residential property, making this one of the most affordable long-term residency programmes in Europe.

As a full member of the European Union, Schengen Area, and NATO, Hungary offers a secure and strategically located base within Europe. Residency also provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 168 countries, enhancing global mobility for investors and their families

How to get Residency by Investment in Hungary.

Real estate funds investment

Purchase of an investment certificate issued by a real estate investment fund registered by the Central Bank of Hungary (CBH) with a value of at least €250,000.

A real estate fund can invest in:

• Domestic or foreign real estate

• Shares in real estate companies

• Property rights

• Securities and financial instruments

• Derivative instruments

A 15% withholding tax applies to foreign investors on dividends paid and the sale of the investment unit. This option requires fewer administrative and investment decisions for investors.

Property investment

This option is applicable from 1 January 2025.

Purchase of a residential property located in Hungary with a value of at least €500,000. Commercial and industrial properties do not qualify.

The investor must own the residential property exclusively for at least five years. Joint ownership by one or more family members is permissible.

With this option, a 4% transfer tax, estimated based on the property’s market value, is applicable after the property’s purchase.

Key Benefits of Residency by Investment in Hungary

The applicant, along with their qualifying spouse and dependent children, will be granted a residence permit valid for 10 years under Hungary’s Guest Investor Program. This permit is renewable for an additional 10 years, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.

To transition to permanent residence—also known as long-term residence—holders of the guest investor permit must reside in Hungary for a minimum of three consecutive years.

Following eight years of continuous permanent residency, applicants become eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship through naturalisation. This process includes a mandatory cultural examination, assessing knowledge of Hungarian language and heritage.

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