A cost-efficient and flexible pathway to long-term EU residence and citizenship
Situated in the heart of Central Europe, Hungary blends deep-rooted tradition with contemporary European living. The country is known for its historic architecture, grand castles, and elegant baroque towns, balanced by modern infrastructure and a growing international outlook.
At the centre of the country lies Budapest, a vibrant capital split by the Danube River. The city is celebrated for its iconic landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle, as well as its thriving cultural scene, renowned cuisine, and world-famous thermal baths.
Hungary’s distinct Magyar language, strong cultural identity, and geographic position between Eastern and Western Europe give it a unique character. This balance of heritage and progress continues to attract investors seeking both lifestyle appeal and long-term stability within the EU.
Hungary’s Residency by Investment framework was originally introduced in 2013 and has since been restructured. The latest iteration, known as the Guest Investor Programme, officially comes into effect on 1 July 2024.
Under this programme, eligible non-EU nationals who make approved investments aligned with Hungary’s economic priorities may obtain a long-term guest investor residence permit. This permit allows holders to live in Hungary for up to 20 years, making it one of the longest residency options available in Europe.
The programme is designed to be accessible and investment-focused, with two qualifying routes:
A €250,000 investment in an approved Hungarian real estate investment fund
A €500,000 investment in qualifying Hungarian residential property
As a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and NATO, Hungary provides residents with enhanced international mobility, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 168 destinations worldwide.
Applicants may invest a minimum of €250,000 in certificates issued by a real estate investment fund registered with the Central Bank of Hungary.
These regulated funds may allocate capital across a range of assets, including:
Domestic and international real estate
Shares in property-focused companies
Development and land-use rights
Securities and structured financial instruments
Derivative-based assets
Dividend income and capital gains from these investments are subject to a 15% withholding tax for foreign investors. This route is often preferred by those seeking a passive investment option with minimal management involvement.
From 1 January 2025, investors may qualify by purchasing residential real estate in Hungary with a minimum value of €500,000. Commercial and industrial properties are excluded from this option.
The property must be retained for at least five years, although shared ownership with immediate family members is permitted. A property transfer tax of 4%, calculated on market value, applies at the time of acquisition.
Successful applicants, together with their spouse and dependent children, receive a residence permit valid for 10 years. This permit may be renewed once for an additional 10-year period, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
Investors seeking permanent (long-term) residency must reside continuously in Hungary for at least three years while holding guest investor status.
After eight years of uninterrupted residence, applicants may become eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship through naturalisation, subject to passing a national language and cultural knowledge examination.
Hungarian citizenship grants full EU rights, including the freedom to live, work, and establish oneself across all European Union member states.
The qualifying investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years. Residency renewal after the initial 10-year period depends on whether the investment remains in place at the time of renewal.
Yes. Applicants must first obtain permanent residency before applying for citizenship. Citizenship is granted through the standard naturalisation process.
Guest investor residency allows holders to live in Hungary, engage in business activities, work with local employers, and lease residential property.
There is no minimum stay requirement to retain guest investor residency. However, applicants seeking permanent residency or citizenship must meet minimum physical presence requirements in Hungary.
