About Hungary
Hungary
Hungary’s Guest Investor Program provides a direct route to EU residency through investment from EUR 250,000, granting access to the Schengen zone and one of Europe’s most powerful passports with visa-free travel to 184 destinations.
Country Overview
Explore Hungary’s residency by investment program from the program tab, or contact us directly for a private consultation about your family’s options.
Country Information
Strategic Advantages
Why Hungary
Top-Tier Global Mobility
The Hungarian passport ranks 7th globally, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations. As a Schengen zone member, residents enjoy unrestricted travel across 27 European countries without border controls.
Competitive Cost of Entry
With an entry point from EUR 250,000, Hungary’s Guest Investor Program is one of the most affordable EU residency-by-investment options available, offering exceptional value relative to the strength of the passport and Schengen access obtained.
Affordable European Lifestyle
Budapest is consistently ranked among Europe’s most livable and affordable capital cities, offering a rich cultural life, excellent healthcare, top-tier international schools, and a cost of living significantly below Western European averages.
Efficient Program Structure
Hungary’s Guest Investor Program features a straightforward application process with clear requirements and predictable timelines, offering both government bond and real estate fund investment options to suit different investor preferences.
An Introduction to Hungary
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Spanning 93,030 square kilometers, the country occupies the heart of the Carpathian Basin, with the Danube and Tisza rivers shaping its predominantly flat terrain, broken by rolling hills and the scenic landscapes of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe.
Hungary’s history is one of extraordinary resilience and cultural contribution. Founded as a kingdom in 1000 AD under King Stephen I, Hungary evolved through the Austro-Hungarian Empire into a modern republic. Budapest, the capital, is actually two cities unified in 1873 — Buda on the western hills and Pest on the eastern plain — connected by iconic bridges spanning the Danube and adorned with architectural treasures from Roman baths to Art Nouveau masterpieces.
The Hungarian economy is the 54th largest in the world by nominal GDP, driven by a strong export sector centered on automotive manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Major global manufacturers including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW operate significant production facilities in Hungary, attracted by the skilled workforce, competitive labor costs, and strategic location connecting Western and Eastern European markets.
Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral National Assembly. The country joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, firmly anchoring itself within Western institutional frameworks. Hungary is a full member of the Schengen Area, meaning there are no internal border controls when traveling to other Schengen states, a key benefit for residents.
The Guest Investor Program, launched in 2024, replaced the previous Golden Visa scheme and offers non-EU nationals a pathway to Hungarian residency through qualifying investments in government-approved real estate funds or Hungarian government bonds. The program grants an initial 10-year residency permit with the possibility of renewal, and after eight years of continuous residence, investors may apply for permanent residency.
Life in Hungary combines the sophistication of a European capital with remarkable affordability. Budapest’s thermal bath culture, thriving restaurant scene, world-class opera and ballet, and vibrant nightlife have made it one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Beyond the capital, the countryside offers wine regions of growing international renown, charming historic towns, and natural thermal springs, all within a safe and welcoming environment that has attracted a growing international community.
At a Glance
Key Facts
184
Visa-Free Destinations
The Hungarian passport ranks 7th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide.
9%
Corporate Tax Rate
Hungary has the lowest corporate tax rate in the European Union at just 9%, making it highly attractive for business establishment.
2004
EU Member Since
Hungary joined the European Union in 2004 and is a full member of the Schengen Area, enabling borderless travel across Europe.
120+
Thermal Springs
Hungary has the richest thermal water supply in the world, with over 120 natural hot springs in Budapest alone, forming the basis of a centuries-old bathing culture.
15%
Flat Income Tax
Hungary applies a flat personal income tax rate of 15%, one of the simplest and most competitive tax structures in Europe.
10 Years
Initial Residency Permit
The Guest Investor Program grants an initial residency permit valid for 10 years, renewable upon maintaining the qualifying investment.
Investment Pathways
Available Programs
Residency by Investment
Hungary Guest Investor Program
The Guest Investor Program offers three investment routes: EUR 250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund held for at least five years, EUR 500,000 in Hungarian residential real estate, or a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public trust institution. All options grant a 10-year renewable residency permit with full Schengen zone access.
Explore program —>Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the investment options under Hungary’s Guest Investor Program?
There are three investment options. The first is a minimum EUR 250,000 investment in a government-approved Hungarian real estate investment fund to be held for at least five years. The second is a EUR 500,000 purchase of residential property in Hungary. The third is a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public trust institution performing activities in Hungary. Each option grants the same 10-year residency permit.
Can I travel freely within Europe with Hungarian residency?
Yes. Hungary is a full member of the Schengen Area, so your Hungarian residency permit allows you to travel freely across all 27 Schengen member states without border controls. You may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, you would need to apply for residency in the respective country.
Is there a minimum stay requirement to maintain Hungarian residency?
The Guest Investor Program does not impose a strict minimum physical presence requirement for maintaining the residency permit. However, to apply for permanent residency after eight years, you will need to demonstrate genuine ties to Hungary. For citizenship through naturalization, continuous residence and knowledge of the Hungarian language are required.
Can my family members be included in the application?
Yes. The program covers the main applicant, their spouse, minor dependent children, and adult dependent children up to 25 years of age. Family members receive the same 10-year residency permit and enjoy the same rights as the main applicant, including Schengen zone access and the right to live and work in Hungary.
What is the pathway from residency to Hungarian citizenship?
Hungarian citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after eight years of continuous residence. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language, pass a constitutional knowledge test, have no criminal record, and prove that their livelihood and housing are secured in Hungary. Hungarian citizenship grants one of the most powerful passports in the world with visa-free access to 184 destinations.
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How we work in Hungary
Residence by Investment
Residence-permit advisory for Hungary and other qualifying jurisdictions.
Learn more →Citizenship by Investment
Programmes leading to a second passport, including options relevant to Hungary.
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Curated qualifying properties in Hungary and 21 other markets.
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