Hungary Golden Visa: EU Residency from €250K Guest Investor Programme

Hungary launched its Guest Investor Programme (Golden Visa) in 2024, offering 10-year renewable EU residency to non-EU investors. The entry point is a €250,000 investment in a qualifying Hungarian fund — making it one of the most accessible Golden Visas in Europe alongside Greece and Portugal.

The Investment Options

Real Estate Fund Investment

• Minimum €250,000 in a regulated Hungarian real estate fund
• Held for at least 5 years
• Fund must be registered with the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (National Bank of Hungary)

Real Estate Purchase

• Minimum €500,000 in residential real estate

Donation

• €1,000,000 to a qualifying public trust (e.g., Hungarian universities)

The Benefits

• 10-year residence permit with Schengen zone travel (90/180 days in other Schengen countries)
• No minimum physical presence in Hungary
• Family inclusion: Spouse and children under 18
• No language or integration requirements
• Path to permanent residency after 3 years of continuous residence
• Path to citizenship after 8 years

The Tax Structure

Hungary has the lowest personal income tax in the EU: a flat 15% on all income. Corporate tax is a flat 9% — the lowest in the EU.

For the investor who chooses to become a Hungarian tax resident:

• Flat 15% income tax
• 15.5% social contribution (capped)
• 0% capital gains on listed securities (held 2+ years)
• No wealth tax, no inheritance tax

The Cost of Living

Budapest is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals:

Category	Monthly (USD)
1BR apartment (District V/VII)	$500-800
Groceries	$200-300
Transport (BKK pass)	$35
Health insurance	$100-200
Total	$835-1,335

The Processing

• Application through the Budapest Foreigners Directorate
• Processing: 2-4 months
• No interview required for investment-based applications