Hungary Guest Investor Program: published requirements

Legal basis and authority

Hungary's National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP) describes the guest investor residence permit as a route for certain third-country nationals whose investments in Hungary meet a national economic interest test. The Ministry of Justice's National Legislation Database contains Act XC of 2023, including provisions on guest investor visas and investment categories. NDGAP handles applications, and the relevant regional directorate is the office for applications submitted in person.^[1][2]

The official factsheet defines a third-country national as a non-Hungarian national without EEA free movement and residence rights, including a stateless person. A U.S. citizen therefore falls within the third-country national category if the other conditions are met. The factsheet also notes that entry requirements can depend on nationality, including whether visa-free entry is available.^[1]

Qualifying investment routes

The factsheet lists two qualifying investment categories. One is an investment fund share of at least EUR 250,000 issued by a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank. The other is a financial donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a qualifying higher education institution for education, scientific research or artistic creation.^[1]

For the fund route, the factsheet says the share must be held for at least five years and the fund's net asset value must comprise at least 40 percent investment in Hungarian residential real estate. It also describes eligibility requirements for fund managers and requires a securities account manager's document showing the shares are deposited in a securities sub-account blocked for at least five years. The account manager must be released from confidentiality obligations for the account-blocking procedure.^[1]

For the donation route, the institution must be maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission. Its certificate must confirm receipt of the donation and its qualifying purpose. The published donation threshold is EUR 1,000,000.^[1]

Application and entry conditions

An initial residence permit application is submitted in Hungary, following entry on a guest investor visa or visa-free entry where permitted. The factsheet states a general deadline of 30 days after first legal entry for applicants entering with a visa or under a visa exemption. Visa-exempt applicants who already hold a Hungarian residence permit may apply during their legal stay.^[1]

Applications may be filed electronically through Enter Hungary or in person at the NDGAP regional directorate competent for the applicant's accommodation. A legal representative or legal person acting as attorney-in-fact must use Enter Hungary. Electronic filing still requires the applicant to appear in person to provide fingerprints, a facial photograph and a signature specimen.^[1]

Applicants provide proof of one of the declared investments, a valid passport and evidence of accommodation in Hungary. The factsheet accepts a residential lease, a courtesy accommodation document, proof of ownership or a paid accommodation reservation. It gives a 21-day procedural administration period, excluding certain periods for missing documentation and proof of the investment.^[1]

Permit duration, renewal and conditions

The residence permit can be issued for up to 10 years and may be extended for up to another 10 years for the same purpose. Extension applications are submitted in Hungary through Enter Hungary while the existing guest investor permit remains valid, and the application is filed at least 30 days before expiry.^[1]

For an extension based on an investment fund share, the applicant must still hold the investment when applying. An extension based on the donation route may be granted without a further investment. The factsheet also requires changes to information used to verify the investment to be reported within five days through Enter Hungary.^[1]

The official factsheet states that guest investor permit holders may work in Hungary without restrictions and may pursue independent remunerated activity or serve as a business chief executive. Its work provisions also cover actual work for or under another party's direction under an employment contract.^[1]

Family, permanent residence and citizenship

A related residence permit for family reunification carries work authorization for actual employment.

Published investment amounts and fees

Questions and answers

Related resources

Related glossary terms

• Residence by investment: Residence by investment links an investment to residence status or a permit. Each country sets its own investment rules, as well as income and family rules.
• Golden visa: Golden visa is a common label for residence permits connected to investment, though official programs use different names and conditions for each route.

Related articles and guides

• Latvia investor residence permit: published requirements: Latvia grants temporary residence to foreigners investing in company equity. It covers fees, required documents, family eligibility and residence conditions.
• Panama Qualified Investor visa: published requirements: Panama's Qualified Investor program grants permanent residence through specified investments. Each route has its own published amounts and family coverage.
• Dominica Citizenship by Investment: published requirements: Dominica's citizenship by investment programme: its legal authority, investment routes and published amounts, family categories and application process.

Related pages

• Residency by investment: All program pages.