Golden Visa Hungary: The new programme

Under the new immigration act adopted in December 2023, Hungary is providing a guest investor visa allowing a 2-year period of residence in Hungary. Holders are entitled to stays of more than 90 days and multiple entries within 180 days. The Ecovis experts explain which rules apply to the Golden Visa in Hungary.

The Hungarian Golden Visa requires at least one of the following investments:

• at least EUR 250,000 in a real estate investment fund
• at least EUR 500,000 in the acquisition of a residential property in Hungary
• at least EUR 1,000,000 in non-refundable public trust donation

These amounts do not include the fees and costs of the procedures for obtaining the visa.

According to the law, a foreign national can obtain a guest investor visa if:

• Their investments mean that entry and residence is in the national economic interest
• They have a valid travel document
• They have a permit for return or onward travel
• They can provide proof of the purpose of their entry and residence
• They have sufficient means of subsistence and are able to cover the costs of departure
• They have health insurance to cover any medical expenses,
• They are not subject to expulsion orders or entry and residence bans and do not constitute a threat to public policy, public security, national security or public health in Hungary
• They are not subject to a Schengen Information System alert
• They hold or intend to hold at least one of the relevant investments
• They can certify the lawful possession of the amount corresponding to the required investment
• They provide a written undertaking to make the expected investment within three months of entry

Additional restrictions on the Golden Visa

A prohibition of alienation and encumbrance must be registered on the residential property purchased for a period of 5 years. The residential property must be owned exclusively by the visa holder or a family member for 5 years.

Provided that they meet the additional requirements, holders of a guest investor visa can apply for a 10-year guest investor residence permit as a next step.

For further information please contact:

György Zalavári, LL.M attorney at law, ECOVIS Hungary Legal, Budapest, Hungary
Email: gyorgy.zalavari@ecovis.hu