Approved real-estate fund
€250,000
Units in a fund registered with the Hungarian central bank, held for at least 5 years.
Overview
Hungary's Guest Investor Programme, launched in 2024, gives a residence permit of up to 10 years, which can be extended, in exchange for a €250,000 investment in an approved real-estate fund. It offers visa-free Schengen travel with no minimum stay, and a passive investment with no property to manage.
The direct property purchase route was abolished at the end of 2024, so the fund route is now the main option.
Investment options
Choose your route
Higher-education donation
€1,000,000
A donation of at least €1,000,000 to a Hungarian higher-education institution run by a public-interest trust. It is not refundable.
Costs
What to budget for
Also budget for
- Government and application feesSet by the government; they rise with each family member included.
- Due diligenceBackground checks, charged for each adult applicant.
- Professional and legal feesFor preparing and filing your application.
- Ongoing costsSuch as health insurance, property upkeep or renewals.
Costs depend on who is included. We give you the exact figure for your family in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits
What you gain
Permit of up to 10 years, which can be extended
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
No minimum stay
Passive fund investment
Family included
Right to work in Hungary
Travel reach
Where this takes you
Visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries
Up to 90 days in any 180. This does not include the right to live or work in other EU countries.
Family
Who can come with you
Main applicantEligible
Spouse or partnerEligible
ChildrenEligible
ParentsNot included
GrandparentsNot included
SiblingsNot included
Spouse and children under 18
Process
How the application works
Week 1
Free consultation
We confirm eligibility and choose an approved fund.
About a month
Guest investor visa
Applied for with proof of funds and your intention to invest.
Within 30 days of arriving
Permit application and investment
You travel to Hungary, apply for the permit and complete the fund investment within the deadline.
About 2–3 months
Permit issued
Permits of up to 10 years for the family. The decision is officially due within 21 days of a complete file.
Requirements
What you need to apply
Clean criminal record
Proof of lawful source of funds
Health insurance
Accommodation in Hungary
Things to know before you apply
- —The €500,000 direct property route was abolished in December 2024; only the fund and donation routes remain.
- —Fund returns are not guaranteed, and investments must be held for at least 5 years.
- —Uptake of this programme has been low. A new government took office in May 2026 and has not announced any change to it, though commentators expect it to be looked at. We confirm that it is accepting applications before you commit.
Ask about this programme
Ask anything about Hungary Guest Investor Programme
Try one of these, or write your own question.
FAQs
Questions, answered
Speak to an adviser about Hungary Guest Investor Programme
A free 30-minute call to confirm the route, costs and timeline for your family.
Book a consultationLast reviewed 5 Oct 2026. Figures are indicative and exclude fees unless stated. Programme rules change; we confirm current terms in writing before you commit.