ResidencyHungary
A ten-year renewable residence in the heart of Schengen through the Guest Investor Programme.
Hungary's Guest Investor Programme offers non-European investors an unusually long residence term: a ten-year permit, renewable for a further decade, secured through a single investment in a regulated real estate fund. Few European routes combine this duration with so light a presence obligation, which makes Hungary a compelling base for internationally mobile families.
Sitting squarely within the Schengen Area, the residence unlocks visa-free movement across the bloc. Holders are not required to live in Hungary during the residence, although a visit to establish genuine ties is encouraged, and the whole family, from spouse and children to elderly parents, can be brought under one application.
CBIProgram coordinates the pre-screening, the embassy biometrics and the fund subscription so that the Guest Investor Visa converts smoothly into the ten-year permit. Investors who later choose to settle can build toward permanent residence, and Hungarian law permits dual citizenship for those who go further.
- Residence requirement: None
Program law
The Guest Investor Programme operates under Act XC of 2023 on the entry and residence of third-country nationals, as amended in 2024, alongside the Hungarian permanent residency framework in Act CCXX of 2012 amending Act II of 2007.
Key benefits
Ten-Year Permit
The residence is granted for ten years and renewable for another ten, one of the longest investment-based terms available in Europe.
Schengen Travel
Hungary's Schengen membership gives holders visa-free movement across the area within the standard ninety-day stay limits.
No Stay Requirement
There is no obligation to physically reside in Hungary to hold the residence, though a visit to prove genuine ties is recommended.
Extended Family Reach
A single application can cover a spouse, children, and parents, with dependent adult children and parents included under the relevant conditions.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Regulated real estate fund units — Government-approved residential real estate funds registered with the Hungarian National Bank; units held at least five years, non-interest bearing, with a 2 percent return paid if still held after five years. | EUR 250,000 |
| Philanthropic donation — A monetary contribution to a higher education institution maintained by a public interest trust foundation. | EUR 1,000,000 |
Government fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant, spouse and up to four minor children — Refundable if the application is denied. | EUR 65,000 |
| Each additional minor child under 18 | EUR 3,000 |
| Each additional adult child aged 18 to 26 | EUR 10,000 |
| Each additional parent | EUR 15,000 |
Process & timeline
Sign the retainer and pay the initial fees, submit a passport copy and bank statement for pre-screening, then pay the EUR 65,000 government fee to secure an embassy appointment.
Attend the embassy in person for biometrics and submission; a six-month Guest Investor Visa is issued.
Enter Hungary within one month and make the fund investment in person within 93 days of arrival, then file the ten-year visa application.
Transfer the EUR 250,000 within ten days of lodging the application.
The ten-year residence permit is issued, typically within one month.
Eligibility
- Is at least eighteen years of age
- Completes a qualifying investment under the Guest Investor Programme
- Holds a clean criminal record and a good reputation
- Is in good health and can provide a medical certificate
- Can demonstrate sufficient funds, including the required bank balance for the family
- Holds citizenship of a country outside the EU
Required documents
All applicants
- Certified copies of all passports
- Birth certificates
- Curriculum vitae and completed data sheet
- Signed and dated Power of Attorney
- Two original passport-size photographs (45mm x 35mm)
- Evidence of no criminal convictions
Main applicant
- Bank statement showing the required funds for the applicant and family
- Residence permit or proof of stay if not living in the country of citizenship
- Documentation supporting the qualifying investment
Married couples
- Marriage certificate for the spouse
- For dependent adult children aged 18 to 26: proof of economic dependency, single status and school enrolment
Frequently asked questions
How long does the residence last?
The Guest Investor residence permit is valid for ten years and can be renewed for a further ten, far longer than most European investment-based permits.
Do I have to live in Hungary?
No minimum stay is required to hold the residence, although a visit to demonstrate genuine ties to the country is recommended.
What is the lowest qualifying investment?
The entry route is EUR 250,000 in units of a government-approved real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank. The units must be held for at least five years.
Are the government fees refundable?
Yes. The government fees, including the EUR 65,000 that covers the main applicant, spouse and up to four minor children, are refundable if the application is denied.
Can I reach permanent residence?
Permanent residence may be available after five years, provided the holder lives in Hungary for 183 days across the preceding two years and becomes a tax resident. That process takes roughly a year.
Does the permit allow European travel?
Yes. Hungary is in the Schengen Area, so the residence permit allows visa-free travel across Schengen within the usual stay limits.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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