Hungary Golden Visa 2026: The Only Complete Guide to Both Active Tiers

What Changed in January 2025

Hungary's Guest Investor Visa (the formal name for the Golden Visa) was restructured effective January 1, 2025. The direct real estate purchase pathway at €500,000 was removed from the program. Only two pathways now qualify.

Pathway 1: €250,000 Real Estate Investment Fund

Investment: Minimum €250,000 into an NBH (National Bank of Hungary) regulated real estate investment fund. The fund must hold the investment for a minimum of 5 years — you cannot exit early. The fund invests in Hungarian commercial and residential real estate. Returns are not guaranteed but have historically tracked 6–9% annually.

Residency: 10-year renewable residence permit. No minimum stay requirement. Includes spouse and dependent children.

Processing: Approximately 21–30 days for approval + 7 days for card issuance. Total ~5 weeks from complete application submission.

Pathway 2: €1,000,000 Charitable Donation

Investment: Minimum €1,000,000 donation to an accredited Hungarian higher education or cultural institution. Non-refundable.

Residency: Same 10-year renewable permit as Pathway 1.

Who uses this: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want the fastest, cleanest EU residency without any fund lock-in or real estate complexity.

Who Is Excluded

Russian nationals are categorically excluded from the Hungarian Golden Visa program, regardless of whether they hold a second citizenship. This exclusion applies to all nationalities with Russian citizenship.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Engage a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney
2. Open a Hungarian bank account (takes 2–4 weeks as a non-resident)
3. Transfer investment funds to designated fund account
4. Submit Guest Investor Visa application at nearest Hungarian consulate
5. Receive D-type visa (6 months, single entry)
6. Enter Hungary, apply for 10-year residence permit in person
7. Permit issued within 7 working days