Long-stay visas (Type D)
Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit (Golden Visa)
A ten-year residence permit for third-country nationals who make a qualifying investment or donation serving Hungary's economic interest, granting long-term residence in the country.
Important information
- Issuing authority
- National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF/NDGAP)
- Investment option 1
- At least EUR 250,000 in shares of a Hungarian National Bank-registered real-estate investment fund (held 5+ years; fund holds 40%+ Hungarian residential property)
- Investment option 2
- Donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a publicly-maintained higher-education institution for education, research or artistic activity
- Validity
- Up to 10 years, renewable once for a further 10 years
Who it's for
- Third-country nationals able to make a substantial qualifying investment or donation
- Investors seeking a long, low-physical-presence residence in Hungary and the EU
- Applicants who want to include family members
Requirements
- A qualifying investment: EUR 250,000+ in a registered real-estate fund, OR a EUR 1,000,000+ donation to a public higher-education institution
- For the fund route, hold the share certificate for at least 5 years; the fund must keep 40%+ of net assets in Hungarian residential real estate
- Valid passport
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- One facial photograph
What you can do
- Reside in Hungary for up to 10 years, renewable once for another 10
- Work in Hungary without restriction, be self-employed, or act as a company executive
- Sponsor family members for reunification (their permits can run up to 10 years)
How to apply
The process typically starts with a guest-investor visa to enter Hungary, followed by the residence permit application. A visa holder generally applies for the residence permit within 30 days of entry; visa-exempt nationals can apply during their legal stay, electronically via Enter Hungary or in person at a regional directorate.
The residence permit itself carries a 21-day administrative processing period (excluding time for document submission and deficiency correction).
Documents
- Proof of the qualifying investment or donation
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary
- Valid passport
- One facial photograph
Frequently asked questions
No. The direct residential real-estate purchase option was removed in January 2025. The qualifying routes are now a subscription of at least EUR 250,000 in a registered real-estate investment fund, or a donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a public higher-education institution.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Hungarian visas
- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDJOB OFFEREU Blue CardA combined residence-and-work permit for highly qualified third-country professionals with a job offer that meets a set salary threshold, letting them live and work in Hungary.View visa details
- WORKSKILLED OCCUPATIONSHungarian CardA skilled-work residence permit for professionals in designated occupations, as well as athletes, coaches, performers and film-industry workers, allowing them to live and work in Hungary.View visa details
- WORKLIMITED NATIONALITIESResidence Permit for the Purpose of EmploymentA general permit combining work and residence in a single application, currently open only to a narrow set of nationalities looking to take up employment in Hungary.View visa details
