Secure Your EU Residency with Confidence
Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Programme (Golden Visa)
The Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit is a newly launched programme, offering non-EU nationals a route to EU residency through investment, with access to the Schengen Area and a favourable legal environment. Hungary’s low tax structure, affordable property market, and central European location make it a highly strategic choice for global investors.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants are granted a 10-year renewable residence permit by investing in qualifying Hungarian state-backed assets. This permit allows investors and their family members to reside in Hungary and travel freely across the Schengen Zone.
What sets Hungary apart is the permanent residence and citizenship potential, especially for applicants who choose to lawfully reside in Hungary over the long term. No donation is required, and investors benefit from a stable, EU-based immigration framework.
Secure Long-Term EU Residency Through Strategic Investment
The Hungarian Guest Investor Residency Programme, established under Act XC of 2023, offers non-EU nationals a unique opportunity to obtain a 10-year renewable residence permit in Hungary through qualified investments. This programme stands out for its combination of legal robustness, strategic benefits, and a clear pathway to long-term settlement in the European Union.
- Investment Options: Applicants can choose from several investment routes, starting from €250,000.
- Family Inclusion: The programme allows for the inclusion of immediate family members, providing them with the same residency rights.
- Pathway to Citizenship: While there is no mandatory minimum stay requirement to maintain the residence permit, those who choose to reside in Hungary continuously may become eligible for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after eight years, subject to meeting language and integration criteria.
- Schengen Area Access: Holders of the residence permit enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, facilitating ease of movement throughout much of Europe.
The Hungarian Guest Investor Residency Programme, is designed for discerning investors seeking a stable and advantageous route to European residency, combining Hungary’s strategic location, favourable investment climate, and the benefits of EU membership.
Investment Options
To qualify for the Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit, applicants must invest €250,000 into a government-approved real estate fund. This is currently the only viable route under the programme, following the formal withdrawal of the direct real estate purchase option in late 2024.
The investment must be made into a regulated property fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank, and the fund must allocate at least 40% of its assets to residential real estate within Hungary.
Key Features:
- Fund must be officially listed and state-approved
- Capital must be held for a minimum of 5 years
- Investment supports Hungary’s residential development sector
- Regulated by national financial authorities for investor protection
- Offers a moderate-risk, legally compliant route to EU residency
- Ideal for investors seeking a secure, asset-backed solution
While current legislation also allows for a €1,000,000 donation to a designated public benefit trust, Coates Global does not promote the donation route, as it is non-refundable, yields no financial return, and offers no advantage over the more efficient €250,000 fund option.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit follows a clear, law-based process under Act XC of 2023, providing qualified non-EU nationals with a 10-year renewable residence permit through an approved investment route. Coates Global manages the full legal process from start to finish.
- Step 1: Initial Consultation & Mandate (1–2 days)
Coates Global evaluates the applicant’s eligibility and prepares a personalised strategy. A legal services agreement is signed, and due diligence begins. - Step 2: Entry Visa Arrangement (5–10 days)
Applicants prepare their documentation and apply for a Hungarian entry visa if required. This step ensures lawful entry into Hungary for the purpose of completing the investment and applying for residency. - Step 3: Entry into Hungary & Preliminary Registration (variable)
Upon arrival in Hungary, the applicant registers a local address, sets up a tax number if required, and prepares to execute the investment. - Step 4: Investment Execution (€250,000)
The applicant finalises the investment into a government-approved real estate fund. The fund must be registered with the Hungarian National Bank and meet programme criteria (including minimum 40% real estate allocation). - Step 5: Residence Permit Application Submission (1–3 days)
Once the investment is confirmed, Coates Global submits the residence permit application to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). All supporting documentation, including proof of investment, accommodation, insurance, and financial means, is included. - Step 6: Biometric Appointment & Issuance (approx. 2–4 weeks)
The applicant attends an in-person appointment in Hungary to provide biometric data. The 10-year Guest Investor Residence Permit is typically issued shortly thereafter.
From initial instruction to residence permit issuance: approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on documentation and processing time.
How Coates Global Can Assist
Coates Global provides expert legal support and end-to-end immigration assistance for investors seeking to secure Hungarian residency through the Guest Investor Residence Permit.
Our experienced legal consultants and multilingual team work closely with clients across the UK, EU, and globally to ensure a smooth, compliant, and fully transparent process from start to finish.
Our Services Include:
- Strategic Consultation & Eligibility Assessment
We conduct a full review of your circumstances to confirm eligibility and advise on the optimal investment structure. - Fund Selection & Investment Guidance
We liaise with approved real estate fund managers registered with the Hungarian National Bank, ensuring the investment is fully compliant with programme requirements. - Legal Document Preparation
All required documents are compiled, verified, and professionally prepared, including identity, criminal record clearance, accommodation, and financial evidence. - Immigration Process Management
From visa support for initial entry into Hungary to coordinating the in-country residence permit application and biometric appointment, we handle every step with precision. - Family Application Support
We assist in adding eligible family members under the same residence permit, ensuring unified processing and status. - Post-Approval Support
Once your 10-year permit is issued, we provide ongoing legal support for address registration, renewals, and future pathways to permanent residence or citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a government-approved residence-by-investment scheme launched under Act XC of 2023, offering a 10-year renewable residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest in a qualifying Hungarian real estate fund. to live in Italy and access the Schengen Area.
Applicants must invest €250,000 into a real estate fund that is registered with the Hungarian National Bank. The fund must allocate at least 40% of its assets to residential real estate in Hungary. The investment must be held for a minimum of 5 years.
No. While it was originally part of the proposed programme, the Hungarian government removed the direct real estate purchase option in December 2024. The real estate fund route is now the only viable pathway to residency.
There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain the residence permit. However, those wishing to pursue permanent residence or citizenship in the future must reside in Hungary continuously to meet long-term eligibility.
The initial residence permit is valid for ten years and can be renewed for an additional ten-year period.
Holders of the Guest Investor Residence Permit are granted full legal residence status in Hungary, which includes the right to engage in employment or operate a business. There are no separate work permit requirements under this residency category.
You and your dependants may also enrol in public or private educational institutions in Hungary. Children included in your application will have access to state-funded education, while adults may attend universities, language schools, or vocational training programmes.
Yes. Spouses, minor children, and financially dependent parents may be included in the application and receive the same 10-year residence permit.
From initial instruction to issuance of the 10-year residence permit, the process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on document readiness and government processing time.
Yes. After 8 years of continuous lawful residence, applicants may apply for Hungarian citizenship, subject to a Hungarian language and cultural integration exam. Permanent residence can be applied for after 5 years.
Please feel free to email us at info@coatesglobal.com, and one of our experienced team members will get back to you promptly to assist with your inquiry.
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