Hungarian Golden Visa Program: second investment fund approved

The Hungarian Golden Visa Program has been available since July 1, 2024, offering foreign investors the opportunity to apply for a guest investor visa. Now the second investment fund has been approved, widening the range of options available to investors.

Invest in a real estate fund

In the Hungarian golden visa program, you can gain 10+10 years of EU residency for yourself and the entire family in exchange for one single investment:

EUR 250,000 in a licensed investment fund

Investment funds need to undergo a thorough vetting procedure before receiving their license. They must also be registered with the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), and have at least 40% of their portfolio allocated to Hungarian residential real estate projects.

Now that the second investment fund received its license, investors have more options to choose from, and their preferences may play a bigger role in their decision.

Maintain your investment for 5 years

When you apply for the Hungarian Golden Visa and the 10-year residence permit, you make a commitment to maintain your investment for at least 5 years. When that time is up, you can decide whether you maintain that investment or divest it.

Before you divest, consider if you will want to maintain your Hungarian residency once the 10 years are up. To renew your permit, you will need an investment of the same value based on which you first applied. This may be:

the same investment you maintained
an investment of the same value at the same fund
an investment of the same value at a different fund

For now, only two investment funds have the required license, but more are in the pipeline. As a result, you will have the chance to reconsider your options at the 5-year mark.

Why choose the Hungarian Golden Visa Program?

Hungary’s Golden Visa Program is one of the most appealing residency options in Europe. It offers:

A 10-year residency permit for investors and their families.
Option for renewal for another 10 years
Fast processing times—residency can be obtained in just a few months, compared to 18–24 months for similar EU programs.
Visa-free travel within the EU and the Schengen zone.

Hungary is also an ideal location for setting up European operations, thanks to its central position, modern infrastructure, and affordability. The country offers a high standard of living at a fraction of the cost seen in Western Europe. Residency permit holders can live, work, or conduct business in Hungary without restrictions.

Steps to apply for residency

To begin, applicants must:

Provide proof of funds and commit to making the investment.
Apply for a guest investor visa, which allows unlimited entry to Hungary for six months or until the residency permit is issued.

Once the visa is issued, investors can visit Hungary to complete the investment and submit their application for the 10-year residency permit. Those who already hold the visa can move forward immediately, with permits typically issued in a matter of weeks.

How we can help

As Hungary’s leading provider of business, immigration, and investment services, Helpers ensures a smooth and efficient residency application process. Our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way.