Residence in Hungary: The Guest Investor Permit
You want a long permit in Hungary, and you want to know which route fits. Hungary has one investment route, the Guest Investor permit, with EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund share or a EUR 1,000,000 donation. The permit runs up to 10 years.
Why Hungary's route does not take a direct purchase
Hungary's guest investor permit does not accept a direct property purchase, and its fund rules are strict. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Guest Investor permit | |
|---|---|
| Type | Investment residence |
| Money | EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund share, or a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public-trust higher education institution |
| Key rule | Fund shares are blocked for 5 years; there is no minimum stay; you file in Hungary in person |
| Page | Hungary Guest Investor permit |
| Business | Open a company in Hungary |
Hungary has other permit types that this section does not cover; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Hungary Guest Investor Permit right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You can invest EUR 250,000 in a qualifying real estate fund and hold it for five years, or donate EUR 1,000,000 to a public-trust university | You want to buy an apartment directly: direct purchase does not qualify |
| You can attend in person in Hungary to file | You need your money back within five years on the fund route |
| You want a long permit with no minimum stay | You cannot be in Hungary to file and give fingerprints |
| You can show a suitable residence in Hungary | Your funds cannot be documented |
Not sure Hungary is the best fit? Compare all European routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need a qualifying fund share or donation, proof of it, a suitable residence in Hungary and a valid passport. You file inside Hungary and attend in person.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Hungary Guest Investor Permit page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
The investment is the larger cost. Set it against the cost of a wrong start: a fund share that does not qualify, or a blocked account you cannot release.
| Item | What the Immigration Office says |
|---|---|
| Procedural fees | The page refers to a separate fee information note; your partner checks the amounts before you file |
| Investment | EUR 250,000 in a qualifying fund share, or EUR 1,000,000 donation |
| Appeal | Refusals can be appealed within 8 days of delivery |
Source: Hungarian Immigration Office, guest investor factsheet and FAQ (updated 3 March 2026). Professional fees are agreed with the local partner.
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: Hungarian Immigration Office.
- Page date: Immigration Office factsheet and FAQ updated 3 March 2026
- Direct property purchase: does not qualify
- Permit: up to 10 years, extendable once for up to 10
After you have the permit
You keep the permit by keeping the investment and reporting changes. The permit runs up to 10 years and can be extended once for up to 10 more.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Hungary Guest Investor Permit page.
How Hungary compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Hungary route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary Guest Investor Permit (this page) | EUR 250,000 real estate fund share, or a EUR 1,000,000 donation | Investment | The Hungary Guest Investor permit needs EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund share or a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public-trust university. |
| Cyprus Investor Permit | EUR 300,000 investment plus a secure income of EUR 50,000 a year | Investment | The Cyprus investor permit needs an investment of at least EUR 300,000 and a secure annual income of at least EUR 50,000. |
| Italy Investor Visa | EUR 250,000 (innovative start-up); other routes start higher | Investment | The Italy Investor Visa lets non-EU investors make an investment or donation in Italy and then apply for residence. |
| Portugal Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (culture and heritage route); other routes start at EUR 500,000 | Investment | The Portugal Golden Visa is a temporary residence permit that starts at EUR 250,000 in a qualifying investment. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
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From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Hungary route can I use?
This section covers the Guest Investor permit, which the Hungarian Immigration Office issues for up to 10 years.
Can I buy an apartment for the permit?
No. The official page lists a real estate fund share or a donation, and it does not mention direct purchase of real estate as a qualifying investment.
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner. You file in Hungary and attend in person.
Can I work in Hungary?
Yes. The permit lets you work without restriction as an employee, self-employed person or company executive.
Can my family be included?
Family members can apply for family reunification permits in parallel with your application. They cannot stay until your guest investor permit is issued, and those permits allow work.
Do I have to live in Hungary?
No. The Immigration Office states there is no rule on a minimum length of stay for the guest investor permit.
Do you recommend funds?
No. We do not recommend or rank funds and we do not quote returns. The law sets the fund conditions, and your local partner checks them against the official list of managers.
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Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
