Hungary
Guest Investor Residence Permit
The Guest Investor Residence Permit (vendégbefektetői tartózkodási engedély) is Hungary's residence-by-investment program, often called the "Hungarian Golden Visa." Established under Act XC of 2023 and effective from 1 July 2024, it is administered by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). The program targets non-EEA third-country nationals whose qualifying investments serve Hungary's national economic interest, granting long-term residence with full employment rights in Hungary and Schengen Area travel privileges. As of January 2025, two investment pathways remain available after the direct property purchase option was abolished.
- Non-EEA, non-Swiss third-country national
- Complete one of two qualifying investments within 3 months of entering Hungary:
- Real estate fund: EUR 250,000 in investment fund shares issued by a real estate fund registered with the Hungarian National Bank (MNB), where at least 40% of the fund's net asset value is in Hungarian residential real estate, held in a blocked securities sub-account for at least 5 years
- Higher education donation: EUR 1,000,000 non-refundable donation to a public-trust higher education institution for educational, scientific research, or artistic activities
- Demonstrate the legal origin of investment funds and sufficient financial resources for living expenses
- Must not pose a threat to public order, security, health, or national security
- Must not appear in the Schengen Information System (SIS)
- No specific education or professional qualifications required
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- One facial photograph
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary (ownership deed, lease agreement, courtesy agreement, or hotel reservation)
- Investment certification from fund manager or institutional donation confirmation letter
- Proof of legal origin of investment funds
- Proof of sufficient financial capacity for living expenses
The process begins with a guest investor visa (D-type) valid for up to 6 months. The residence permit itself is valid for up to 10 years and can be extended once for a further 10 years, giving a maximum total of 20 years. Extension requires that the investment has been maintained (for fund shares, the 5-year lock-up must be observed), no criminal convictions or immigration violations have occurred, and the same documentation is submitted. There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain the permit.
Spouses (including registered partners) and minor children may apply for family reunification residence permits linked to the guest investor permit. These permits share the same 10-year validity and 10-year extension possibility. Family applications may be submitted in parallel with the main applicant's residence permit, but family members cannot reside in Hungary until the sponsor's permit is granted. Family members must provide birth or marriage certificates, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial means, valid travel documents, a facial photograph, and (for minors) parental consent.
Holding the guest investor permit does not automatically create Hungarian tax residency. Tax residency is triggered by spending 183 or more days in Hungary within a 12-month period, at which point worldwide income becomes subject to Hungarian taxation. The standard personal income tax rate is 15%, with a 13% social contribution tax on employment income. Income from real estate fund investments is subject to 15% personal income tax regardless of tax residency status.
The application follows a two-stage procedure. First, apply for a guest investor visa (D-type national visa) at a Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality, permanent residence, or legal residence. Upon visa approval, enter Hungary and submit the residence permit application within 30 days of first entry — either electronically via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at a regional OIF directorate. Biometric data (photograph, fingerprints, signature) must be collected within 15 days of application receipt. The qualifying investment must then be completed within 3 months of entry and certified via the Enter Hungary platform.
Processing time: 21 days from receipt of the complete application.
Fees: EUR 110 for the guest investor visa; EUR 110 at a diplomatic post or HUF 39,000 in person in Hungary for the residence permit; HUF 26,000 via the Enter Hungary platform; HUF 26,000 for extensions.
The guest investor permit does not directly lead to permanent residency. Holders are excluded from obtaining a national residence card. However, after 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Hungary, holders may apply for an EC permanent residence permit. Hungarian citizenship requires at least 8 years of continuous lawful residence plus passing a Hungarian-language constitutional knowledge exam.
The guest investor residence permit is a Schengen residence permit, allowing visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Permit holders may enter and exit Hungary freely while maintaining their investment, with no mandatory minimum stay requirement.
Links
Other Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Country↑ | Program↕ | Income↕ | Investment↕ | Funds Required↕ | Capital Required↕ | Duration↕ | Dependants↕ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇦🇱 Albania | Residence Permit for Pensioners | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇱 Albania | Residence Permit for Real Estate Owners | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇱 Albania | Unique Permit for Digital Mobile Workers | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇱 Albania | Unique Permit for Investors | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇩 Andorra | Digital Nomad Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇩 Andorra | Entrepreneur Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇦🇩 Andorra | Residence for Scientific, Cultural and Sporting Interest | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇩 Andorra | Residence Without Lucrative Activity | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇹 Austria | Job Seeker Visa (Red-White-Red Card) | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇹 Austria | Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇹 Austria | Settlement Permit — Artist | — | — | — | ||||
🇦🇹 Austria | Settlement Permit Excluding Gainful Employment | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇾 Belarus | Hi-Tech Park Resident | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇾 Belarus | Investor Permanent Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇪 Belgium | Professional Card for Entrepreneur | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇪 Belgium | Rentier Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Continuous Residence Permit for Pensioners | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Digital Nomad Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Investor Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Startup Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇭🇷 Croatia | Temporary Stay for Other Purposes (Property Ownership) | — | — | — | ||||
🇭🇷 Croatia | Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇾 Cyprus | Category D Immigration Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇨🇾 Cyprus | Category F Immigration Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇾 Cyprus | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇾 Cyprus | Permanent Residence Permit for Investors | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇾 Cyprus | Startup Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Digital Nomad Program | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Long-Term Residence Permit for the Purpose of Investment | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇪 Estonia | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇪 Estonia | Residence Permit for Major Investor | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇪 Estonia | Startup Visa | — | — | — | — | |||
🇫🇮 Finland | Residence Permit for Work in Culture or Arts | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇮 Finland | Startup Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇫🇷 France | Carte de Sejour Temporaire Visiteur | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇷 France | Talent Porteur de Projet — Business Creation | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇷 France | Talent Porteur de Projet — Direct Economic Investment | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇷 France | Talent Porteur de Projet — Innovative Economic Project (French Tech Visa) | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇷 France | Talent — Artistic and Cultural Profession | — | — | — | ||||
🇫🇷 France | Talent — International Reputation | — | — | — | — | |||
🇩🇪 Germany | Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) | — | — | — | ||||
🇩🇪 Germany | Freelance Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇩🇪 Germany | Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons | — | — | — | ||||
🇩🇪 Germany | Self-Employment Residence Permit for Business Founders | — | — | — | ||||
🇩🇪 Germany | Settlement Permit for Highly Qualified Professionals | — | — | — | — | |||
🇬🇷 Greece | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇬🇷 Greece | Golden Visa (Permanent Residence Permit for Investor) | — | — | — | ||||
🇬🇷 Greece | Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons | — | — | — | ||||
🇬🇷 Greece | Talent Visa | — | — | — | — | |||
🇬🇬 Guernsey | Guernsey Entrepreneur Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇬🇬 Guernsey | Guernsey Investor Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇭🇺 Hungary | Guest Investor Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇭🇺 Hungary | Guest Self-Employment Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇭🇺 Hungary | White Card | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇸 Iceland | Long-Term Visa for Remote Work | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇪 Ireland | Stamp 0 (Person of Independent Means) | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇪 Ireland | Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇲 Isle of Man | Innovator Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇲 Isle of Man | Start-Up Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇹 Italy | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇹 Italy | Elective Residence Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇹 Italy | Investor Visa for Italy | — | — | — | ||||
🇮🇹 Italy | Italia Startup Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇯🇪 Jersey | High Value Residency Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇽🇰 Kosovo | Self-Employment Work Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇻 Latvia | Investor Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇻 Latvia | Long-Stay Visa for Remote Work | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇻 Latvia | Startup Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇻 Latvia | Temporary Residence Permit for Pensioners | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein | Residence Permit Without Gainful Employment | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇹 Lithuania | Startup Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Investor Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Job Seeker Authorisation | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Residence Permit for Private Reasons | — | — | — | ||||
🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Self-Employed Worker Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | Global Residence Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | Malta Permanent Residence Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | Malta Retirement Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | Nomad Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | Startup Residence Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | The Residence Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇹 Malta | United Nations Pensions Programme | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇩 Moldova | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇩 Moldova | Investment Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇨 Monaco | Residence Permit for Persons Without Professional Activity | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇪 Montenegro | Digital Nomad Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇪 Montenegro | Temporary Residence and Work Permit for Entrepreneurs | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇪 Montenegro | Temporary Residence Permit for Property Owners | — | — | — | ||||
🇳🇱 Netherlands | Orientation Year Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇳🇱 Netherlands | Startup Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇲🇰 North Macedonia | Personal Work Permit for Self-Employment | — | — | — | ||||
🇳🇴 Norway | Self-Employment Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | D7 Passive Income Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | D8 Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | Golden Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | Job Seeker Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Activity | — | — | — | ||||
🇵🇹 Portugal | StartUP Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇴 Romania | Digital Nomad Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇴 Romania | Long-Stay Visa for Commercial Activities | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇺 Russia | Impatriation Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇷🇺 Russia | Investor Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇲 San Marino | Atypical Residence for Pensioners | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇲 San Marino | Elective Residence | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇲 San Marino | High-Tech Startup Residence | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇸 Serbia | Investor Temporary Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇸 Serbia | Property Ownership Temporary Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇷🇸 Serbia | Startup Temporary Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇷🇸 Serbia | Talent Temporary Residence Permit | — | — | — | — | |||
🇸🇰 Slovakia | Temporary Residence for Business Purpose | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇮 Slovenia | Temporary Residence Permit for Digital Nomads | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇮 Slovenia | Temporary Residence Permit for Other Justified Reasons | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇸 Spain | Entrepreneur Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇸 Spain | International Telework Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇪🇸 Spain | Non-Lucrative Residence Visa | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇪 Sweden | Residence Permit for Job Seeking | — | — | — | ||||
🇸🇪 Sweden | Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons | — | — | — | — | |||
🇸🇪 Sweden | Self-Employment Residence Permit | — | — | — | ||||
🇨🇭 Switzerland | Residence Permit Without Gainful Employment | — | — | — | ||||
🇺🇦 Ukraine | Immigration Permit for Highly Qualified IT Specialists | — | — | — | — | |||
🇺🇦 Ukraine | Immigration Permit for Investors | — | — | — | ||||
🇺🇦 Ukraine | Temporary Residence Permit for Investors | — | — | — | ||||
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Global Talent Visa | — | — | — | — | |||
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | High Potential Individual Visa | — | — | — | — | |||
🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Innovator Founder Visa | — | — | — |