🇭🇺 Hungary

Guest Investor Residence

Residence in Hungary Through Qualifying Investment

Hungary offers a dedicated Guest Investor Residence Permit for qualifying third-country nationals whose investment in Hungary is considered to be in the national economic interest.

The program can provide residence for up to 10 years, with the possibility of extension for another 10 years, subject to the applicable requirements.

CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international investors and their families in assessing eligibility and coordinates the immigration, investment and professional process together with qualified legal and financial professionals.

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What is the Guest Investor Residence Permit?

The Guest Investor Residence Permit is a Hungarian residence pathway for third-country nationals making a qualifying investment in Hungary.

The program provides investors with a long-term residence solution and significant flexibility compared to other residence categories.

Residence for Up to 10 Years
Extension for Another 10 Years
Family Reunification
Unrestricted Employment in Hungary
Business and Self-Employment Rights
Ability to Act as a Company Executive
Schengen Area Travel
No General Minimum-Stay Requirement for Maintaining the Permit

Qualifying Investments

Under the current Hungarian Guest Investor framework, applicants can qualify through one of the following investment options.

Option 1: Real Estate Fund Investment

€250,000

The applicant acquires investment fund shares with a value of at least EUR 250,000 issued by a qualifying real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB).

The qualifying real estate fund must satisfy specific requirements, including at least 40% of the fund's net asset value consisting of investments in residential real estate located in Hungary.

The investment fund shares must be placed in a securities sub-account blocked for at least 5 years.

Option 2: Financial Donation

€1,000,000

The applicant makes a financial donation of at least EUR 1,000,000 to a qualifying Hungarian higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission.

The donation must support education, scientific research, or artistic creation.

The donation is non-recoverable and should not be presented as a recoverable investment.

Who Can Apply?

The Guest Investor Residence pathway is designed for qualifying third-country nationals. This generally means individuals who are not Hungarian citizens, EEA citizens, or persons exercising EU free-movement rights.

Applicants must satisfy the specific investment requirements and meet general Hungarian immigration criteria.

The Application Process

Guest Investor Visa

Applicants who require a visa to enter Hungary generally begin the process by applying for a Guest Investor Visa through the competent Hungarian consular authority.

The visa can be issued for a maximum of 6 months and allows entry for the residence procedure.

Visa-Free Nationals

Third-country nationals entitled to enter Hungary without a visa can generally enter visa-free and apply for the residence permit directly, subject to requirements.

30-Day Application Rule

Following the first legal entry into Hungary, the Guest Investor Residence application must generally be submitted within 30 days.

Core Requirements

Proof of Investment (Blocked securities account or donation certificate)
Accommodation in Hungary (Lease, ownership, or reservation)
Biometric Registration (Fingerprints, photograph, signature)
Health Insurance Coverage
Sufficient Financial Resources

The official procedural administration period for processing is generally 21 days.

Residence Validity and Extension

The Guest Investor Residence Permit can be issued for a maximum period of 10 years and may be extended for up to another 10 years.

Extension applications must be submitted in Hungary through the Enter Hungary platform, generally at least 30 days before the permit expires.

For the €250,000 fund option, the investment requirements must still be satisfied at the time of extension. For the €1,000,000 donation option, no additional donation is generally required for the extension.

10 Years + 10 Years

Employment and Business Rights

One of the major advantages of this permit is the breadth of rights granted to the holder.

Unrestricted Employment: Holders can work in Hungary without the restrictions applicable to other residence categories.
Business and Self-Employment: Holders may perform independent activities, including qualifying professional or entrepreneurial activities.
Company Management: The permit allows the holder to act as a chief executive of a Hungarian business organisation, cooperative, or other legal entity established for gainful activity.

Family Reunification

The Guest Investor Residence Permit provides a strong basis for family relocation. Qualifying family members (spouse, minor children, and potentially others in specific circumstances) may apply for Family Reunification.

Family permits may be issued for up to 10 years, linked to the sponsor's residence validity, and provide employment rights in Hungary under the applicable rules.

Flexibility and Maintenance

There is no general mandatory minimum period of stay in Hungary for maintaining the Guest Investor Residence Permit, making it attractive for international investors who do not intend to reside in Hungary permanently.

A valid Hungarian residence permit allows the holder to travel within other Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) subject to Schengen rules.

5-Day Reporting Obligation

If information relating to the qualifying investment changes during the validity of the residence permit, the investor must report the change through Enter Hungary generally within 5 days.

Pathway Comparison

Guest Investor

Qualifying Fund or Donation
Up to 10-Year Residence
No General Minimum Stay
Unrestricted Employment

Guest Self-Employment

Independent Economic Activity
Genuine Self-Employment Required
Executive Roles in Gainful Entities
Specific Business Continuity Requirements

EU Blue Card

Highly Qualified Employment
Salary Threshold Requirements
Linked to Specific Employer
Academic Qualification Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Hungary to keep my permit?

No. According to the Hungarian immigration authority, there is no general mandatory minimum period of stay for maintaining the Guest Investor Residence Permit.

Can I sell my real estate fund shares?

The qualifying investment fund shares must be held in a blocked securities sub-account for at least 5 years.

Does my family get the same 10-year validity?

Yes, family reunification permits can be issued for up to 10 years, subject to the sponsor's validity and immigration requirements.

What is the 30-day rule?

The residence permit application must generally be submitted within 30 days of your first legal entry into Hungary for this purpose.

Is the €1,000,000 donation refundable?

No. The donation to a qualifying higher education institution is non-recoverable.

Start Your Investment Journey in Hungary

Secure Long-Term European Residence

The Hungarian Guest Investor Residence Permit offers a flexible and long-term pathway for international investors and their families. Whether through a real estate fund investment or a strategic donation, the program provides significant benefits including unrestricted work rights and Schengen travel.

CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners can help you assess your investment options and navigate the Hungarian residence process.

Book a Consultation