In short
Hungary's guest investor permit (in force since July 2024) has two routes: buying at least €250,000 of units in an approved real-estate fund and holding them for 5 years, or donating €1 million to a public-interest trust that supports higher education, research or the arts. The €500,000 property route was cancelled in December 2024 before it opened. You first get a guest-investor visa, invest within 3 months, then receive a 10-year permit, extendable once. There is no minimum stay, you may work, and family members can join. After 3 years of uninterrupted stay you can apply for the national residence card. The immigration office still lists the programme, but the new government has signalled it may end it.
Hungary guest investor permit: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Guest investor permit | €250,000 in units of an approved real-estate fund (held 5 years) or a €1,000,000 donation to a public-interest trust; the €500,000 property route was cancelled in December 2024 before it started# Source: Immigration office (OIF): guest investor residence permit · IMI Daily: Hungary drops the real-estate option from the guest investor programme |
|---|---|
| Guest investor: permit | 10 years, extendable once for 10; guest-investor visa first; no minimum stay; may work; family can join# Source: Immigration office (OIF): guest investor visa and permit FAQ |
| Guest investor: future | Still listed by the immigration office, but the government elected in April 2026 has signalled it may end the scheme estimate# Source: Immigration office (OIF): guest investor residence permit · Vialto Partners: Hungary election results and immigration policy (Apr 2026) |
| National residence card | After 3 years of uninterrupted legal stay — but not for White Card, self-employment or student permit holders; EU long-term residence after 5 years# Source: Immigration office (OIF): national residence card |
| Cultural knowledge exam | Since 2025 a written Hungarian cultural knowledge exam, in Hungarian, is needed for permanent residence cards (HUF 20,000, 3 attempts)# Source: Immigration office (OIF): Hungarian cultural knowledge exam |
| Citizenship | Usually 8 years of residence, plus an exam on the constitution in Hungarian; dual citizenship allowed# Source: Hungarian nationality law (Act LV of 1993) · US Department of State: dual nationality |
| US tax treaty | None — the US ended the treaty, with effect from 1 January 2024# Source: US Treasury: termination of the US–Hungary income tax treaty · KPMG: IRS Announcement 2024-5 on the end of the US–Hungary treaty |
| Income tax | 15% flat# Source: PwC Tax Summaries: Hungary — personal income tax · Government offices: tax and contribution rates 2026 |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
The guest investor permit is the same for every non-EU investor, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits apply exactly as described here. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen); the Entry/Exit System registers your entries since April 2026. |
|---|---|
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income, and there is no US–Hungary tax treaty since 2024. Foreign fund units can fall under the US rules for passive foreign investment companies — ask a US tax adviser. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
At a Glance
Hungary Guest Investor Permit in Numbers
Important
Is the Programme Still Open?
The immigration office (OIF) still lists the guest investor permit (page updated March 2026). After the April 2026 election, the new government with a two-thirds majority signalled that it intends to abolish the scheme; no repeal law had been published by the end of September 2026. Uptake has been low — by early 2025, 192 visa applications had led to only 25 residence-permit requests. Check the current status before you invest.
Why Hungary
What the Guest Investor Permit Offers
The permit is long — 10 years, extendable once — has no minimum stay, and lets you work in Hungary without a separate work permit. Your spouse and dependent family members can apply for family permits at the same time.
Long Permit, No Minimum Stay
10 years · Extendable once · Schengen travel
The authority does not check how long you stayed when you extend. The card lets you travel visa-free in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180.
Family Permits
Spouse · Dependent family members
Family members can apply for family-reunification permits alongside you; their permits can run for the same 10 years and allow them to work.
How the Investment Works
Hungary Guest Investor Permit: The Two Routes
| Route | Rules |
|---|---|
| Real-estate fund €250,000 | Buy units in a real-estate fund run by a manager supervised by the central bank (MNB), with at least 40% of its net assets in Hungarian residential property. Hold the units for at least 5 years. This is an investment, not a payment — its value can go up or down. |
| Donation €1,000,000 | A non-refundable donation to a public-interest trust supporting higher education, scientific research or the arts. No new donation is needed to extend the permit. |
| Property purchase Not available | A €500,000 residential-property route was due to start on 1 January 2025 but was cancelled on 20 December 2024. It never opened. |
Rules under Act XC of 2023 as published by the immigration office. Source: OIF: guest investor permit · OIF: FAQ
The fund route is an investment you can redeem after 5 years, not a donation — but in 2026 the bigger question is whether the programme will stay open.
Step by Step
The Application Process
Check status and eligibility
Confirm the programme is still open, choose an eligible fund (or trust) and prepare source-of-funds documents.
Guest-investor visa
Apply for the guest-investor visa at a Hungarian consulate — it is valid for up to 6 months.
Invest within 3 months
Make the investment within 3 months of the visa being issued, then prove it through the Enter Hungary portal within 3 months of entry.
Residence permit
Apply for the 10-year permit and give biometrics. The statutory decision time is 21 days, not counting time to prove the investment; plan for 3–6 months end to end.
Extend or move to permanent residence
Extend once for 10 more years while you keep the fund units. After 3 years of uninterrupted stay you can apply for the national residence card, with the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam.
Why Partner with Us
Our Hungary Guest Investor Service
Status checks
We confirm the programme's legal status before you commit any money.
Fund and document review
Eligible funds, source-of-funds evidence and the visa application.
Permit and family applications
Enter Hungary filings, biometrics and family permits.
US tax coordination
FBAR, FATCA and fund reporting with your US adviser — there is no US–Hungary tax treaty.
Key Considerations
What to Know Before You Apply
The scheme may close
The government elected in April 2026 has signalled it intends to abolish the programme. Ask how existing permits would be treated before you invest.
There is no property route
Articles that mention buying a €500,000 home are out of date — that route never opened.
Source of funds is checked closely
Expect to show tax returns, sale or inheritance documents and bank records for the money you invest.
US tax still applies
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income. Foreign fund units can trigger extra US reporting, and FBAR applies if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 in total.
Citizenship needs real residence
Hungarian citizenship usually needs 8 years of residence and an exam in Hungarian. Holding the permit from abroad does not count.
The guest investor permit may suit you if
- You want EU residence and Schengen travel without having to live in Hungary.
- You can invest €250,000 for at least 5 years — or donate €1 million.
- You accept the risk that the programme could close.
- You have US tax advice on holding a foreign fund.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest for Hungarian residence?
At least €250,000 in units of an approved real-estate fund, held for 5 years, or a €1 million donation to a public-interest trust. There is no property-purchase route.
Is the €500,000 property route available?
No. It was due to start on 1 January 2025 but was cancelled on 20 December 2024 and never opened.
Is the programme still open in 2026?
The immigration office still lists it, but the government elected in April 2026 has signalled it intends to end it. No repeal law had been published by the end of September 2026 — check before you invest.
Do I have to live in Hungary?
No. There is no minimum stay. But permanent residence needs 3 years of uninterrupted stay, and citizenship usually 8 years of residence.
Can I work with a guest investor permit?
Yes. Guest investors can work in Hungary without a separate work permit.
Hungary
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Considering Hungarian Investor Residence?
We check the latest status of the guest investor programme and connect you with Hungarian immigration lawyers and fund representatives.