Hungary's golden visa, plainly explained
How the Hungarian guest investor programme works: the two investment options, the full budget with the official fees, how the family joins, the visa and permit procedure, what the permit leads to and how it compares with its neighbours. Every rule is linked to the official OIF pages or BRIDGES data, and conflicting figures are shown side by side.
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Hungary Golden Visa 2026: The Complete Guide to the Guest Investor Residence Permit
How Hungary's guest investor programme works in 2026: EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund or a EUR 1 million donation, a 10-year residence permit, no minimum stay, the family, the steps and the limits.
How Much the Hungarian Golden Visa Costs in 2026: the EUR 250,000 Fund, the Donation and All Fees
The real budget for Hungary's guest investor permit in 2026: EUR 250,000 in a fund or EUR 1 million donated, the official visa and permit fees, what costs extra, and the five-year lock on your money.
Hungary Guest Investor Application in 2026: Step by Step, Documents and Deadlines
The Hungarian guest investor procedure in 2026, step by step: the visa at the consulate, the 3-month investment window, the 30-day residence permit filing, documents, fees and processing times.
Hungarian Guest Investor Permit for the Family: Spouse, Children and Parents
How family members join a Hungarian guest investor in 2026: family reunification permits for the spouse, children and parents, when they can file, what they may do and what BRIDGES adds.
Hungarian Residence Permit or Citizenship: Permanent Residence, Naturalisation and Taxes in 2026
What the Hungarian guest investor permit leads to: permanent residence after 3 years of real residence, naturalisation after 8, the Hungarian passport, tax residence and the draft wealth tax of October 2026.
Hungary vs Greece, Portugal and Cyprus: Which Golden Visa Fits You in 2026
Hungary's guest investor permit compared with the golden visas of Greece, Portugal and Cyprus in 2026: amounts, permit length, stay rules and work rights, plus the White Card and self-employment as alternatives.
The two options at a glance
| Minimum | Lock | Money returned | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate fund units | EUR 250,000 | at least 5 years | units are yours, value depends on the fund |
| Donation to a university | EUR 1,000,000 | none | no |
| Direct property purchase | not available | does not qualify |
Compiled from the OIF guest investor factsheet and the OIF fee list, checked October 2026. Fund fees, legal help, translations and insurance are extra. See the cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hungarian golden visa cost?
At least EUR 250,000 in fund units, plus EUR 110 for the visa and HUF 26,000 for the permit filed online. Fund and adviser fees come on top.
Do I need to live in Hungary?
No. The OIF FAQ says no minimum stay is required, also at extension.
Who can be included?
The spouse, children under 18 and dependent parents, according to BRIDGES, through family reunification permits.
How long does it take?
OIF decides within 21 days; BRIDGES estimates 4 to 6 months from the start to the card.
Does it lead to a Hungarian passport?
Only if you actually live in Hungary: BRIDGES gives 8 years of residence and an exam in Hungarian.