10-Year Hungarian Residence Permit by Investment: A Complete Guide for 2026

March 19 2026
Reading time: 6 min.

Introduction: Why Is Hungary Offering a Residence Permit for a Record 10+10 Years?

In a world where many European countries are tightening or closing their investment programs, our country – Hungary – has taken a bold step forward. Starting in 2024, the updated Guest Investor Program will be in effect, offering perhaps the most attractive deal on the immigration market: a 10-year residence permit with the option to extend it for another 10 years.

This is not just a «long-term Schengen visa.» It provides full access to opening bank accounts, conducting business, traveling throughout the Schengen Area and the EU, as well as educating your children in the heart of Europe.

For investors from CIS countries and other non-EU states, this is a unique «fallback option» and the key to a European lifestyle without the need to constantly renew documents or prove your right to stay in the country.

In this article, our team at IST Hungary (a leading Hungarian consulting firm) will provide a detailed breakdown of all aspects of obtaining a 10-year residence permit: from choosing an investment vehicle to a step-by-step guide.

Hungary’s «Golden Visa»: What Is It?

The Guest Investor Program is an official government immigration initiative designed for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who are willing to contribute to Hungary’s economy.

The key feature that sets Hungary apart from its main competitors (Greece and Portugal) is the validity period of the residence permit. You are issued a residence card valid for 10 years right away. By comparison, in Greece, the «Golden Visa» is issued for only 5 years.

This means:

Minimal bureaucracy: You don’t need to visit immigration authorities every year.
Stability: A ten-year planning horizon for your life, your children’s education, or your business.

Three Investment Options: Which Path to Choose?

The law clearly outlines three possible paths to obtaining resident status. It is important to understand that these are the specific requirements for obtaining resident status. They must be fulfilled within a certain period after entering the country.

Option 1: Investment in Hungarian Real Estate Funds (The Most Popular Option)

Amount: from €250,000.
Purchase of shares in a specialized real estate fund registered and supervised by the Central Bank of Hungary.
Conditions: The fund is required to invest at least 40% of its assets in residential real estate in Hungary. You must hold your shares for a minimum of 5 years. After 5 years, you can recover your investment.
Advantages of this option: Low entry threshold, passive income (potential fund returns can range from 5% per year), no need to worry about managing personal real estate: paying property taxes and utility bills.

Option 2: Purchase of Residential Real Estate

Amount: €500,000 or more.
Overview: Direct purchase of residential real estate within Hungary.
Conditions: The property must be free of encumbrances and debts. It may be sold after 5 years.
Important: This option was introduced into law back in 2024, but as of early 2026, it has not yet been implemented.

Option 3: Donation to a higher education or cultural institution

Donation amount: €1,000,000.
A designated donation to one of Hungary’s universities or cultural and educational institutions.
Pros: A noble cause-supporting education or the arts.
Cons: The highest investment amount, which is non-refundable.

Key Benefits: What Does a 10-Year Hungarian Residence Permit Offer You?

Obtaining a Hungarian residence permit expands your opportunities in Hungary and the European Union.

01.

Freedom of movement (Schengen)

You and your family can travel visa-free to the 29 Schengen countries and stay there for up to 90 days per six-month period. This opens up opportunities for tourism, business, meetings, education, and medical treatment throughout Europe.

02.

No residency requirement

You are not required to live in Hungary. This is a major advantage for those who want a European “Plan B” but are not yet ready to leave their current business. You can renew your card after 10 years, even if you have spent most of that time outside the country.

03.

Inclusion of the entire family

You can include not only your spouse and children in the application, but also your parents (under certain conditions). This is a rare and valuable provision that allows for family reunification.

04.

Access to education and healthcare

Your children are entitled to attend Hungarian schools and universities on the same terms as local students. The cost of education and the standard of living in Hungary remain among the most affordable in the EU.

05.

Business opportunities and taxes

You can conduct business in Hungary. The corporate tax rate is only 9%—one of the lowest in Europe. You can also open accounts in Hungarian, Swiss, and European banks.

06.

The Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Although the residence permit does not require physical presence in the country, if you decide to move there, after living in Hungary for three years you will be eligible for permanent residency, and after a few more years, for Hungarian citizenship.

The Hungarian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing visa-free travel to over 170 countries.

Step-by-Step Guide: From Visa to 10-Year Residence Permit.

The process of obtaining a Hungarian investment-based residence permit is clearly regulated and consists of several stages.

Preparing and Applying for a Guest Investor Visa (Guest Investor Visa)

Depending on your citizenship, you may apply directly for a 10-year residence permit. However, in most cases, investors first apply for a special Guest Investor Visa at the Hungarian consulate in their country of permanent or temporary residence.

Duration: approximately 1 month.
Steps: Compiling the application dossier, verifying the legality of funds, attending an interview, and providing biometric data.

Entry and Completion of the Investment

Once you receive the visa (valid for up to 6 months), you enter Hungary. From that point, you have a specific number of days to complete the selected investment.

Applying for a 10-year Hungarian Residence Permit

After confirming the investment (e.g., receiving a certificate of purchase of fund shares), you submit the documents for the residence permit itself. This is done in person at the Hungarian Immigration Department or remotely via power of attorney.

Receiving the Residence Permit

Your plastic card will be ready in a few weeks. It is issued immediately for a period of 10 years.

Total processing time: 2 to 3 months.

Required Documents: What Do You Need to Prepare?

The list of documents varies for each case under EU immigration programs, but their translation and legalization require special attention.

1. Passport: Valid for at least 12 months.
2. Health insurance: A policy valid in Hungary and the Schengen Area.
3. Proof of residence: A rental agreement or a document of ownership.
4. Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements for the past several months.
5. Documents proving the lawful origin of funds: Declarations, purchase agreements, certificates of inheritance, and others.
6. Certificate of no criminal record: From the country of residence and citizenship.
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A brief summary of the applicant’s life history.
8. Investment documents:
– For funds: Fund certificate.
– For real estate: Preliminary purchase agreement, followed by the final purchase agreement.

All documents in Russian or another language must be translated into Hungarian by a certified translator.

Comparison with Other Programs: Why Hungary?

Many of our clients ask, «Which is better, Hungary or Greece?» Let’s look at the key differences:

Parameter	Hungary (Guest Investor)	Greece (Golden Visa)
Validity Period	10 years (immediately)	5 years (renewable)
Min. Investment	€250,000 (fund shares)	€250,000 / €400,000 / €800,000 (property)
Type of Investment	Passive (fund shares)	Active (direct property purchase)
Stay Requirement (for renewal)	Not required	Not required
Parents in Application	Yes	Yes
Path to Citizenship	8 years of residence	7 years of residence
Income from Investment	Potential (fund dividends)	Real (rental income)

Hungary is ideally suited for those who want to obtain the longest possible status without being «tied» to a specific property, minimizing bureaucratic hassle.

Who is This Program Suitable For?

Based on our experience at IST Hungary, we identify three types of clients for whom the Hungarian «Golden Visa» is the optimal solution:

High-Net-Worth Individuals: Those seeking a reliable «Plan B» in Europe. The 10-year status provides a sense of security without forcing them to change their tax residency or lifestyle.
Parents Planning Their Children’s Future: The investment opens doors to European schools and universities for their child, and the long validity of the permit covers both school and undergraduate studies without unnecessary renewals.
Investors Who Value Their Time: Those who don’t want to spend time on annual certificate collections, trips to the immigration office, or worrying about tightening rules. Make the investment once, and forget about visa issues for 10 years. And after 10 years, you can renew it for another 10 years.

FAQ

If I get a residence permit, do I have to pay taxes in Hungary?

No, you will not automatically become a tax resident. Tax residency is triggered by staying in the country for more than 183 days a year. If you live in another country, you pay taxes there.

Can I work as an employee with this residence permit?

Yes, the «Guest Investor» status grants the right to employment without additional permits. You can also open a company in Hungary and do business globally.

What happens after 10 years?

The residence permit card can be renewed for another 10 years, provided your investment (or one equivalent to it) is maintained. For renewal, you need to confirm your accommodation, health insurance, and provide other necessary documents.

My child is already studying in Hungary. Can I move to them through this program?

Yes, this is an excellent option for reunification. You obtain a residence permit as an investor and can stay in the country with your child, without being dependent on their student status.

Your Path to a 10-Year Residence Permit Starts Here

The Hungarian Residence Permit by Investment program is a unique window of opportunity. In 2026, it stands as one of the most advantageous and stable ways to gain legal status in the European Union. 10 years of freedom, mobility, and confidence in your family’s future.

However, immigration law requires a professional approach. Mistakes in documents or in choosing an investment instrument can be costly in terms of both time and money.

Our Hungarian consulting company, IST Hungary, is your reliable guide in the world of Hungarian immigration.
We are local experts who know all the procedural nuances from the inside. We will help you choose the optimal investment option, compile an excellent dossier, and support you at every stage – from the initial consultation to obtaining your coveted 10-year card.

If you are interested in obtaining a 10-year Hungarian residence permit by investment for your entire family in 2026, you can contact us for a personalized cost estimate and a strategy for obtaining Hungarian residency.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current information, please contact our specialists at IST Hungary.

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