Open (reforming)Hungary

Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP): Cost, Requirements & Processing Time (2026)

The short version

Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) requires a minimum investment of €250,000 (real-estate fund route), with residency in ~1–2 months and a path to citizenship in 8 years.

Investment routes compared

Route type	Amount (EUR)	Notes	Primary?
Real-estate fund	€250,000	MNB-approved real estate fund; ≥40% NAV in Hungarian residential real estate; 5-year hold.	Most common
Education donation	€1,000,000	Non-refundable donation to a Hungarian higher-education institution operated by a public trust.

At a glance

€250,000 minimum qualifying investment
~1–2 months expected end-to-end processing
8 years of residence citizenship timeline
Schengen access travel rights
No minimum stay physical-presence requirement

Physical presence: No minimum stay required. Visit at least once per year for renewal paperwork.

Official program source · Source: Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) · Last verified Apr 15, 2026 · Verify current rules with an authorized immigration adviser or the destination's consulate before applying.

Next review 2026-07-15.

Build your free relocation blueprint

Official program page →Golden visa ROI calculator Get a Decision Brief Compare all programs

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment for the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP)?

The minimum qualifying investment is €250,000. €250,000 in MNB-approved real estate investment fund (min 40% Hungarian residential exposure). Qualifying routes: Real-estate fund (€250,000); Education donation (€1,000,000) Most applicants use the Real-estate fund route (€250,000).

How long does the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) take to process?

Expected end-to-end processing is ~1–2 months. Fastest mainstream European golden visa at 4–8 weeks end-to-end.

Can I get citizenship through the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP), and when?

Citizenship is available after 8 years of legal residence. Requires A2 Hungarian language (~180-200 learning hours). Hungarian is a Category IV language for English speakers. It can lead to EU citizenship.

What is the physical-presence requirement for the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP)?

No minimum stay required. Visit at least once per year for renewal paperwork.

Are my spouse and children included in the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP)?

Spouse, minor children can be included.

Does the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) grant Schengen access?

Yes. Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) grants Schengen-area travel access.

Is the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) currently open to new applicants?

The programme is currently open (reforming). Direct €500K real estate option removed 15 January 2025. Two routes remain.

Who regulates the Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP)?

Hungary Guest Investor Visa Programme (GIVP) is administered by Hungarian National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF). The canonical source is https://nmi.gov.hu/en. Facts last verified 2026-04-15; next review 2026-07-15.

Route type

Amount (EUR)

Notes

Primary?

Real-estate fund

€250,000

MNB-approved real estate fund; ≥40% NAV in Hungarian residential real estate; 5-year hold.

Most common

Education donation

€1,000,000

Non-refundable donation to a Hungarian higher-education institution operated by a public trust.