Hungary has effectively closed the EUR 500,000 direct real estate investment option for its Guest Investor Program (formerly the Golden Visa program), a change that became effective in December 2024
The Hungarian Government eliminated the option the buying properties for Golden visa (guest investor) program, in an abrupt last minute move to protect the country from rising property rents and overvaluation of the property market. The Guest investor visa program for real estate investors was scheduled to start on Jan 1, 2025.
The amendments to the law was published in National Gazette No. 131. With these new changes, for those applying for Hungary guest investor visa, now only two options remain open to secure a 10+10 (20 year) golden visa.
- €250,000 Real Estate Investment Fund
- 1€ million Public donation (Education and Universities)
After submitting application for the issuance of a guest investor residence permit, the third-country national shall, during the validity period of the guest investor visa or within six months of his first lawful entry into the territory of Hungary must complete the investment on the basis his declaration, else the visa issued shall be revoked.