Many Indians dream of living, studying, or building a career in Europe. With Hungary’s brand-new Golden Visa program, that dream is now closer than ever. Launched in July 2024, this initiative—formally called the Guest Investor Residence Permit—gives global investors and their families the chance to live long-term in Hungary, while also unlocking visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.

So, if you’ve ever thought about making Europe your home, here’s everything you need to know about Hungary’s Golden Visa, how Indians can apply, investment routes, and why it could be the smartest move for professionals, business families, and high-net-worth individuals.

What Is Hungary’s Golden Visa?

The Hungarian Golden Visa allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to secure a 10-year residence permit, which is renewable for another decade. With this, you and your family gain the right to live, work, study, and run a business in Hungary—without mandatory stay requirements.

Perhaps the biggest perk? You’ll also enjoy visa-free travel across 30+ Schengen countries, giving you easy mobility throughout much of Europe.

Why Indians Should Consider Hungary’s Golden Visa

For many Indian families and professionals, this program comes with several attractive benefits:

• Long-Term Stay: Get a 10-year residence permit with renewals available.
• Family-Friendly: Your spouse and children are covered under the same application.
• European Mobility: Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.
• Permanent Residency & Citizenship: Eligible for PR in 3 years and citizenship in 8 years, subject to requirements.
• Attractive Tax Rates: Hungary offers one of Europe’s lowest taxes—15% flat personal income tax and 9% corporate tax.

Clearly, Hungary is a competitive and cost-effective option for Indians seeking European residency and global business access.

Who Can Apply for the Hungarian Golden Visa?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Show sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents in Hungary
• Provide proof of legitimate investment funds

Investment Options Under Hungary’s Golden Visa

Applicants have three approved routes to qualify:

1. €250,000 investment (~₹2.5 crore) in Hungarian real estate investment fund shares
2. €500,000 minimum real estate purchase (for certain schemes under consideration)
3. €1 million donation (~₹10 crore) to a Hungarian public-trust institution in education, research, or the arts

Note: The most accessible option for most investors is the €250,000 real estate fund investment.

Step-By-Step Application Process for Indians

Applying is fairly straightforward if you follow these stages:

1. Guest Investor Visa Application – Apply at the Hungarian consulate in India to obtain an entry visa allowing you to visit Hungary for up to 6 months.
2. Make Your Investment – Within 93 days of your first entry, complete your approved investment.
3. Submit Proof of Investment – Provide documentation to Hungary’s immigration authorities.
4. Apply for Residence Permit – File for the Guest Investor Residence Permit inside Hungary.
5. Obtain Your 10-Year Permit – Once approved, you receive a residence permit valid for 10 years (renewable).

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity)
• Proof of investment funds and transaction records
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Police clearance certificate from India (and other countries of residence, if any)
• Health insurance covering Hungary
• Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
• Birth certificates of dependent children (if included)
• Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)

Final Thoughts

The Hungary Golden Visa is one of the most affordable and flexible residency-by-investment programs in the European Union. For Indian entrepreneurs, professionals, and business families, it offers not only European residency but also a pathway to citizenship, tax advantages, and unrestricted mobility across the Schengen Zone.

Though the entry cost may seem high, the long-term benefits—global opportunities, family security, and access to Europe—make it a life-changing investment.

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Europe, Hungary’s Golden Visa could be your gateway to making that dream a reality.