On November 4, 2026, the Hungarian government published a draft bill proposing to abolish the country’s Guest Investor Visa and Guest Investor Residence Permit Program. If adopted, the legislation would enter into force on January 1, 2027, closing Hungary’s golden visa program to new applicants.
The proposal forms part of a broader legislative package amending several laws on law enforcement and public security. Its stated objective is to remove the Guest Investor Program from Hungary’s immigration legislation.
Nothing in the draft would immediately cancel existing residence permits. It sets out transitional provisions for pending applications, current visa holders, and investors who already hold residence permits.
Transitional rules
Under the proposed rules, new Guest Investor Visa and residence permit applications would no longer be possible from January 1, 2027.
Hungary would process applications submitted by December 31, 2026, under current legislation, provided the applicant has paid the relevant administrative service fee by that date. The rule would cover applications for Guest Investor Visas, new residence permits, and permit extensions.
Investors holding a valid Guest Investor Visa issued before January 1, 2027, would also be able to apply for a residence permit under the existing rules after the program closes.
One exception would apply to visa-exempt nationals already lawfully present in Hungary: From January 1, 2027, they could no longer submit a Guest Investor Residence Permit application.
For existing permit holders, the draft provides that residence permits would remain valid until their expiry dates. No further extensions would be possible.
Family members’ residence rights would continue, though their permits would have a maximum validity of ten years with no extension beyond that.
Throughout the validity of their permits, investors and eligible family members would retain the right to work in Hungary. Authorities may withdraw a residence permit if the qualifying investment ceases to exist.
Program terms
Hungary introduced its Guest Investor Program in 2024. It gives third-country nationals a route to long-term residence through qualifying investments. Before the program became operational, the government removed the option to buy real estate directly, leaving two investment routes:
- A €250,000 (approximately US$280,000) investment in qualifying real estate fund units, subject to a minimum five-year holding period and statutory fund requirements.
- A €1 million (approximately US$1.12 million) donation to a qualifying Hungarian higher education institution maintained by a public trust.
The program offers a residence permit valid for up to ten years, extendable for a further ten years under current legislation. Eligible family members can also obtain residence permits.
Permit holders may work in Hungary and travel within the Schengen Area, with no general requirement to spend a minimum number of days in Hungary each year.
Remaining window
Investors can apply under the current rules until December 31, 2026, provided they pay the administrative fee by that date. Under existing legislation, the program remains open until the proposed changes enter into force.
While current permit holders would retain their residence rights until their permits expire, the draft would end the option to extend them.
Those wishing to stay in Hungary beyond expiry would need another residence status, such as national permanent residence, where they qualify.
