To qualify under the program, an applicant must:

Invest EUR 250,000 in investment certificates issued by a real estate fund registered with the National Bank;

Invest EUR 500,000 directly in Hungarian residential real estate (free of encumbrances or claims);

Donate EUR 1 million to an institution of higher learning to support educational, scientific, artistic, or creative activities “maintained by a public interest trust foundation performing a public task.”

Program benefits

• Low investment requirement;
• Increased visa-free travel;
• Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen;
• Path to EU citizenship;
• Permits dual/multiple citizenship;
• Enhanced education opportunities;
• Enhanced business access to large economies;
• Short processing time;

Those who have been residents of Hungary for at least 8 years and spent more than half of their time in Hungary are eligible for citizenship. 

As part of the application, the applicant must pass an exam in Hungarian to demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of Hungarian history and culture. 

The waiting time may be reduced in various cases, e.g. if the applicant is married to a Hungarian citizen or if they have children together with their Hungarian spouse. In this case, the exam is not a requirement.

Hungarian citizenship is available to all nationalities without restrictions, while holding dual citizenship (or even multiple citizenships) is allowed.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, Hungary 

Legislation upon which this program is based: