Hungary Golden Visa for Indians: Complete Guide 2026

For Indians looking to settle in the EU, one option is the Hungary Golden Visa. This residency-by-investment programme grants a 10-year residence permit, renewable once for another 10 years. It also comes with no minimum stay requirement.

This guide explains everything Indian citizens need to know about the Hungary Golden Visa, including eligibility, investment options, the application process, costs, tax implications, and the reasons Indians consider Hungary as a relocation destination.

What is the Hungary Golden Visa: key things to know for Indians

The Hungary Golden Visa, officially the Guest Investor Residence Permit, grants non-EU nationals and their families a 10-year residence permit. It can be renewable once for the same period, with no minimum stay requirement. The programme is regulated by Act XC of 2023 on the Entry and Stay of Third-Country Nationals and became operational on July 1st, 2024[1].

As of 2026, there are two qualifying routes:

1. Real estate fund investment — €250,000+.
2. Donation to a higher education institution — €1,000,000+.

The programme follows a two-step process defined by law. First, the applicant applies for a Guest Investor D-type Visa at a Hungarian consulate, which is valid for up to 6 months and allows entry into Hungary. Second, after arrival, the applicant submits a residence permit application, provides biometrics, and receives a 10-year residence card. The full process takes at least 5 months.

Why Indian high-net-worth investors choose the Hungary Golden Visa

For Indian investors, the Hungary Golden Visa offers a practical EU foothold that combines mobility and long-term family planning with the opportunity to settle in a culturally rich and attractive country, join a growing Indian community, and expand both lifestyle and business prospects.

1. Strategic Plan B

India’s high-net-worth investors continue to relocate abroad in large numbers. Around 5,100 Indian millionaires left the country in 2023, 4,300 in 2024, and about 3,500 were projected to move in 2025, taking an estimated $26.2 billion in wealth with them[2].

Behind the trend is a growing demand for reliable EU contingency plans. Amid geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory risks, and the need for easier access to Europe, Indian high-net-worth investors increasingly view second residence as a practical long-term solution. For families, it provides stability outside the home country and more flexibility in planning education, lifestyle, asset protection, and future relocation.

2. Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

The Hungary Golden Visa removes a major friction point for Indian passport holders: the repeated Schengen visa process. With a Hungary residence card, the investor and included family members can travel across all 29 Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without applying for a separate visa each time.

Hungary’s central location makes travel across the EU efficient. From Budapest, cities such as Vienna and Bratislava can be reached within 2—3 hours, while Prague is around 5—6 hours away by car. By air, Budapest is about 1—1.5 hours from hubs such as Munich, Zurich, and Rome, and around 2—2.5 hours from Paris and London.

3. No relocation requirement — maintain the Indian base

The Hungary Golden Visa imposes no minimum physical stay requirement at either the initial permit stage or at renewal. A Mumbai entrepreneur, a Bengaluru founder, or a Delhi family-office principal can maintain their India base entirely and visit Budapest solely for the mandatory biometrics appointment.

4. No language or integration requirements

Indian investors are not required to learn Hungarian or pass any language or cultural tests to obtain or maintain the residence permit. This makes the process more accessible, allowing families to relocate or hold residency without immediate pressure to integrate formally.

5. Family inclusion

The Hungary Golden Visa allows the main applicant to include close family members: a spouse, minor children, and parents. Each eligible family member receives their own 10-year residence permit. For Indian high-net-worth families, this is a major advantage, as it fits well with multigenerational family structures and long-term relocation planning.

6. Access to work and education in Hungary

The Hungary Golden Visa gives the Indian investor and their family access to the Hungarian labour market, education system, and public healthcare. Adults may live and work in Hungary, while children can attend free public schools. Indian families may also choose international English-language schools, with annual fees ranging between €12,000 and 28,000.

Residents may also study at Hungarian universities, many of which offer programmes in English. Tuition fees are moderate and usually start at about €2,000 to 3,500 per semester. Degrees from recognised Hungarian universities are widely recognised across Europe because Hungary follows the Bologna system, which supports comparability of qualifications and further study abroad.

7. Excellence in healthcare delivery

Indian applicants for the Hungary Golden Visa must hold private health insurance, but may also access public healthcare after establishing residence. 

Access to care in Hungary is strong by EU standards:

• only 1.4% reported unmet medical needs in 2024, against the EU average of 3.6%;
• only 1.5% reported unmet dental needs, compared with 6.4% across the EU;
• among lower-income groups, unmet dental needs stood at 5% in Hungary, against 14.3% in the EU[3].

At the same time, Hungary stands out for its high spending on retail pharmaceuticals, which accounted for about 23% of total health expenditure in 2024, well above the EU average of 13%. 

The country is also known for its thermal baths, medicinal waters, and long spa tradition, which add to its reputation as a place associated with treatment, recovery, and overall well-being.

9. Safety and quality of life

Hungary offers a safe and orderly environment for daily life, ranking 17th out of 163 countries in the 2025 Global Peace Index, which reflects low levels of crime, political stability, and a secure overall environment[4]. 

Budapest has a strong cultural scene, with institutions such as the Hungarian State Opera House, Palace of Arts, and numerous theatres, galleries, and museums. The city hosts regular events including classical concerts, opera performances, film festivals, and seasonal markets. Beyond Budapest, towns like Szentendre and the Danube Bend offer smaller-scale cultural festivals, art spaces, and historical sites.

Locals in Hungary often spend their free time outdoors by walking along the Danube river, relaxing in parks, hiking in the Buda Hills, and taking weekend trips to natural landmarks such as Lake Balaton and the Danube Bend. The country is also known for places like Heviz Lake, Hortobagy National Park, and the Aggtelek caves, which add variety to everyday outdoor and nature-based leisure.

8. Lower living costs within Europe

Life in Hungary can be noticeably cheaper than in many other European cities. For example, Valletta, Malta’s capital, is roughly 30% more expensive overall than Budapest, while rents are about 60% higher. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, also costs more to live in, with everyday expenses exceeding Budapest by around 20% and rents by roughly 80%[5].

In Budapest, a single person needs about €700 per month for everyday expenses, plus around €600 per month for rent[6].

9. Business expansion

Hungary has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the EU at 9%, and various reliefs can reduce the effective tax burden even further[7]. For example, the R&D tax credit equals 10% of eligible costs, and in some cases, especially for joint research projects, the benefit may cover up to 100% of eligible costs[8].

Business expansion is also backed by government support. The Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency, HIPA, helps investors with company setup and growth. Between 2014 and 2025, HIPA supported 2,305 projects with a combined value of more than €66 billion, linked to nearly 187,000 new jobs[9].

The most promising sectors for business expansion in Hungary include automotive, electronics, battery and e-mobility, ICT and software, logistics, life sciences and medtech, and machinery.

10. Favourable tax positioning

Hungary has a flat 15% personal income tax rate, which can be attractive for Indian investors who become Hungarian tax residents through the Golden Visa[10]. By comparison, personal income tax in India can reach 30% plus surcharges.

Hungary and India also have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, in force since 2005, which helps ensure the same income is not taxed twice in both countries.

11. Established Indian community and cultural support

Hungary has a modest but organised Indian community, with around 8,700 Indian residents and about 1,200 Indian students in the country[11]. 

Budapest also has institutional support through the Embassy of India and the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre[12]. The embassy provides consular support and serves as a point of contact for the Indian community, while the cultural centre acts as a platform for Indian festivals, language and cultural activities, and wider community events. Its recent public programme includes events such as Holi, Diwali, poetry evenings, and Hindi-related activities[13].

Who qualifies for the Hungary Golden Visa: eligibility requirements for Indian citizens

Indian citizens can apply for the Hungary Golden Visa because they are treated as third-country nationals, meaning non-EEA nationals. The process has two stages, and the requirements are slightly different at each stage: first, the applicant qualifies for a Guest Investor Visa to enter Hungary, and then for the Guest Investor Residence Permit, which is the 10-year status itself.

Investor eligibility

The Indian applicant is expected to:

• be at least 18 years old at the time of application;
• have no criminal record;
• show that the investment capital comes from a lawful source;
• demonstrate that their entry and stay do not pose a risk to public policy, public security, national security, or public health.

Family eligibility

The main applicant may include the following family members in the Hungary Golden Visa application:

• spouse;
• children under 18;
• parents — financially dependent on the investor, with pension payments as their only source of income.

Adult children do not qualify for the Golden Visa residence permit itself. Instead, they may apply for a standard residence permit based on family ties, which can usually be extended as long as the child remains financially dependent on the investor and is under 26 years old.

What are the Hungary Golden Visa investment options for Indian applicants in 2026?

As of 2026, the Hungary Golden Visa offers two investment routes for Indian applicants: real estate funds and donation. The direct residential property route has been discontinued.

Investment fund route — €250,000+

The applicants can invest at least €250,000 in a real estate fund listed among the qualified market operators maintained by the Constitution Protection Office. At least 40% of the fund’s assets must be allocated to residential real estate in Hungary. The share certificate must have a minimum 5-year maturity period.

This route suits investors who want a lower entry threshold and a regulated structure instead of a non-refundable contribution. Fund units remain a recoverable asset: after the 5-year holding period, they may be redeemed and the capital returned. The option is supported by Hungary’s developed fund market, which includes more than 800 investment funds with total net assets of about €51 billion.

Donation route — €1,000,000+

The second option is a non-refundable donation of at least €1,000,000 to a higher education institution maintained by a public trust with a public-service mission. The contribution must support education, scientific research, or artistic creation.

For the visa application, the applicant must submit a certificate from the institution confirming that the donation has been received or formally committed. Since the amount is transferred upfront, this route is chosen by ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices that prefer a simple one-off commitment without fund-related structure or management considerations.

Full Hungary Golden Visa cost breakdown for Indian investors

Transparency on costs is essential for Indian high-net-worth clients. The following provides a comprehensive breakdown of all cost categories.

Investment-related costs

Under the €250,000 real estate fund route, Indian applicants should also budget for related costs in addition to the investment itself:

• administrative fee of €25,000 plus €1,000 for each family member;
• fee for managing a brokerage account for 5 years — €8,700.

Application fees

The main government fees for the Hungary Golden Visa process depend on the type of application and the way it is submitted.

1. Administrative service fee for issuing a residence permit — €110. Payable at the diplomatic or consular mission in euro.

2. Fee for issuing a residence permit to a third-country national who is a citizen of a visa-free country and is legally staying in Hungary — HUF 24,000, or about €60. Applies if the application is submitted electronically via Enter Hungary.

3. Fee for submitting a residence permit application under special circumstances — HUF 39,000, or around €97. Applies when the application is filed in person in Hungary together with a petition for equitable consideration.

4. Fee for extending a residence permit — HUF 23,000, or about €57. Applies if the application is submitted electronically via the Enter Hungary platform.

India-specific ancillary costs

The following ancillary costs apply specifically to Indian applicants:

• apostille and notarisation fees for Indian documents — €100+;
• international health insurance premium for the duration of the application and initial residency period, with €30,000 coverage — €300+ per person per year;
• one-way flight to Budapest — €300+ per person;
• accommodation for registration of the address for the application— €600+ per month for a 1-bedroom apartment and €1,000+ per month for a 3-bedroom apartment;
• short-term accommodation in Budapest for biometrics — €100+ for 2 nights for a couple.

All amounts are approximate and may vary depending on the health insurance provider, travel dates, property type, and family composition.

Minimum total expenses for Indians under the Hungary Golden Visa

Expenses	Single	Couple	Family of four
Investment	€250,000+	€250,000+	€250,000+
Administrative fee	€25,000	€26,000	€28,000
Managing a brokerage account	€8,700	€8,700	€8,700
Government fees	€170	€340	€680
Indian-specific expenses	€1,400+	€2,000+	€3,800+
Total	€285,270+	€287,040+	€291,180+

Tax implications for Indian citizens holding a Hungary Golden Visa

Holding a Hungary Golden Visa does not automatically trigger Hungarian tax residency. These are distinct legal concepts governed by separate bodies of law. An Indian investor can hold a 10-year Hungarian residence permit and remain an Indian tax resident throughout, provided they do not exceed the Hungarian physical presence threshold or establish a habitual abode in Hungary.

Hungarian tax residency rules

Under Hungarian law, a person may become a tax resident if they:

• have a permanent home or habitual place of residence in Hungary;
• or spend more than 183 days in Hungary within a calendar year[14].

Indian Golden Visa holders who visit Hungary only occasionally, for example for biometrics or short stays, will usually remain below this threshold.

If Hungarian tax residency is triggered, Hungary applies a flat personal income tax rate of 15% on worldwide income, including dividends, interest, and capital gains. Compared to India’s top personal income tax rate of 30% plus surcharge and cess, this may be more favourable for those who choose to relocate. 

India-Hungary tax relief

India and Hungary have a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in force since 2005. This agreement helps ensure that the same income is not taxed twice in both countries[15].

Treatment depends on the type of income. Business income, dividends, interest, and capital gains are governed by different provisions of the agreement. Indian applicants should review these rules carefully with a tax adviser. 

For example, business income is taxed in the country where the business is managed or where a permanent establishment exists. If an Indian investor does not have a fixed place of business in Hungary, the income is usually taxed only in India.

Indian tax residency rules

An Indian citizen is treated as a non-resident for tax purposes if they stay in India for less than:

• 182 days in the financial year;
• or 60 days in the current year and less than 365 days in the previous 4 years[16].

There is a transitional status called Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident which may provide limited tax relief on foreign income during a transition period. Indian Golden Visa holders who begin travelling more frequently or spending time abroad should track their days in India carefully, as this directly affects their tax status[17].

Risks and pitfalls Indian citizens may face when obtaining the Hungary Golden Visa

Although the Hungary Golden Visa offers clear advantages, Indian applicants should assess several practical and legal issues before starting the process. They require early planning, clear documentation, and realistic expectations.

Limits on transferring the money from India

Indians investing abroad must comply with the Foreign Exchange Management Act and regulations issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per person per financial year for permitted transactions[18].

The limit is significantly lower than both the €1,000,000 donation amount and the €285,270 typically required under the real estate fund route, so the transfer cannot always be completed in a single step.

The practical solution is careful advance planning of the fund transfer in full compliance with Indian regulations. Depending on the investor’s circumstances, this may involve:

• spreading the remittance across eligible family members;
• phasing it over more than one financial year;
• using an existing overseas structure that was established lawfully;
• seeking specific RBI approval where appropriate. 

The money must also be sent through fully legal and traceable banking channels, with documents clearly showing where it came from and how it was transferred. If the transfer structure is incorrect or poorly documented, the application may be delayed or blocked before the investment is even made.

Source-of-funds and documentation scrutiny

Hungarian authorities apply strict requirements to prove the lawful origin of funds. For Indian investors with complex business structures, this becomes one of the main approval bottlenecks.

Applicants must prepare a fully documented financial narrative, including tax returns, audited financials, ownership structure, and bank flows. In parallel, all civil documents must be correctly apostilled and translated, as errors or omissions can delay or reset the process.

Execution and timing considerations

The Hungary Golden Visa process requires careful coordination of both timing and personal attendance. It includes several in-person steps, such as consular appointments and biometrics in Hungary, while also following a strict sequence: intent → visa → entry → investment confirmation.

For Indian applicants, limited consular coverage, appointment availability, and travel planning can all create delays. A 3—5 day trip to Budapest is usually required and must be arranged in advance.

Family eligibility and long-term planning risk

The programme does not automatically extend to future generations, and each family member must meet their own eligibility and documentation requirements. Family members not included at the initial stage may need to apply separately under the rules in force at that time.

Tax exposure

The Hungary Golden Visa does not by itself create Hungarian tax residence, but spending 183 days or more a year in Hungary may become a key tax trigger, especially if the investor’s home or centre of life also begins to shift there. 

For Indian applicants, this means the residency permit should not be viewed as a tax-neutral status by default: tax residence must be assessed separately under Hungarian rules and the India–Hungary tax treaty.

Misaligned expectations on residence and citizenship

The pathway to permanent residence or citizenship requires substantial physical presence, which conflicts with the low-stay nature of the programme. Applicants must clearly define whether the goal is mobility, relocation, or citizenship, as each requires a different level of commitment.

Hungary Golden Visa vs. other EU residency programmes: which is best for Indians?

Hungary Golden Visa stands alongside similar programmes in Portugal, Latvia, and Malta. Each offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, as well as the right to live and run a business in the country.

Hungary stands out with one of the longest initial residence permit validity periods. It also offers one of the fastest application processes, lower living costs, and the lowest personal income tax rates among these countries.

Flight connections are another factor worth considering for Indian investors. None of these destinations currently has direct flights from India. Still, Budapest and Lisbon are the most convenient options, as both are served by many one-stop routes.

Programme comparison table

Criteria	Hungary Golden Visa	Portugal Golden Visa	Latvia Golden Visa	Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Minimum investment	€250,000+ in real estate funds	€250,000+ in cultural heritage	€50,000+ in business	€169,000+ in real estate
Minimum physical stay	None	7 days per year	None	None
Real estate route	None	None	Yes, €250,000+	Yes, the only route
Processing time	5+ months	12+ months	3+ months	6+ months
Permit validity	10 + 10 years	2 + 2 years	5 + 5 years	Permanent, residency card renewed every 5 years
Family inclusion	Spouse, children under 18, parents	Spouse, children under 26, parents	Spouse, children under 18	Spouse, children under 29, parents, grandparents
India LRS compatibility	Slightly above limit	Slightly above limit	Below limit	Below limit
Personal income tax	15%	12.5—48%	25.5—33%	0—35%
Monthly cost of living for a single	€1,300 per month	€1,800 per month	€1,200 per month	€1,800 per month

How we can help Indian applicants with the Hungary Golden Visa

Our company offers a clear and efficient process for obtaining a Hungarian residence permit by investment. We provide tailored support to help each client access the benefits of Hungarian residency. From the first consultation, held in our office or online, our legal experts assess the investor’s goals and circumstances, then prepare a personalised plan to guide the process.

For Indian applicants, the company’s support includes:

• compliance pre-check to identify possible issues before any funds are committed;
• preparation of source-of-funds documents in line with Hungarian KYC requirements;
• coordination with Indian tax counsel on FEMA and LRS compliance, so the remittance plan is structured correctly before any transfer is made;
• end-to-end process management, covering the visa application at the Hungarian Embassy in New Delhi, donation confirmation, planning of the biometrics trip to Budapest, and residence card issuance;
• support from licensed advisers and an in-house AML compliance team, with the firm also acting as a licensed agent where this is required.

Our approach helps reduce the risk of delays, documentary gaps, and avoidable refusals, while giving Indian applicants a more structured and predictable process.

Key takeaways about the Hungary Golden Visa for Indians 

1. The Hungary Golden Visa programme grants Indian citizens a 10-year residence permit, with one renewal for another 10 years, and includes Schengen travel rights for the whole family.
2. Eligible family members include a spouse, children under 18, and parents.
3. Applicants can choose between two investment options: €250,000 in real estate funds or a non-refundable donation of €1,000,000 to an eligible Hungarian higher education institution.
4. The programme does not require a minimum stay, language proficiency, or integration tests at any stage.
5. The process takes at least 5 months and includes a mandatory trip to Budapest for biometrics.
6. Indian investors transferring more than $250,000 abroad must ensure full compliance with LRS and FEMA rules.
7. The Hungary Golden Visa may appeal to Indian investors thanks to the right to work, access to free schooling in Hungary, business expansion opportunities, and a European lifestyle with a strong cultural dimension.

Sources

1. Source: OIF — Visa for guest investors and Guest Investor Visa and Permit FAQ
2. Source: The Economic Times — The billionaire exodus: Why India’s rich are heading abroad
3. Source: European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies — Hungary: Country Health Profile 2025
4. Source: Vision of Humanity — Global Peace Index 2025
5. Source: Numbeo — Cost of living comparison: Budapest vs. Valletta and Budapest vs. Lisbon
6. Source: Numbeo — Cost of living in Budapest
7. Source: PwC — Corporate taxation in Hungary
8. Source: NAV — Key rules of the taxation of business associations
9. Source: HIPA — Our services
10. Source: PwC — Personal taxation in Hungary
11. Source: Embassy of India — Indian Community
12. Source: Embassy of India — India-Hungary Relations
13. Source: Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre — Events, 10th Edition of Indian Film Festival at Puskin cinema
14. Source: PwC — Individual residence in Hungary
15. Source: Income Tax Department of India — Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements
16. Source: Income Tax Department of India — Non-Resident Individual
17. Source: Income Tax Department of India — Income Deemed to Accrue or Arise in India
18. Source: Reserve Bank of India — LRS Master Direction and FAQ on LRS scheme