Hungary Golden Visa: Indians Can Live European Dream

Indians aspiring to live, work, or study in Europe now have a new pathway through Hungary’s recently launched Golden Visa program, officially called the Guest Investor Residence Permit. Introduced in July 2024, the scheme grants a 10-year renewable residence permit to investors and their families.

Applicants can choose between three routes: a €250,000 investment in approved Hungarian real estate funds, a €500,000 purchase of residential property (available from 2025), or a €1 million donation to public-trust institutions. The program allows beneficiaries to live, work, and conduct business in Hungary while enjoying visa-free travel across more than 30 Schengen countries.

The Golden Visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency in three years and citizenship after eight years, subject to conditions. Starting 2025, applicants for permanent residency must pass a cultural knowledge exam in Hungarian, covering history and social norms.

Hungary’s competitive tax regime, with a 15% flat income tax and 9% corporate tax, adds to the appeal for Indian professionals and entrepreneurs. Family members, including spouses and children, are included under the same permit, and there is no minimum stay requirement.

Although the program has drawn global interest, initial uptake from Indian nationals remains modest. Authorities received only one application from India as of early 2025.

The scheme comes as several European nations scale back similar initiatives amid EU scrutiny, but Hungary continues to position itself as a gateway for global investors seeking long-term European residency.