Hungarian Residence Permit for Russian and Belarusian Citizens in 2025: Current Options and Key Features

In 2025, Hungary remains one of the few EU countries where citizens of Russia and Belarus can legally obtain a long-term residence permit. For those seeking access to the European area, stability, and opportunities for their families, the country offers two distinct mechanisms: the Guest Investor Residence Permit (GIRP), often referred to as the “Hungarian Golden Visa,” and the National Card program.

Investor Program (GIRP): Rules for 2025

In July 2024, Hungary relaunched its investment residence program, making it one of the longest-lasting and most flexible in the EU.

Main conditions

• Residence validity: 10 years, renewable for another 10 years.

• Minimum stay requirements: none — holders are not required to reside permanently in Hungary to maintain their status.

• Work rights: full right to live and work in Hungary.

• Schengen travel: up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Investment options (effective January 2025)

• Real estate fund: investment of €250,000 in a licensed fund, with at least 40% of assets allocated to residential property in Hungary. Minimum holding period — 5 years.

• Charitable donation: non-refundable contribution of €1,000,000 to a public trust supporting Hungarian universities and other projects.

• Direct property purchase: the former €500,000 option was officially discontinued as of January 15, 2025.

Family inclusion

Applications may include a spouse and minor children. Parents of the investor may also qualify for residence under family reunification procedures if financial dependency is demonstrated.

Processing times and statistics

Average processing time is 3–6 months, depending on source-of-funds verification and completeness of documentation.
As of March 2025, Hungarian authorities had issued 192 guest investor visas, but only 25 applicants submitted the full package for residence permits. This reflects cautious investor attitudes, linked to the limited choice of instruments and ongoing EU pressure on Budapest.

Path to permanent residence and citizenship

The investor permit does not directly lead to Hungarian citizenship. Requirements for naturalization include:

• at least 8 years of continuous residence in Hungary,

• successful examination in Hungarian language and culture,

• proof of integration into society.

Thus, merely holding a GIRP card without residing in the country does not open a path to a Hungarian passport.

National Card: A Simplified Route to Residence

Since 2024, Hungary has expanded access to the National Card for Russian and Belarusian citizens. This residence option serves as an alternative for those with professional, employment, or business ties to Hungary.

Key features

• Validity: usually 2 years, renewable.

• Rights: residence and employment in Hungary.

• Requirements: no investment needed, but applicants must demonstrate legitimate professional or business grounds.

The National Card is positioned as a practical tool for professionals, company employees, entrepreneurs, and seasonal workers. While the EU has criticized Budapest for preferential access for Russian and Belarusian nationals, Hungarian authorities emphasize that all applicants undergo standard due diligence.

Which Option Fits Russians and Belarusians in 2025?

• For long-term EU presence and family security, the investor program is optimal, offering a 10-year residence permit, work rights, and Schengen mobility.

• For professionals and entrepreneurs, the National Card may be a more straightforward and affordable solution, though it lacks the status of the investor route.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

• Investor Program: the €250,000 real estate fund model is expected to remain, but popularity will depend on the credibility of licensed funds.

• National Card: likely to face greater scrutiny and regulatory pressure from EU institutions.

• General trend: stricter due diligence on applicants’ backgrounds and sources of funds, reflecting not only Hungarian policy but global regulatory developments.

Conclusion

As of September 2025, Hungary continues to offer Russian and Belarusian citizens two viable residence pathways:

• Guest Investor Residence Permit (GIRP) — for those ready to invest from €250,000 and secure long-term stability,

• National Card — for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a more accessible option for living and working in the country.

Despite ongoing EU criticism, Hungary remains one of the few European destinations where Russians and Belarusians still have real, functional options for legal residence.