The Golden Visa Programs in Hungary and Latvia are the most affordable residence by investment programs in Europe. We show you the important differences between Hungary and Latvia golden visa programs.
| Feature | Latvia Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) | Hungary Golden Visa (Guest Investor Program – Reintroduced in 2024) |
| Minimum Investment | As low as €50,000 (plus a mandatory state contribution of €10,000 for the business investment option). | €250,000 (Real Estate Fund) |
| Main Investment Options | 1. Business Investment: €50,000 into a Latvian company (plus €10,000 state contribution). 2. Real Estate: €250,000 (plus 5% state fee). 3. Government Bonds: €250,000 (non-interest bearing). 4. Bank Deposit: €280,000 (in subordinated bonds). | 1. Real Estate Fund Investment: Minimum €250,000 into approved Hungarian real estate funds (must hold for a minimum of 5 years). 2. Donation: €1,000,000 non-refundable donation to a public trust supporting higher education. |
| Capital | Recoverable | Recoverable (except donations) |
| Returns Annual | 4% | 2-5% |
| Type of Permit | Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) – Typically valid for 5 years and renewable. | Guest Investor Residence Permit – Valid for 10 years and renewable for another 10 years. |
| Path to PR | Available after 5 years of temporary residency (requires meeting specific residency requirements, including a Latvian language test). | Available after 5 years of continuous residence in Hungary (requires meeting specific naturalization laws, typically full-time residency and language test). |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | None required to maintain the initial permit (though a visit is typically required for renewal). | None required to maintain the permit. |
| Processing Time | Generally 1 to 4 months (known for being one of the fastest). | Generally 4 to 8 weeks for the Guest Investor Visa, with the residence permit application following the investment. |
| Schengen Travel | Yes, allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (90/180 days). | Yes, allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (90/180 days). |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and dependent children under 18 (some sources indicate for a single fee). Additional fees to include dependent parents and children above 18. | Spouse and dependent children under 18 (may include dependent parents and older children under certain conditions, with extra fees). |
| Permanent Residency | After 5 years of living in Latvia (language test required) | After 3 years of Living in Hungary (National settlement). Language test required. |
| Citizenship | After 10 years of Continuous living in Latvia. | After 8 years of Continuous living in Hungary. |
