🇬🇷 Greece vs 🇭🇺 Hungary
Side-by-side comparison of Greece's Golden Visa and Hungary's Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa). Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇬🇷 Greece RBI | 🇭🇺 Hungary RBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Residency by Investment | Residency by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | €400,000 | €250,000 ✓ |
| Processing Time | 2-3 months ✓ | 3-6 months |
| Visa-Free Countries | 188 countries | 188 countries |
| Path to Citizenship | 7 years ✓ | 8 years + language exam |
| Stay Requirement | No minimum stay ✓ | Must maintain investment |
| Work Rights | No | Yes ✓ |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws ✓ | Spouse, Children |
| Visa Duration | 5 years (renewable) | 10 years (renewable) |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
Greece vs Hungary: Which Is Better?
Hungary's Guest Investor Program (Golden Visa) starts at €250,000, €150,000 less than Greece's Golden Visa at €400,000. Both are RBI programs, making cost a direct point of comparison.
Both programs provide access to 188 visa-free destinations, offering identical global mobility. Processing times differ: Greece takes 2-3 months, Hungary takes 3-6 months.
Greece requires no physical presence, giving investors full geographic flexibility. Hungary requires must maintain investment. Hungary grants work rights; Greece does not.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Cost Comparison
Hungary has the lower headline entry point at €250,000, roughly $162,000 less than Greece's €400,000. In a like-for-like cost comparison, Hungary wins on entry price. However, government fees, due diligence charges, and multi-dependent pricing can close this gap quickly. Always model the all-in cost for your specific family structure before deciding on minimum investment alone.
Timeline and Processing
Greece processes faster at 2-3 months compared to 3-6 months for Hungary. Neither program offers direct citizenship — both are residency-first pathways. Greece reaches citizenship eligibility faster at 7 years, compared to 8 years for Hungary. For applicants with a long-term horizon and a passport as the end goal, Greece offers a shorter overall timeline when processing plus naturalisation are combined.
Lifestyle Considerations
Greece has no physical presence requirement, which suits investors who travel extensively or split time across multiple countries. Hungary requires must maintain investment, which demands at least a partial lifestyle commitment to Hungary. Hungary also grants work rights, which Greece does not — a meaningful distinction for applicants who may want to generate income locally or establish a business presence. On family inclusion, Greece covers a broader set of dependents (Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws) compared to Hungary (Spouse, Children), which matters for applicants bringing extended family.
The Bottom Line
On balance, Greece wins more categories in this comparison — particularly on faster processing and a stronger citizenship path. For most investors, Greece's Golden Visa is the stronger starting point. That said, Hungary remains the better choice if minimising upfront capital is the priority. Run the numbers for your family size and consult an immigration specialist before committing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Greece or Hungary?
Hungary is cheaper at €250,000 compared to €400,000 for Greece.
Which offers better travel access, Greece or Hungary?
Both provide visa-free access to 188 countries.
Which processes faster, Greece or Hungary?
Greece processes in 2-3 months. Hungary takes 3-6 months. Greece is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the Greece or Hungary program?
Both programs include family members. Greece covers spouse, children under 21, parents, in-laws. Hungary covers spouse, children.
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