Hungary's Guest Investor Program: initial results

Photo: Ervin Lukacs / Unsplash

About the Program

The GIP offers foreign investors a 10-year Hungarian residence permit in return for financial investments. This grants them the ability to reside, work, and travel freely within the Schengen Zone.

Early findings

As of late February 2025, only 25 individuals have applied for the program in its first two months. Here’s a look at the applicants’ country of origin:

• China: 9 applications (4 approved, 5 pending)
• Vietnam: 5 applications (2 approved, 3 pending)
• Kazakhstan, Turkey, Afghanistan: 1 approved application each
• Other countries: Applicants from the UK, India, Israel, South Africa, Burundi, Dominica, and St. Kitts & Nevis are still awaiting decisions.

Why Has the Program Struggled to Take Off?

Removal of Real Estate Investment

Originally, the program included an option to invest in real estate—an attractive choice for many potential applicants. However, in December 2024, this option was scrapped, leaving investors with only the alternative of contributing through designated investment funds.

Delayed Launch

The program was initially set to begin in July 2024, but bureaucratic delays pushed back the official start, causing uncertainty and reducing early participation.

What’s Next?

The program is still in its third month, so it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions. It may still gain momentum over time.

For now, those looking to move to Hungary are more often opting for the White Card—the country’s equivalent of a digital nomad visa. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a remote work income of at least €3,000 per month.

Source: Schengen News

Quoting conditions of Prianproperty.com materials