Hungary’s Guest Investor Program Draws Promising 192 Applications in First Year

Hungary’s Guest Investor Program (GIP) has seen 192 applicants in its first year, with 25 residence permit requests filed by February 2025, according to Szabad Európa. Interest in the program is growing, with 83 new applications submitted in just five months since September 2024.

The program has drawn investors from multiple regions, particularly China, Vietnam, and South Africa. Applicants from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Burundi have already received approvals.

Applications are also pending from investors in the UK, India, Israel, Dominica, and Saint Kitts & Nevis, signaling a broad international reach.

Applications Climb as Hungary’s GIP Gains International Attention

• China leads participation, with nine residence permit applications, four of which have been approved.
• Vietnamese investors have submitted five applications, with two approvals so far.
• South Africans have entered the program with two applications currently under review.

Hungary’s two-stage application process requires investors to secure a six-month guest investor visa, finalize their investment within three months, and then apply for a ten-year residence permit.

Applicants must also undergo national security background checks and provide biometric data in person as part of the process.

Real Estate Funds and University Contributions Offer Two Investment Options

Hungary offers two pathways for investors:

• A €250,000 investment in a government-approved real estate fund.
• A €1 million donation to a university-supporting foundation.

To facilitate these investments, the government has authorized two management firms: Sprint Asset Hungária Fund Management Ltd. and Granite Fund Management Ltd. Three more funds are awaiting approval in 2025.

With investor interest growing and more funds expected to be licensed soon, Hungary’s residence-by-investment landscape is set for further expansion in the coming years.