The Guest Self-Employed Programme: In Detail
The Entrepreneurial Category Under the New Immigration Law
The Guest Self-Employed residence permit is the successor to the former "income-generating" permit, with tightened conditions. It is intended for third-country nationals who wish to engage in independently remunerated activity (as a sole trader) or serve as the executive director of a company (Ltd., partnership).
The "Genuine Activity" Requirement The key legal criterion is that mere company ownership is insufficient. The applicant must demonstrate that their presence is essential to the operation of the business. Dormant companies or entities created solely for asset management do not qualify. The authority will examine the business plan, projected revenue, and the company's ability to sustain the applicant.
Family Reunification Restrictions An important strategic distinction from other permit types (e.g. Blue Card or GIP): the new legislation restricts family reunification. Holders of the Guest Self-Employed permit may not apply for family members to join them on this basis during the first year. This type is therefore primarily suited to those arriving alone to launch a business.
Parameters of the Guest Self-Employed Status
Active Business Operations
Ownership alone is insufficient; actual day-to-day work and physical presence must be demonstrated.
1. Activity
1 + 2 Years
The permit is initially issued for 1 year, extendable by a further 2 years.
2. Validity Period
With Waiting Period
Family members may not be brought in during the first year. Family reunification is possible 1 year after the permit is issued.
3. Family Reunification
Business Plan
A compelling, profitable business plan must be presented to the authority.
4. Basic Requirement
Who Is It the Ideal Choice For?
This permit type is for proactive business people who:
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Company Founders: Wishing to establish a new company in Hungary and manage it as executive director.
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Sole Traders: Intellectual freelancers or service providers working in their own name as entrepreneurs.
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Active Investors: Who bring not only capital but also knowledge and management expertise (as distinct from passive Guest Investors).
The role of First Immigration: The key to success here is the Business Plan. The authority is not a business consultant — they assess against strict criteria. Our experts help compile a professional business plan that demonstrates the viability of the company and your ability to sustain yourself, minimising the risk of rejection.
Why Is It Worth Starting a Business?
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EU Market: With a Hungarian company, you may trade freely throughout the entire EU.
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Favourable Taxation: Hungary has one of the lowest corporate tax rates (9%) in the EU.
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Schengen Mobility: With the permit, you may travel freely within the Schengen Area for business meetings.
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Independence: You are your own boss — no dependence on an employer or notice periods.
From Company Registration to Permit
Laying the Foundations
We discuss your business ideas. We help compile the mandatory business plan, including financial projections and market strategy.
Legal Establishment
With the assistance of our legal partners, we register your Hungarian company or sole trading entity. We open the corporate bank account.
Demonstrating Livelihood
We gather the personal documents (accommodation, insurance, private bank account). Critical point: it must be demonstrated that the company is capable of covering your personal expenses even in the initial period.
The Decisive Moment
For entrepreneurial permits, an in-depth authority interview on business plans is common. We prepare you for this with simulation training.
Start
Following a positive decision, you can collect your card and officially commence your executive/entrepreneurial work in Hungary.
Questions About the Entrepreneurial Permit
Q1: Is it sufficient to buy a property and rent it out? No. Rental income is considered passive income, which is suited to Guest Investor (GIP) status. The Guest Self-Employed permit requires active economic activity (e.g. trade, services, consultancy).
Q2: When can I bring my family? Under the new legislation, family reunification can be initiated 1 year after the Guest Self-Employed permit is issued. If immediate family relocation is a priority, we recommend considering the Guest Investor Programme (GIP) or the Hungarian Card.
Q3: How much revenue must the company generate? There is no fixed statutory minimum, but practice shows that the company must produce enough to cover your salary/drawings (covering accommodation and living costs), plus contributions and operating expenses. This typically implies a monthly turnover of several thousand euros.
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