Detailed Overview of the Guest Self-Employed Program
The Entrepreneurial Category of the New Immigration Act
The Guest Self-Employed residence permit is the successor to the former "gainful activity" permit, with stricter conditions. It is specifically aimed at third-country nationals who wish to pursue an activity that can be performed independently for remuneration (as a sole trader) or wish to work as a senior executive of a business association (Kft., Bt.).
The Requirement of "Actual Activity" The most important legal criterion is that mere company ownership is not sufficient. The applicant must prove that their presence is essential for the operation of the business. "Sleeping companies" or companies established solely for asset management do not qualify for this permit. The authority examines the company's business plan, the projected revenue, and whether the business is capable of supporting the applicant.
Restriction on Family Reunification An important strategic difference compared to other permit types (e.g., Blue Card or GIP) is that the new law restricts family reunification. The holder of a Guest Self-Employed permit cannot request the joining of family members based on their right in the first year. Therefore, this type is primarily recommended for those arriving alone to launch the business.
Parameters of the Guest Self-Employed Status
Active Business Conduct
Ownership share is not enough; actual, daily work and presence must be verified.
1. Activity
1 + 2 Years
The permit is first issued for 1 year, which can be extended by an additional 2 years.
2. Validity Period
With Waiting Period
Family members cannot be brought in the first year. Family reunification is possible after 1 year from the issuance of the permit.
3. Family reunification
Business Plan
A convincing, profitable business plan must be presented to the authority.
4. Basic Condition
Who is it the Ideal Choice For?
This permit type is for proactive business people who:
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Company founders: Wish to establish a new company in Hungary and manage it as a managing director.
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Sole Traders: 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 (unlike 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 adjudicate according to strict criteria. Our experts help compile a professional business plan that proves the viability of the company and your subsistence, minimizing the risk of rejection.
Why is it Worth Doing Business?
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European Union Market: With a Hungarian company, you can trade freely across the entire EU.
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Favorable Taxation: Hungary has one of the lowest corporate tax rates (9%) in the EU.
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Schengen Movement: Possession of the permit allows free travel for business meetings within the Schengen Area.
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Autonomy: You are your own boss, not dependent on an employer or notice period.
From Incorporation to Permit
Laying the Foundations
We discuss your business ideas. We help compile the mandatory business plan, which includes financial projections and market strategy.
Legal Establishment
With the help of our lawyer partners, we register your company or sole proprietorship in Hungary. We open the company bank account.
Proof of Subsistence
We collect private documents (accommodation, insurance, private account). Critical point: it must be proven that the company is capable of covering your personal expenses even in the initial period.
The Decisive Moment
For entrepreneurial permits, a deep authority interview regarding business plans is common. We prepare you for this with simulation training.
Start
After the positive decision, you can collect your card and officially begin your work as a managing director/entrepreneur in Hungary.
Questions About the Entrepreneur Permit
Q1: Is it enough if I buy a property and rent it out? No. Renting out property is considered passive income, which fits the Guest Investor (GIP) status. The Guest Self-Employed permit requires active economic activity (e.g., trade, service, consulting).
Q2: When can I bring my family? Under the new law, family reunification can be initiated 1 year after the issuance of the Guest Self-Employed permit. If the immediate move of the family is a priority, it is worth examining the Guest Investor Program (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 generate enough to cover your salary/dividends (covering housing and subsistence), plus contributions and operating costs. This generally presumes a monthly turnover of several thousand Euros.
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