The Guest Investor Programme: In Detail
Strategic Residency and Asset Protection in the European Union
The Hungarian Guest Investor Programme (GIP) is a strategic government initiative providing non-EU investors with the opportunity to obtain long-term residency rights through capital investment. It is currently one of the most attractive Golden Visa solutions in Europe, as the investment is low-risk and only becomes payable after the authorities' in-principle approval.
The Programme's Two Investment Pillars The law offers two distinct routes to obtaining the status — every investor can find the solution that suits their portfolio:
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Real Estate Fund Investment (EUR 250,000): The most popular and straightforward option. Purchase of investment units in a real estate fund registered by the Hungarian National Bank (MNB). This is a passive investment capable of generating returns, and can be liquidated after 5 years.
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Public Benefit Donation (EUR 1,000,000): A non-refundable contribution to a public-interest asset management foundation performing public duties (e.g. universities, cultural institutions). This is the fastest, prestige "VIP" solution.
Risk-Free Process The programme's greatest advantage is its sequencing. You do not need to invest your money upfront. First, we apply for the "Guest Investor Visa". The investment (e.g. purchasing real estate fund units) need only be completed within 3 months of obtaining the visa and entering Hungary. Your capital remains secure throughout the entire process.
Key Parameters of the GIP Programme
From EUR 250,000
Via real estate fund investment or donation.
1. Entry Threshold
0 Days / Year
You are not required to live in Hungary to maintain the permit. You may travel freely.
2. Residence Obligation
10 + 10 Years
A uniquely long-term permit on the market, renewable once.
3. Validity Period
Whole Family
Your spouse and minor children also receive the 10-year right to residency.
4. Family Status
Who Is the GIP Ideal For?
This programme is for High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking a "Plan B" for the security of their family and assets. It is the ideal choice if:
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You do not intend to relocate to Hungary permanently, but wish to obtain the right of free movement within the EU.
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The future of your children matters to you (European education, security).
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You wish to diversify your investments in a stable European property market.
The role of First Immigration: GIP is not only an immigration matter but a complex financial transaction. We do not merely manage the administrative procedure — as independent experts, we also assist with the professional assessment of MNB-accredited funds and comprehensive legal due diligence.
Why Is This the Best Decision?
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Exceptional Duration (10 Years): Most permits are issued for 2–3 years. GIP immediately grants 10 years — unprecedented stability.
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Schengen Mobility: Visa-free travel to 29 countries of the Schengen Area.
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No Minimum Residence Requirement: You are not required to spend 183 days per year here. Even spending zero days a year, your status is preserved.
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Unrestricted Employment: You and your family members may freely work or found a company in Hungary.
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Investment, Not an Expense: Your money (excluding donations) remains intact and can generate returns during the lock-in period.
How We Help with Your Move
Verifying the Origin of Capital
Before anything is signed, our legal team carries out the necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) checks, and we help select the appropriate form of investment.
Legal Guarantees
We prepare a solicitor-countersigned declaration in which you undertake to complete the investment. Important: at this point no transfer of funds is required — only the assumption of an obligation.
Obtaining the Entry Permit
We submit the application at the consulate. A positive decision results in the Guest Investor Visa, with which you may enter Hungary to finalise the investment.
Completing the Transaction
Following entry, 3 months are available to finalise the chosen investment (Real Estate Fund or Donation). Our experts will accompany you through the transaction.
Activating the Status
After the investment is confirmed, the authority issues the final 10-year residence permit for you and your family.
Questions About the Investor Programme
Q1: What happens if my application is rejected? Will I lose my money? No. The system is designed so that the investment only needs to be completed after the visa has been obtained. For the Real Estate Fund, we use an escrow account: if the final permit is not obtained for any reason, the invested sum is returned. The risk is minimal.
Q2: When can I sell the investment? The law prescribes a 5-year holding obligation. This means the real estate fund units must be held for 5 years. After this period expires, you may freely sell them and withdraw the capital (including returns), whilst your 10-year residence permit remains valid.
Q3: Can I purchase my own property for residential purposes? Of course. Alongside GIP status, you may freely purchase property for your own or your family's use. However, it is important to note: the basis of the status is the Real Estate Fund investment (or donation). Residential property purchased for personal use does not in itself confer the Guest Investor permit — it is a separate transaction, in which our Property team is also happy to assist.
Q4: Can I bring my parents? In the strict sense, GIP automatically covers the spouse and minor (or dependent) children. Parents require individual assessment (e.g. if they can be demonstrated to be your dependants), but this is not an automatic right. We develop a tailored strategy for such cases.
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