In 2024, Hungary is poised to launch its Guest Investor Program
(GIP), marking a new chapter in EU residency options. This program,
different from Hungary's halted 2017 golden visa initiative,
deserves close scrutiny, particularly when compared with
established EU golden visas from Greece and Cyprus.
Regrettably, it seems Hungary chose not to create a highly
competitive EU golden visa program to draw applicants. The
program's title, "Guest" Investor Program, implies a
less permanent arrangement, unlike other EU countries that offer
genuine permanent residency leading to citizenship in exchange for
foreign investment.
Hungary's GIP: A Bold Yet Limited Step
Hungary's entry into the investment-based residency field with
the GIP is noteworthy. However, the program's structure has
significant restrictions. It offers a two-year guest investor visa,
followed by a renewable ten-year residency, conditional on
maintaining the investment. This raises questions about
