After the Hungarian elections: is there a risk of “Golden Visa” cancellation? The alternative—guest self-employment

The results of the most recent parliamentary elections in Hungary have increased uncertainty about the future of the investment-based immigration scheme. The focus is on the Golden Visa—a Residence Permit for a Guest Investor (Guest Investor Residence Permit)—which may soon be revised legislatively or even discontinued altogether.

The Tisza party, which won two-thirds of the seats in parliament, has not yet outlined a clear position on RBI (residence by investment) programs. However, its anti-corruption and pro-European mandate suggests the mechanism could face scrutiny and potential changes.

In this context, the likelihood of rule adjustments rises. At the EU level, residence-by-investment programs have increasingly attracted attention in recent years, with many countries either reducing access to such options or introducing restrictions and phased “exits” from the schemes. As a result, relying solely on an investment-based format becomes less predictable.

Self-employment as a less obvious alternative

For third-country nationals whose primary goal is to obtain a legal basis to stay and ensure visa-free mobility across the Schengen Area, self-employment can be a logical alternative. Unlike a corporate route—where you must set up and maintain a company and continuously comply with formalities—self-employment often allows for a faster and more flexible start.

Obtaining self-employed status typically involves fewer procedures and is easier to implement in practice. This model is generally less rigid to manage—especially for freelancers, consultants, and service providers. If the key objective is a residence permit and Schengen mobility, the added complexity of a corporate “vehicle” often does not deliver proportional benefits.

That’s why self-employment may fit a broader range of applicants than typical consultations might suggest. Companies remain justified for substantial operations, investment plans, or large-scale commercial activity. But in many scenarios, starting via self-employment can be more efficient and cost-effective.

Residence permit for guest self-employment

Hungarian law provides for a residence permit for guest self-employment. It is intended for third-country nationals who plan to carry out independent paid activities or serve as managers of profit-making organizations.

From a regulatory and evidence standpoint, this path differs from the corporate management option. For the corporate scenario, a Hungarian company is required. For guest self-employment, applicants must prove their personal economic activity, including its viability and sustainability.

Family considerations and long-term planning

Most commonly, the permit is issued for an initial period of 1 year. This relatively short timeframe reflects the conditional nature of the status: applicants are expected to demonstrate that the activity is real and ongoing during that period.

Renewal is generally possible up to a maximum total duration of 3 years, provided the applicant continues to meet the requirements.

There are also physical presence conditions: for renewal, the applicant must be in Hungary for at least 90 days in any 180-day period. This limitation is designed to reduce the risk that residence permits are used purely as a tool for “passive” mobility within the Schengen Area.

Family reunification is usually available only after one year. It’s important to note that guest self-employment is a temporary residence authorization and does not automatically guarantee the right to bring family members. Typically eligible dependents include spouses and minor children (including adopted children and those who are financially dependent). In addition, the applicant must provide proof of adequate housing for the entire family.

This format can be a convenient option for independent specialists: it does not require employer sponsorship and allows you to build a business presence within one of the most competitive tax environments in the EU.

Simplified taxation with a flat-rate regime for individual entrepreneurs

A self-employed person in Hungary may opt for flat-rate taxation if they meet the eligibility conditions. The key requirement is a limit on annual revenue: the regime is available only if annual income does not exceed 10 times the annual minimum wage.

Under the flat-rate scheme, the taxable base is calculated not from actual expenses, but using a statutory share of costs: a legally set coefficient is applied to total revenue. Depending on the type of activity, it is typically 40%, 80%, or 90%. The remaining portion of income is treated as taxable.

The main payment is personal income tax at a flat rate of 15% on the calculated taxable base. In addition, social security contributions of 18.5% and a 13% social contribution are paid.

The advantage of the flat-rate regime is transparency and predictability: detailed expense tracking is not required. At the same time, it’s crucial to monitor the revenue threshold—if it is exceeded, the right to use the regime is lost. For applicants with a “light” self-employment model, this approach can combine administrative simplicity with favorable effective rates.

Why self-employment may be more resilient amid political changes

If the Golden Visa for guest investors comes under political pressure and is modified or cancelled, the self-employment route is typically less exposed to the same risks. It is not based on passive capital, but on real economic activity.

A residence permit for guest self-employment is a work-capable but regulated option for third-country nationals who want to run activities in Hungary independently. Success in obtaining and maintaining the status depends not only on formal criteria, but also on how convincingly the applicant can substantiate actual, economically grounded activity with documents throughout the permit’s lifecycle.

For professionals handling such cases, the key task is aligning the immigration strategy with the business substance: it’s not enough to “fit” the legal requirements—you need to build an evidence base that will hold up in real-world checks.

If you’re considering Hungary and a “golden visa” (RBI/Guest Investor Residence Permit), it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case post-election changes affect eligibility. Digital Nomad helps you assess risks and choose a more reliable path for legal stay—without relying on a single scenario: https://digital-nomad.gr/en/goldenvisa.

Our Telegram channel about various types of Greek residence permits, digital nomad programs, and the Greek Golden Visa: @digitalnomadgr