The VIP Cash Grant is a non-refundable state aid available for qualifying investment projects implemented in Hungary and awarded by individual decision of the Hungarian Government. Depending on the applicable aid scheme and the type of project, support may be available for manufacturing and industrial investments, capacity expansions, business service centres, research and development projects and certain strategic clean technology investments.

Eligibility and the maximum amount of aid depend on several factors, including the location and size of the investment, the eligible costs, the size of the investor, the applicable state aid rules and the commitments undertaken by the beneficiary.

MAPI supports investors from the initial assessment of VIP Cash Grant eligibility and project structuring through the preparation of the application and the entire incentive process. In parallel, we also assess other available investment incentives and tax benefits that may complement the cash grant.

How does the VIP Cash Grant process work?

Unlike a conventional call for proposals with a fixed application window, the VIP Cash Grant operates as an investment incentive scheme based on individual government decision. The process typically begins with an assessment of the planned investment and the investor, followed by preliminary consultations regarding the potential eligibility and structure of the project.

During the process, the eligible investment volume, eligible costs, potential aid amount and intensity, as well as the commitments to be undertaken by the investor are determined in accordance with the applicable Hungarian and EU state aid rules. The timing of the start of the investment is particularly important, therefore the potential eligibility of a project should be assessed before irreversible investment commitments are made.

What types of investments may qualify?

How much VIP Cash Grant can be obtained?

There is no single aid amount or aid intensity applicable to every VIP Cash Grant project. The potential support depends on the applicable aid scheme, the location of the investment, company size, eligible expenditure, project characteristics and the relevant maximum aid limits under Hungarian and EU state aid rules.

Minimum investment volume by location

For asset-based regional investment aid, the minimum eligible investment volume depends on the location of the project. The thresholds applicable from 18 April 2025 are as follows:

Important: the above thresholds relate to asset-based regional investment aid. Different eligibility conditions and minimum requirements apply to other VIP Cash Grant schemes, including certain R&D, training and CISAF incentives.

What commitments may apply to a VIP Cash Grant?

The commitment framework for asset-based regional investment projects was significantly revised in 2025. For relevant projects, the updated system includes commitments to generate at least EUR 2 million in additional wage costs and EUR 15 million in additional net sales revenue during the monitoring period.

In addition, one of the following commitments may be required:

• at least 30% increase in annual average wage costs per employee for qualifying companies,
• at least 30% increase in annual average net sales revenue per employee for qualifying companies, or
• creation of at least 25 new jobs.

For qualifying initial regional investments, at least two additional commitments may also be required, such as:

• creation of at least 10 new R&D jobs,
• at least 30% increase in R&D expenditure,
• at least 30% use of self-generated renewable energy,
• employment of at least 10 additional participants in dual or vocational education,
• increasing the share of procurement from suppliers located within a 100 km radius, or
• participation in supplier development cooperation with HIPA.

The exact commitment structure must always be assessed on the basis of the applicable aid scheme and the individual characteristics of the investment project.

Key changes to the VIP Cash Grant system in 2025–2026

VIP Cash Grant and other investment incentives in Hungary

The financing structure of a major investment should not necessarily be based on a single incentive. Depending on the characteristics of the project, investors may also consider development tax incentives, R&D-related incentives and tax benefits, subsidised financing and other investment support schemes alongside the VIP Cash Grant.

Whenever several forms of state aid are combined, the applicable cumulation rules and maximum aid intensities must be assessed carefully.

Frequently asked questions about the VIP Cash Grant