As of April 18, 2025, the Government has once again amended the conditions for accessing VIP Cash Grants, and introduced a new scheme specifically aimed at supporting research and development (R&D) activities. The objective of the changes remains to prioritize high value-added activities and to promote competitive, innovative corporate investments. Below is a summary of the new and modified subsidy options.
VIP Cash Grant for Complex Investment Projects – Focus on Efficiency and Regional Development
Several favorable changes have been introduced in the CAPEX-based (linked to tangible asset investments) VIP Cash Grant scheme. The new regulation is particularly advantageous for medium-sized enterprises, while also placing serious performance and efficiency improvement expectations on applicants.
According to the amendment, projects with a total value of at least EUR 2 million may now be eligible for state aid in the following counties—excluding county seats: Baranya, Bács-Kiskun, Békés, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Csongrád-Csanád, Heves, Nógrád, Somogy, Tolna, and Zala. The aim of this territorial expansion is to enhance the investment attractiveness of rural areas. Another key benefit is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may request 25% of the subsidy amount as an advance cash grant.
During the maintenance period, companies must increase their revenue by at least EUR 15 million and their total payroll by at least EUR 2 million.
Additionally, applicants are required to fulfill at least one of the following commitments as a condition of the VIP Cash Grant:
- Increase per capita wages by at least 30%
- Increase per capita revenue by at least 30%
- Create at least 25 new jobs
And at least two of the following commitments must also be met:
- Creating at least 10 new R&D jobs
- Generate at least 30% of energy consumption from self-produced renewable energy
- Increase the number of student workers by at least 10 (e.g., dual education, vocational training, university internships)
- Increase R&D expenditure by at least 30%
- Source at least 30% of products and services from local suppliers within 100 km of the investment site
- Establish a partnership with HIPA as part of their supplier development program
New R&D Subsidy Program for Establishing Rural R&D Centers
Alongside the amendments, a new state aid scheme has become available, developed specifically to support the establishment of R&D centers in rural areas. The program is accessible to large enterprises and medium-sized companies employing at least 50 people.
Applicants can decide whether to use the subsidy for building research infrastructure (including all related equipment), or to cover the personnel costs of newly hired researchers (for up to 36 months).
The conditions for the subsidy are as follows:
- Available exclusively for R&D activities;
- Creation of at least 10 new R&D jobs is required;
- The applicant must establish R&D cooperation with a Hungarian university;
- No R&D project qualification is required;
- There is no minimum investment amount, and no collateral needs to be provided;
- SMEs are also eligible for a 25% advance cash grant.
📄 Detailed Information
More Favorable Conditions for Supporting R&D Projects – Combinable with the New Scheme
In addition to the program for establishing new R&D centers, the conditions for the already existing R&D VIP Cash Grant have also been amended. The two types of R&D subsidies can be combined.
Key changes:
- Now also available to medium-sized companies with at least 50 employees;
- If the company files a patent application related to the supported project, a higher subsidy rate may be claimed;
- SMEs are again eligible for a 25% advance cash grant.
VIP Cash Grant for Corporate Training Programs
The training subsidy is now available in a renewed format, as it can be applied for as a standalone project without requiring any supplementary investment. This can significantly ease the financing of operational costs related to corporate training, as well as the wage costs of absent employees.
New conditions:
- Available only to medium-sized and large enterprises employing at least 100 people;
- The training period has been extended from 2 years to 3 years, allowing for longer-term training plans to be supported;
- The total project value must reach EUR 250,000 over three years (including trainer fees, wage compensation, material costs, and operational costs);
- At least 25 employees must be involved in the training program, but the total headcount of the company does not need to be increased.
📄 Detailed Information
