Hungary offers a relatively fast and straightforward process for foreign investors to establish a business entity. Some key aspects:
Registration Process
There are several options for setting up a company in Hungary:
– Limited Liability Company (Kft.) – The most popular form due to lower capital requirements. Requires a minimum capital of HUF 500,000.
– Company Limited by Shares (Zrt.) – Typically for larger companies. Requires a minimum capital of HUF 5 million.
– Branch Office – A simpler option for foreign companies wanting to establish a presence. Not considered a separate legal entity.
– Representative Office – For foreign companies wanting to conduct market research or prepare for establishing a branch office. Cannot engage in commercial activities.
Registration can be done in-person or online through the Company Information and Electronic Company Registration Service. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Required Documents
The key documents required for company registration in Hungary include:
- Signed deed of foundation or incorporation
- Specimen signature of authorized representatives
- Proof of registered office address
- Proof of financial contribution
- Bank account details
- Personal identification documents of owners/directors
Costs and Fees
The government fees for registering a Kft company in Hungary are around HUF 100,000. Legal and advisory costs can add about HUF 200,000-300,000.
For a Zrt company, government fees are around HUF 600,000, with total costs reaching HUF 800,000-1,000,000.
Overall, registering a company in Hungary is a fast and affordable process for foreign investors. The business-friendly policies make market entry efficient.
Taxation and Regulations
Hungary has a competitive tax environment for businesses with some of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the EU. The standard corporate income tax rate is 9%, one of the lowest in Europe. There are further reductions available, with small businesses paying only 5% up until HUF 500 million in pre-tax profit.
Value-added tax (VAT) in Hungary is 27% which is the highest in the EU along with Croatia. There are however, reduced VAT rates of 18% and 5% for certain goods and services like basic food products, medical equipment, and books.
Businesses can benefit from various tax incentives in Hungary:
– Tax allowances for R&D activities up to 100% of costs
– Tax credits on qualified wages up to 19% for disadvantaged regions
– Tax deductions on new investment projects
– Accelerated depreciation on newly purchased assets
– Tax exemptions for free trade zones and logistics centers
The main regulatory institutions governing business and investment in Hungary are:
– Ministry for National Economy – Formulates economic policy
– Hungarian National Bank – Central bank overseeing monetary policy
– Government offices – Handle company registration, licensing, visas
– Hungarian Competition Authority – Oversees competitive practices
– Hungarian Tax Authority – Administers taxes and handles compliance
The regulatory framework is business friendly with 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors. Hungary ranked 35th globally in World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business rankings. The country offers a stable legal system and regulations aligned with EU standards.
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