This article outlines the typical costs involved in creating and maintaining a standard limited liability company (Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság, Kft.) in Hungary for 2025. Key formation expenses, mandatory capital requirements, and ongoing company maintenance fees are covered below.
Company Formation Costs in Hungary (2025)
Setting up a Hungarian Kft. entails several distinct startup costs. The following table presents the main expenses in Hungarian Forint (HUF), with a conversion to USD for context. (Exchange rate used for this guide: 1 USD ≈ 360 HUF.)
| Item | Amount (HUF) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 3,000,000 HUF | $8,333 |
| Company registration fee (electronic, simplified deed) | 0 HUF | $0 |
| Notary fees (standard template deed) | 0 HUF | $0 |
| Legal (lawyer) fees for company formation | 50,000 HUF | $139 |
| Publication fee | 0 HUF | $0 |
The average cost to create a Hungarian Kft. is estimated at 320,000 HUF ($889), not including the statutory capital, which must be deposited in the company’s bank account on formation. Most transactional fees (company registration, notary, and publication) are zero when using standardized documents and electronic filings, which is standard market practice in 2025.
Annual Maintenance Costs for a Hungarian Kft.
Ongoing compliance and operational expenses are equally relevant for calculating true business running costs. Typical annual maintenance fees for a standard Kft. in Hungary are outlined here.
| Maintenance Item | Annual Amount (HUF) | Annual Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 300,000 HUF | $833 |
| Registered office service (if outsourced) | 60,000 HUF | $167 |
| Annual tax filing and compliance | 0 HUF (included in accounting) | $0 |
| Chamber of Commerce membership fee | 5,000 HUF | $14 |
| Optional legal retainer (if used) | 235,000 HUF | $653 |
Typical annual maintenance costs for a Kft. will range between 300,000 HUF and 600,000 HUF ($833 – $1,667), depending on whether services like legal retainers and external registered office functions are required.
Hungary Company Creation and Maintenance: Additional Notes
Unlike some countries where incorporation and compliance costs are unpredictable, Hungary’s fee schedule for company setup remains largely stable and transparent, especially when standardized documents and electronic applications are used. Only the lawyer’s fees and accounting obligations represent significant direct costs beyond the statutory minimum capital.
Membership fees for local chambers of commerce are symbolic and mandated but remain very low in absolute terms (5,000 HUF annually).
Company Cost Breakdown Table Summary
| Category | Average Amount (HUF) | Average Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Creation (excluding minimum capital) | 320,000 HUF | $889 |
| Annual Maintenance | 300,000 – 600,000 HUF | $833 – $1,667 |
Pro Tips for Managing Hungarian Company Costs
- Use the electronic, template-based foundation process to keep registration fees at zero and speed up setup.
- Shop around for accounting services, as quality and rates can vary, but expect mandatory accounting as a statutory compliance item.
- Registered office services are optional for those without a suitable Hungarian address; if required, sourcing competitively can minimize this recurring cost.
- Consider the optional legal retainer only if your operations expect frequent legal consultation—many small Kft. entities opt out to keep costs lower.
Relevant Official Sources
In summary, Hungary’s procedural transparency means business owners can plan precisely for both the initial outlay and recurring annual costs of running a Kft. Statutory capital is the largest single mandatory outlay, but ongoing costs are largely predictable and cost-efficient relative to many EU peers. Reviewing main categories—company foundation, legal, accounting, and administrative fees—will allow companies to budget accurately and stay compliant in 2025 and beyond.