For entrepreneurs and digital nomads eyeing Hungary as a base for their ventures in 2025, understanding the real costs of company creation and maintenance is crucial. If you’re weary of unpredictable tax regimes and opaque state fees elsewhere, Hungary’s transparent, data-backed company setup process offers a refreshing alternative. Let’s break down the actual numbers, highlight smart cost-saving tactics, and help you make informed decisions—without the usual bureaucratic fog.
Company Formation Costs in Hungary: What to Expect in 2025
The most common legal entity for small and medium businesses in Hungary is the Korlátolt Felelősségű Társaság (Kft.), or Limited Liability Company. Here’s a clear breakdown of the average creation costs, based on up-to-date data from multiple official sources:
| Cost Item | Amount (HUF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 3,000,000 | Must be deposited, but can be used for business expenses after registration |
| Company registration fee (electronic, simplified deed of foundation) | 0 | Zero cost for standard electronic filings |
| Notary fees (standard template deed of foundation) | 0 | Zero if using the official template |
| Legal (lawyer) fees for company formation | 50,000 | Mandatory legal assistance for company setup |
| Publication fee | 0 | No publication fee required |
Average out-of-pocket creation cost: 320,000 HUF (excluding the minimum capital, which remains company property).
Pro Tip #1: Use the Standard Template
Opt for the official electronic deed of foundation template. This eliminates notary and registration fees, keeping your setup costs minimal and your process fast.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Hungarian Kft. Compliant
Once your company is up and running, annual maintenance costs are straightforward and predictable. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for in 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Cost (HUF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | 300,000 | Basic annual accounting for a standard Kft. |
| Registered office service (if outsourced) | 60,000 | Optional; required if you don’t have a local address |
| Annual tax filing and compliance | 0 | Usually included in accounting fees |
| Chamber of Commerce membership fee | 5,000 | Mandatory for all companies |
| Optional legal retainer | 235,000 | Only if you want ongoing legal support |
Typical annual maintenance range: 300,000–600,000 HUF, depending on your need for optional services.
Pro Tip #2: Outsource Only What You Need
If you have a local address, skip the registered office service. If you’re comfortable handling basic legal matters, the legal retainer is optional. This keeps your annual costs at the lower end of the range.
Case Example: Lean Startup in Budapest
Imagine you’re launching a digital consultancy in Budapest. You use the standard deed of foundation, handle your own registered address, and only pay for mandatory accounting and the Chamber of Commerce fee. Your total outlay in 2025:
- Creation: 320,000 HUF (plus 3,000,000 HUF capital, which you can use post-registration)
- Annual maintenance: 305,000 HUF
Compare this to Western Europe, where setup and compliance costs can easily run into the thousands of euros annually. Hungary’s system is refreshingly lean—if you know the right levers to pull.
Pro Tip #3: Capital Is Not a Sunk Cost
The 3,000,000 HUF minimum capital is not a fee—it’s your company’s working capital, available for business use after registration. Don’t let this requirement deter you; it’s a regulatory formality, not a fiscal burden.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Hungary’s Kft. company formation is cost-effective, with transparent, minimal state-imposed fees.
- Annual maintenance costs are predictable and can be optimized by outsourcing only essential services.
- The minimum capital requirement is fully usable by your company post-registration.
- Staying compliant is straightforward—no hidden fees or surprise taxes if you follow the standard process.
For more details and official guidance, consult these authoritative sources: