Company formation and shelf companies in Hungary

Private limited liability company (KFT)

Hungary is a jurisdiction with one of the lowest tax rates in Europe, where corporate income tax is only 9% (from 1 January 2017).

Company formation process is short and includes minimum formalities – both tax identification number and VAT number are issued automatically, which reduces bureaucracy as well as time. VAT tax returns may be submitted on a monthly or quarterly basis.

One of the advantages of managing a Kft in Hungary is the fact that share capital, the minimum amount of which is 10 000 EUR, does not have to be deposited in a bank account and may be spent right after company establishment, e.g. on accounting services, office, etc.

KFT may carry out any type of business activity except industries that require a licence, these are insurance companies, banks, payment institutions.

Kft have a simple structure, you need only one person to form a company who may be both a director and a shareholder.

Hungary guarantees very favourable environment for doing business. Government is entrepreneur-friendly and year by year introduces new regulations that aim to attract foreign investors. The costs of running a company in Hungary are much lower than in most European countries, both in terms of tax rates, employment costs and fees for setting up and managing a company.

All in all, Hungary is a great place for doing business in almost any industry.

Advantages of having a limited liability company in Hungary – KFT:

  • Corporate income tax in Hungary is only 9%, which is one of the lowest rates in Europe.
  • Relatively low cost of company registration and running a company.
  • Low employment costs.
  • Fast company formation.
  • Quick and easy VAT registration.
  • No obligation to deposit share capital in a bank account.
  • Entrepreneur-friendly government.
  • No obligation to appoint local directors, shareholders or agents providing services to the company.
  • Hungary is situated in Central Europe, which is a great location for doing business.
  • Hungary is a member of the European Union and is governed by the Community law.

Time saving

Establishing a Kft in Hungary and registering it for VAT take only a few days.

One stop shop

Choosing Shelfcompanies24, you have one provider offering various services for making your company run smoothly. For the start, we will assist you in establishing a company and registering it for VAT. You may also count on us in the process of opening a bank account. We also provide registered address with virtual office service and comprehensive correspondence handling. Our company also provides accounting.

Speed and superb customer service

Our consultants are available to you 24/7. We are committed to solving all client problems as quickly as possible. Company registration in Hungary, together with VAT registration, is just a few days.

Remote procedure available

Kft may be established remotely on the basis of on a power of attorney, but if you wish to have a bank account in one of the banks located in the territory of Hungary, client presence is required for 3 days minimum. Without visiting the country, we may offer you an account in one of payment institutions or foreign banks.

Burden is ours

Putting matters related to setting up and providing services to a company in the hands of Shelfcompanies24, you do not have to worry about anything, we take care of everything and you thanks to that you will have more time to focus on business. We are looking forward to doing business with you!

Do you wish to start the procedure?

Just drop us an email or give us a call and we will send you short list of information that we need. After you provide it to us you can come anytime to proceed with the formalities.

Company Formation Process in Hungary

Establishing a new company in Hungary is a structured process that typically takes 5-7 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire formation process on your behalf, from preparing the articles of association to registering with all relevant authorities.

Available Company Types in Hungary

The following legal structures are available for company formation in Hungary:

Company Type Description
Kft. (LLC), Zrt. (private JSC), Nyrt. (public JSC), Bt. (limited partnership)

The minimum share capital requirement is 3,000,000 HUF (~€7,500) for Kft..

Step-by-Step Formation Process

  1. Choose your company structure — Select the appropriate legal form based on your business needs, number of shareholders, and capital requirements.
  2. Prepare documentation — Our team prepares the articles of association, shareholder agreements, and all necessary corporate documents.
  3. Company name verification — We verify the availability of your chosen company name with the Hungarian commercial registry.
  4. Capital deposit — Deposit the required share capital (3,000,000 HUF (~€7,500) for Kft.) in a designated bank account.
  5. Notarization and registration — Documents are notarized (where required) and submitted to the commercial registry.
  6. Tax registration — Register the company for corporate tax (at a rate of 9% (lowest in the EU for standard rate)) and VAT (27% (highest in EU)).
  7. Bank account opening — Open corporate bank accounts with Hungarian banks for business operations.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
  • Description of planned business activities
  • Proof of source of funds (where applicable)
  • References from existing banks or professional advisors

Tax Environment in Hungary

Companies formed in Hungary are subject to a corporate tax rate of 9% (lowest in the EU for standard rate). The standard VAT rate is 27% (highest in EU). The currency is HUF (Hungarian Forint).

Timeline and Costs

Standard company formation in Hungary takes approximately 5-7 business days. For exact pricing tailored to your specific requirements, please contact our consultants.

Related Services in Hungary

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to register a company in Hungary?

Company registration in Hungary typically takes 5-7 business days. ShelfCompanies24 handles the entire process on your behalf.

What documents do I need to form a company in Hungary?

You will need valid passport copies, proof of address, description of business activities, and proof of source of funds. Our team guides you through all documentation requirements.

Can a foreigner set up a company in Hungary?

Yes, foreign nationals can establish companies in Hungary. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership of Hungarian companies.

What is the minimum capital to start a company in Hungary?

The minimum capital requirement in Hungary is 3,000,000 HUF (~€7,500) for Kft.. Our consultants can advise on the optimal capital structure for your business.

Your Professional Company Formation Agent in Hungary

ShelfCompanies24 acts as your dedicated company formation agent in Hungary. Our experienced team handles the entire registration process on your behalf — from preparing incorporation documents and liaising with local authorities to obtaining your company registration number, tax identification, and all required certificates. As a company formation agent with over 30 years of experience across 50+ jurisdictions, we ensure a smooth, compliant, and fast incorporation process. Whether you need a brand-new company or prefer a ready-made shelf company in Hungary, our agents guide you through every step — including corporate bank account opening, registered address setup, and ongoing compliance support.

Contact our company formation agents today for a free consultation and competitive quote for company formation in Hungary.