Maxim Stepanenko
Managing partner of Crystal.tax
A wide range of legal services from Crystal Tax: registration of offshore companies in all world jurisdictions, solving issues related to taxation, opening bank accounts and many others.
Hungary remains one of the few EU countries with a corporate tax rate of only 9%. Add to this the prompt issuance of an EU VAT number, a central location in Europe, and fast electronic filing of documents, and you have an ideal platform for exports, IT outsourcing, and logistics. In this guide, we will analyze legal forms, the new e-Gate requirement, bank account nuances, and common investor mistakes.
Legal forms: Kft or Zrt - what to choose
The most popular is the Kft (limited liability corporation). It is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and one director is allowed. For IPOs and large investments, choose Zrt (closed joint-stock company) with stricter reporting rules.
Secret No. 1: hybrid Kft + Start-UP VAT
Starting in 2025, startups can submit one form and immediately receive Start-UP VAT, which reduces the proof of economic feasibility in the first 12 months.
Electronic e-Gate: a mandatory portal for all directors
Starting from 2024, every director must have access to Ügyfélkapu - the so-called e-Gate. All official letters from the tax and court are received through it. Without activating the e-Gate, the company can be recognized as "unavailable" and its VAT number can be blocked.
Secret No. 2: remote activation of e-Gate
An attorney draws up a power of attorney, submits an application to the KSZFI, after which the director receives a temporary token and activates the e-Gate online - no need to fly to Budapest.
Tax picture: 9 % CIT and social contributions
Corporate tax is fixed at 9%. Dividends to non-residents are subject to 0% withholding if there is a double taxation treaty. Social security contributions on salaries have been simplified: from 2025, the rate will be consolidated into a single Social Contribution Tax.
Getting an EU VAT number and reporting
VAT-ID is assigned in 3-5 days if you provide evidence of business activity: a contract with a client or a lease agreement. Report declarations monthly if the turnover is above the threshold; the reporting itself is submitted through the e-SZJA system.
Secret No. 3: a single OSS for e-commerce
Online stores can register in the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) mode, submitting VAT reports for the entire EU from Hungary at once.
Bank account in Hungary: how to reduce Due Diligence
Banks require the presence of a director, but starting in 2025, banks are are allowed to accept video conferencing in lieu of a physical visit, subject to a Qualified Electronic Signature on the founding documents. Prepare a business plan in English or Hungarian, a utility bill and a statement of origin of funds - this will will speed up compliance.
Frequent mistakes of founders in 2025
- Failure to file with the UBO Registry (UBO Registry) - penalty and "red" status publicly on the IRS website.
- Use of a "virtual office" address without a mail forwarding agreement - the inspectorate block the VAT number.
- Ignoring e-Gate - all notifications are considered delivered even if the the director is not logged in.
- All notices are considered delivered even if the director is not logged in.
FAQ
Is it possible to register a Hungarian company
Yes, a notarized power of attorney allows the attorney-in-fact to submit documents online.
How to get an EU VAT number quickly?
With the correct package. The VAT number is assigned in 3 to 5 business days.
How quickly can I get an EU VAT number?
Do I need a real office in Budapest?
A registered "virtual office" address is sufficient. A registered "virtual office" address is sufficient, but it is subject to checks, so it is it is important to choose a reliable provider.
Leave an application and let us launch your business in Hungary without bureaucracy
Describe your project: we will choose a Kft or Zrt form, draw up the documents, activate the e-Gate and get an EU VAT-ID - completely turnkey and with no hidden fees. risks.
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Our advantages
We provide a wide range of legal services, including the registration of companies in foreign jurisdictions, legal support for activities, opening bank accounts, consultations and much more. others
Crystal Tax employs a team of highly qualified professionals, experts in all matters related to offshore. We have many years of successful experience.
We offer only the best solutions for your business - the best jurisdiction and type of company for offshore registration.
We register a company in any jurisdiction as quickly as possible. We guarantee confidentiality of data for each client
An individual approach to clients, solving non-standard tasks and the vast experience of our lawyers can lead your business to success.
The cost of services is agreed between us and the client. You pay only for the work done, which allows you to minimize costs. We work without intermediaries and overpayments.