With its strategic location in Central Europe, robust economy, and attractive tax environment, Hungary has become an increasingly popular choice for business incorporation. However, like any business decision, setting up a company in Hungary comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the process, pros and cons, and some anecdotal experiences from those whose setup didn’t work out as expected.
Advantages of Incorporating in Hungary
Favorable Corporate Tax Rates
Undoubtedly, one of the most enticing benefits of incorporating in Hungary is its low corporate tax rate. Businesses enjoy a flat corporate tax rate of just 9%, the lowest in the European Union. This low tax rate provides a substantial boost to profitability and makes Hungary a financially appealing choice for business incorporation.
Strategic Location
Situated in the heart of Central Europe, Hungary provides easy access to major European markets. Its extensive road, rail, and air transport networks enable easy movement of goods and services, making it a logistical hub for companies intending to do business across the European continent.
Skilled Workforce
Hungary boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce. With a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, businesses in tech-driven sectors can leverage a rich talent pool. Moreover, English proficiency is relatively high, especially among younger professionals, facilitating communication for international businesses.
Ease of Business Incorporation
The process of incorporating a company in Hungary is relatively straightforward and fast. It is possible to establish a business entity within a few days, and the minimum capital requirement for a limited liability company (Kft) is just HUF 3 million (approximately €8,500).
Challenges of Incorporating in Hungary
While Hungary presents several benefits, potential investors should also consider the following challenges.
Bureaucracy
Despite recent efforts to simplify processes, business owners often report that bureaucratic hurdles are a significant challenge in Hungary. Navigating the intricate web of administrative procedures can be time-consuming and may require local expertise.
Changing Regulatory Landscape
The Hungarian regulatory landscape can be dynamic, with frequent changes in business and tax laws. While these changes are often aimed at improving the business environment, they can cause uncertainty and require businesses to be agile and adaptive.
Language Barrier
While English proficiency is increasing, Hungarian is the dominant language in business dealings, especially outside of Budapest. This language barrier could pose difficulties in operations and negotiations.
Alternatives to Hungary
While Hungary presents attractive benefits for business incorporation, there are several other options within Europe that may better serve the needs of different businesses depending on various factors such as taxation, ease of doing business, market size, and industry specialization. Here are three such alternatives:
Ireland
Ireland offers a corporate tax rate of 12.5%, which is competitive within the EU. The nation boasts a strong talent pool, especially in tech and pharmaceutical sectors, and has a business-friendly environment. Ireland’s robust legal system, which is based on common law, is also familiar to many international businesses. However, the cost of living, particularly in Dublin, can be high, which may influence operational costs.
Estonia
Estonia has a unique corporate tax structure where corporate income tax is charged only on distributed profits. This can be advantageous for businesses looking to reinvest their profits. Furthermore, Estonia is known for its digital government services, including the e-residency program which allows international entrepreneurs to establish and manage an EU-based company online. Estonia, however, has a relatively small domestic market.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is renowned for its strong infrastructure, strategic location, and high proficiency in English, making it an appealing choice for international businesses. It has a broad network of double taxation treaties and offers a wide range of subsidies and tax incentives, particularly for innovative businesses and R&D activities. The Dutch corporate tax rate is higher compared to Hungary, but the extensive network of tax treaties could make cross-border business operations more tax-efficient.
These alternatives, each with their unique blend of benefits, can serve as potentially more favorable options to Hungary depending on the specific needs and objectives of your business.
Any reason why RO not an alternative? 1% corporate tax for revenues < 1.5 mil and 8% on dividends. Relatively easy formation, skilled IT pool, en speakers.
You’re right, Romania is a good alternative if you have revenues that are lower than 1 million euros and you don’t plan to grow it much further. This could be the case for a low-growth but high-margin business.
You can get the 1% or 3% rates if you register as a micro business. The 1% rate is available to you if you employee at least one person in Romania. As you mentioned, this could easily be doable depending on your industry, as there is a good supply of skilled workers in Romania.
The thing I would be wary of is the rules changing at some point in the future, or growth of your company that would make it ineligible for the reduced tax rate, and thus pass onto the 16% regular corporate tax rate.
The micro-business lower tax rates where previously available only to companies with a revenue lower than 100k, so this might again change in the future leaving you high and dry. If you’re willing to take that risk, then Romania is a good option.