Navigating VAT in Hungary

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Hungary, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Hungary.

Last Updated: January 2026
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27%

Hungary has the highest VAT rate in the EU at 27%.

Hungary at a glance.

Standard rate

27% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 27%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Zero-rated items

Exports, intra-community supplies, certain supplies related to international ships and aircrafts, etc.

VAT format

HU followed by 8 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting VAT activities in Hungary

Reclaiming VAT in Hungary.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in the Hungary may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Hungary applies the rule of reciprocity. This means Hungary allows VAT refunds for foreign businesses, but only if they are based in approved countries.
Eligible countries include:
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
5% / 27%
Accommodation
5%
Food, drink & restaurant services
5% / 27%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
27%
Fuel
27%
Public Transport
27%
Taxis
27%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
27%
Training courses & seminars
27%
Goods
27%
Inter-company charges
27%
Office expenses
27%
Marketing costs
27%
Professional fees & AP invoices
27%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Hungary.

Doing business in Hungary? You’ll need to play by the rules of the Hungarian VAT Act (Act CXXVII of 2007).

Who needs to register?

All businesses engaged in taxable activities must register, as voluntary registration is not permitted and registration is mandatory.

VAT registration in Hungary
VAT filing deadlines in Hungary

Monthly

20th day of the following month

Quarterly

20th day of the month following the quarter

VAT payment deadlines in Hungary

Monthly

20th day of the following month

Quarterly

20th day of the month following the quarter

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Hungary applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, typically utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

e-invoicing in Hungary.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

Yes

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Historic

B2B e-Invoicing model

Direct/Unregulated Reporting Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

NAV Online Számla

Format(s) used

XML (Base64), paper, PDF

FAQs

The following expense types would generally be reclaimable for VAT in Hungary if incurred for business purposes: hiring of means of transport; 50% of vehicle repairs; accommodation, admissions to trade fairs and exhibitions, and general business expenses (e.g., office expenses, professional fees etc).

For Hungary VAT refunds under the 8th Directive, original invoices are not required, and scans or photocopies can be submitted. For Hungary VAT refunds under the 13th Directive, original invoices must be submitted to the Hungary VAT Authority.

Generally, invoices that contain errors are not eligible for a refund of Hungary VAT. However, VAT IT can assist with this service to help obtain compliant invoices for submission in a refund of Hungary in VAT.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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