Moving to Hungary: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Hungary: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Hungary the top income tax rate is 15%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 9% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Hungary from arrival once you take up residence (Permanent residence permit, only permanent home in Hungary or centre of vital interests; else 183 days). The typical route is EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient): Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required There are 7 open residence programmes in Hungary — see the list below.
Living there
Budapest has a humid subtropical climate with winter highs around 3 °C and summer highs around 27.6 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 15% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 15% |
| Corporate tax | 9% |
| Rezydencja podatkowa | od przyjazdu — Permanent residence permit, only permanent home in Hungary or centre of vital interests; else 183 days |
| Typowa ścieżka pobytu | EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient) — Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required |
| Typ klimatu | humid subtropical · 3° / 27.6° (Budapest) |
Residence programmes in Hungary
Active programmes
- Guest Investor Programme — Inwestycja CHF 235'000 · 2026-10
- White Card (digital nomad) — Dochód / rok CHF 33'840 · 2026-10
- Residence permit for self-employment / business — entrepreneur · 2026-10
- Work permit (Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, guest worker) — employment · 2026-10
- EU/EEA/Swiss free movement (registration certificate) — freeMovement · 2026-10
- Simplified naturalisation (Hungarian ancestry) — ancestry · 2026-10
- Family Reunification — family · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Hungary to become tax resident?
od przyjazdu. Permanent residence permit, only permanent home in Hungary or centre of vital interests; else 183 days Flat 15% PIT; foreign dividends taxable
How much tax will I pay in Hungary?
In Hungary the top income tax rate is 15%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 9% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Hungary offer?
Guest Investor Programme (CHF 235'000); White Card (digital nomad); Residence permit for self-employment / business; Work permit (Hungarian Card, EU Blue Card, guest worker); EU/EEA/Swiss free movement (registration certificate)
What is the usual way to move to Hungary?
EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient). Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required
Compare with nearby countries
Albania · Andorra · Austria · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herz. · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.