Eligible Spending in Hungary

In the Hungarian film industry, eligible spending refers to specific expenditures that qualify for the tax rebate or incentive programs provided by the government to promote and support filmmaking within the country. The Hungarian government has implemented these measures to attract both domestic and international filmmakers, fostering a vibrant and competitive film production environment.

Key categories of eligible spending in the Hungarian film industry include:

Local Goods and Services:
Filmmakers are often required to spend a significant portion of their budget on local goods and services to qualify for incentives. This includes expenditures on equipment rental, set construction, costumes, catering, and other production-related services provided by local businesses.

Local Crew and Talent:
To encourage the employment of Hungarian professionals in the film industry, eligible spending often includes payments to local crew members, actors, and other personnel involved in the production. This helps boost employment opportunities within the local film community.

Locations and Permits:
Costs associated with securing filming locations and obtaining necessary permits contribute to eligible spending. This incentivizes filmmakers to explore and showcase the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Hungary in their productions.

Technology and Equipment:
Investments in technology and equipment, such as cameras, lighting, and sound equipment, may be eligible for incentives. This encourages filmmakers to utilize local suppliers and rental services, supporting the growth of the local film industry infrastructure.

Development Costs:
Some incentive programs may cover expenses related to the development phase of a film, including scriptwriting, pre-production planning, and other preparatory activities. This ensures that filmmakers are supported throughout the entire filmmaking process.

Environmental Initiatives:
In alignment with global trends towards sustainability, certain incentive programs may include eligible spending on environmentally friendly practices. Filmmakers may receive incentives for incorporating green technologies, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable filmmaking practices.

It's important to note that the specific criteria for eligible spending can vary based on the terms of the incentive program. Filmmakers and production companies interested in accessing these incentives need to carefully adhere to the guidelines set by the Hungarian government, ensuring compliance with the requirements to maximize the benefits of the rebate or incentive program.

How much is the rebate?

Basic Information

  • All local Hungarian expense will qualify for a 30% rebate.
  • Up to 25% of the eligible expenses can be non-Hungarian, which still qualifies for the 30% tax rebate.
  • Both Local and Foreign Spend, regardless of currency (USD, EUR, GBP, HUF), are acceptable, even if expended outside Hungary.
  • There are no minimum spending requirements or caps per project, and there's no annual fiscal budget limit.
  • It is a post-financing cash refund. Possible to audit on a monthly/quarterly basis, or one time.

Eligible type of productions

  • Feature films, series, documentaries, short films and animations made for cinematic release, streamers, televisions or other distribution platforms, and also video games.
  • Exclusion includes Porn films and extremely violent films as well as commercials, TV sitcoms, reality shows, daily soaps.

Further Information

About

Hungarian Tax Rebate | Lions Production Servicing Commercials and Feature Films

As producers in the film production realm, we connect film-makers from around the world with local department leaders who already proved their excellence. We are one of the top film production companies in Hungary, striving to provide our clients with perfect conditions for their shoot in Budapest. Our diverse experience in the industry ensures the widest skillset, supplier network and efficient approach for all productions where talent and crew can perform at their very best in service of the vision. Having worked on local blockbusters, service productions for European and US producers and with international A list stars gives us continuous confidence to create this environment. We are committed to green services, therefore we offset the carbon footprint of all production through inves ...

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  • Producing film and TV

  • Producing advertising campaigns

  • Producing Hungarian feature films and television series
  • International co-productions

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Topics mentioned

Film RebateTax Rebate HungaryTax Incentives Hungary Film IndustryHungarian Tax RebateEligible Spending in HungaryTax Credit in Hungary