Tax Rebate Hungary

Hungary's enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture have not only drawn filmmakers seeking captivating backdrops but have also positioned the country as a beacon for the global film industry. At the heart of Hungary's appeal lies the Film Production Tax Rebate, a strategic initiative designed to fuel the cinematic ambitions of both local and international filmmakers.

1. 30% Tax Rebate on Qualifying Spend:

The cornerstone of Hungary's Film Production Tax Rebate is the generous 30% tax rebate on qualifying expenditures. This rebate applies to both local and foreign spend, making it a powerful financial incentive for filmmakers choosing Hungary as their production location.

2. Flexibility for Local and Foreign Productions:

The rebate extends its benefits to both local and international productions. For local spend, all invoices must originate from taxable Hungarian entities, ensuring that the benefits contribute to the domestic film industry. Simultaneously, foreign productions can leverage the rebate by channeling qualifying expenditures through a Hungarian company.

3. No Cap or Minimum Expenditure:

Uniquely, Hungary's Film Production Tax Rebate places no cap on contractual or tax rebate amounts. Filmmakers are not constrained by limitations, allowing for ambitious and large-scale productions to fully benefit from the substantial rebate. Moreover, there is no minimum expenditure requirement, fostering accessibility for projects of varying scales.

4. Year-Round Availability:

Hungary's commitment to supporting the film industry is reflected in the year-round availability of the Film Production Tax Rebate. Unlike programs with specific submission windows, Hungary's approach ensures that filmmakers can apply for the rebate at any time, providing flexibility and accessibility.

5. Qualifying Expenditure Categories:

The rebate covers a comprehensive array of expenditure categories, both locally and abroad. Local spend includes wages, rental costs, set construction, purchases, materials, consumables, travel, accommodation, catering, and certain financing and administration costs. Foreign spend encompasses shooting costs, post-production, rental costs, non-Hungarian bonds, insurance, legal fees, and non-Hungarian producer fees.

6. Global Collaboration and Talent:

Recognizing the global nature of filmmaking, Hungary's Film Production Tax Rebate accommodates foreign cast and crew working within the country. Tax residency, not nationality, is the key determinant, emphasizing Hungary's openness to international talent contributing to the local film industry.

7. Transparent Application Process:

Filmmakers seeking to harness the benefits of the rebate will find a transparent and streamlined application process. Submission of documentation supporting eligible expenditures is followed by a review process, ensuring that the financial incentives reach filmmakers efficiently.

8. Contributing to Hungary's Cinematic Legacy:

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the Film Production Tax Rebate significantly contributes to Hungary's cinematic legacy. The country has witnessed a surge in film productions, both local and international, enriching its cultural tapestry and elevating its standing in the global film landscape.

In essence, Hungary's Film Production Tax Rebate is a testament to the government's commitment to nurturing creativity, encouraging economic growth, and fostering international collaborations. Filmmakers from around the world continue to choose Hungary not only for its enchanting locations but also for the unparalleled fiscal support that transforms cinematic visions into captivating realities on the silver screen.

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 ...

Company

  • Producing film and TV

  • Producing advertising campaigns

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

Want to know more about the Hungarian tax rebate?

On the questions and answers page, we have collected the most important questions that will help you get more accurate information about tax rebates.

FAQ

Topics mentioned

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