Opening a Bank Account for Your Hungarian Company
After you form a Hungarian Kft, the next practical step is a business bank account. For non-residents this is often the trickiest part of the process. This guide explains your options in 2026 — traditional banks vs. electronic money institutions (EMIs) — what you’ll need, and how to do it remotely.
Does a Hungarian company need a bank account?
Yes — a Hungarian company needs a business account to operate (receiving payments, paying taxes, payroll). You are generally not required to use a Hungarian bank specifically, but you do need a functioning business account in the company’s name. Many founders combine a Hungarian bank with an EMI for flexibility.
Two routes: traditional banks vs. EMIs
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hungarian bank (e.g. major retail banks) | HUF account, local trust, full services | Often requires in-person visit; stricter KYC for non-residents |
| EMI / fintech (Wise, Revolut Business, etc.) | Fast, remote onboarding, multi-currency | Not a full bank; some limits; eligibility varies |
For a non-resident-owned Kft that mostly invoices internationally, an EMI is often the fastest start, with a Hungarian bank added later if needed.
What documents do you need?
Typically the bank or EMI will ask for:
- the company’s registration (cégkivonat / company extract) and tax number,
- the articles of association,
- ID and proof of address for the owner(s) and director(s) (ultimate beneficial owners),
- a short description of the business activity and expected turnover.
A clean, correctly registered company (with a compliant registered office) makes onboarding smoother.
Can it be done remotely?
- EMIs: usually fully remote — online application and video/document verification.
- Traditional banks: many still want the director to appear in person or via a strictly verified process; a power of attorney may help in some cases.
We set up the company formation so your documents are ready for onboarding, and point you to bank/EMI options that realistically accept non-resident-owned Hungarian companies.
FAQ
Do I have to fly to Hungary to open the account? Not necessarily — EMIs onboard remotely; some traditional banks require a visit or verified process.
Can I pay Hungarian taxes from a non-Hungarian account? In practice you need a usable business account; many founders use an EMI plus a local account. Check current bank/NAV requirements.
How long does it take? EMIs can be days; traditional banks vary, depending on KYC.
Updated: 2026-06-25 · Tax year 2026.
Forming a Hungarian company and unsure about banking? See company formation in Hungary or contact us — we’ll guide you to a workable setup.