Company Formation in Hungary for Foreigners – Starting an EU Trading Business from a Third Country

Practical Guide | Company Formation | Third Country Nationals

Are you planning to set up a company in Hungary and import goods from a third country into the European Union? This model can work — but not in the way most people expect.

As a lawyer, my first sentence is almost always the same: I am the person who ensures your business stands on a legal fortress, not a house of cards.

Most inquiries sound like this: I want to set up a Hungarian (or EU) trading company for import and sales – how do we do it?

The answer is usually different from what they expect.

Setting up a company is the easy part

This is a fact.

In Hungary, even non-EU nationals can establish a company remotely, without being physically present.

So what is the problem?

The real issue: the bank account

A functioning trading company needs a Hungarian business bank account. This is not optional.

For third-country nationals, Hungarian banks usually require personal presence to open the account.

👉 This is not an exception — it is the practice.

So: you will need to come to Hungary.

This is the first real step that cannot be avoided.
And this is where many plans stop.

As lawyers, we cannot open a bank account on your behalf.
The managing director must appear in person.

👉 This is where reality starts.

What can be done remotely

Company formation, registered office, accounting, and many administrative tasks can be handled remotely.

But this alone does not create a working business.

Providing a "nominee director" is not a solution

A common question is: Can you provide a local managing director?

No.

This is not a matter of convenience, but a professional position.

If you want a real, operating trading company — not an offshore structure — the managing director must have real decision-making power and responsibility.

A "nominee" director creates serious legal and tax risks.

👉 We do not recommend this and we do not participate in it.

Remote management – possible, but not automatic

Many clients want to manage the company from abroad.

This is understandable, and in some cases possible.

But this is not the starting point.

First, you need to decide: 👉 what your actual operating model is

In an import–trading structure, daily operations usually involve:

– customs clearance
– logistics
– local partners
– communication with authorities

👉 In many cases, this requires a real local presence.

If you only travel occasionally, you will likely need a reliable local person.
A real operational person — not just a name on paper.

Residence permit is not a formality

If you are from a third country and actively involved in the business, the residence question cannot be avoided.

The meaning is clear: 👉 residence means being present

Authorities will look at:

– whether you are physically present
– your role in the company
– whether there is real business activity

If you only travel occasionally, you also need to clarify:

– on what legal basis
– how often
– for how long

👉 This is not a detail. It is part of the structure.

Where to start

Do not start with company formation.

Start with these questions:

– Can you come to Hungary to open a bank account?
– Do you have real local presence?
– Or do you want to manage everything remotely?

If these are clear, the rest can be structured.

If not, even a perfectly set up company will not work.

Final thought

The question is not whether you can set up a company.

👉 The question is whether it will actually work.

The structure must follow the operation.
Not the other way around.

Thinking about this structure?

If you are planning to:
– set up a company in Hungary
– import goods from a third country
– sell within the EU
– and manage the structure from abroad

then the legal question is only one part of the picture.

You can send your case, and I will review whether the planned setup is legally and operationally viable before you proceed.