Hungary Reopens 30% Film-Production Tax Incentive

Hungary’s government announced on Thursday that it has lifted the pause on applications for the country’s 30 % production-tax rebate. The measure, first introduced in 2004, provides a cash refund to qualifying film and series projects based on expenditures incurred in Hungary. The current structure, extended in 2024 for six additional years, will now operate through 2030.

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The incentive, one of Central Europe’s earliest, helped position Hungary as a favored location for international productions such as *Alien: Romulus*, *Dune: Prophecy*, *Blade Runner 2049* and the *Now You See Me* series. Originally set to expire at the end of 2024, the program was prolonged for another six years, securing its availability until 2030. The pause on new applications was imposed last year by the outgoing Orbán administration; it was removed after Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government took office and began dismantling Orbán-era influences.

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In a formal statement, Culture Minister Ervin Nagy said the government’s action “opens a new chapter in our cooperation with the film industry” and restores “smooth and predictable operation” of the incentive system. He emphasized Hungary’s “diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage” as assets that attract global filmmakers and highlighted the nation’s own filmmaking tradition as a competitive advantage.

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• “Today, we have opened a new chapter in our cooperation with the film industry by lifting the blockage on the tax incentive system that ensures the smooth and predictable operation of the Hungarian film industry,” — Ervin Nagy, Culture Minister

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• “We are proud that Hungary’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage inspire global filmmakers, serving as the perfect backdrop for their stories. Beyond that, we are a nation of filmmakers ourselves. This craft is deeply rooted in our cultural tradition, and the powerful symbiosis between our incredible local creators and a robust industry truly sets us apart in the global marketplace. Let the adventures continue.” — Ervin Nagy, Culture Minister

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The reinstatement removes uncertainty for producers, allowing projects to plan budgets with the assured 30 % rebate. Continued access to the incentive is expected to sustain Hungary’s appeal to Hollywood and European studios, preserving jobs for local crews and reinforcing the country’s position in the global film-production market.

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