Tax changes in 2025 in Hungary: Airbnb tax skyrockets, currency conversion fee remains, plane tickets may be cheaper

On 29 October at night, the government submitted their bill about the 2025 tax changes. In a nutshell, the Orbán administration plans to increase the Airbnb tax in Budapest (and only in Budapest) fivefold. They would also abolish the departure tax, which may result in cheaper plane tickets in Hungary. Since the Orbán cabinet enjoys a supermajority in the Hungarian parliament, we can be sure the bill would be accepted.

Tax on Airbnb skyrockets, and it may break the sector in Budapest

We wrote HERE that Terézváros, Budapest’s 6th district, conducted a referendum about the ban of Airbnb in the district and, with a thin majority, the opposers won in September. This week, the district’s local council accepted the ruling about the ban from 1 January 2026.

According to Telex, the government plans to increase the tax after Airbnb-type rooms for rent from HUF 38,400 (EUR 94) to HUF 150,000 (EUR 367). That significant – and probably unbearable – rise applies only to Budapest. Based on the KSH, Hungary’s statistical office, tourists spent almost 10 million guest nights in apartments for short-term rental.

Tourist in Budapest. Will she find an Airbnb here after the tax increase and Airbnb ban? Photo: depositphotos.com

Departure tax to be phased out, conversion tax remains

In October, the government introduced a new tax type, the so-called currency conversion tax, which is 0.45% after each transaction. That means if you buy or sell one euro for forint, 4 forint goes to the state budget, and 396 remains in your purse. Although the Orbán cabinet talked about a temporary measure concerning the new tax, Telex says the new bill would keep the tax at the current level even in 2025.

Less money than expected after currency exchanges. Photo: depositphotos.com

Meanwhile, the government announced it will phase out the so-called departure tax, a fee paid by the airlines as an “excess profit” tax. In reality, of course, the passengers pay for it. The departure fee collection will finish next January. Read more about that decision HERE.

Will we fly cheaper? Photo: FB/Budapest Airport

The retail tax will remain in 2025. Furthermore, next year, online platforms will have to pay the retail tax instead of the trader after all products purchased online. Products sold abroad and fuel will remain exempted.

Read also:

• Addressing Budapest’s housing crisis: Proposal to restrict home purchases by non-EU nationals – read more HERE
• Banks in Hungary reject government accusations about their excess profit – details in THIS article

Featured image: depositphotos.com