Standard VAT rate
Hungary's standard VAT rate since 1990: 25%, then 20%, and 27% since 2012 – the highest in the EU.
- Latest
- 27%27 Oct 2026
- over one year
- 0 pp1 Jan 2012: 27%
- Record high
- 27%1 Jan 2012
- Record low
- 20%1 Jan 2006
- Data since
- 199025%
Standard VAT rate
What has changed since the change of government?
The latest figure compared with the value when the new government took office – and, for comparison, how the indicator moved over the same length of time before the change. This is a short period: the indicators are also strongly driven by the world economy, earlier decisions and seasonal effects, so changes cannot be attributed to the new government alone.
Regulation and key events
- 1 Sep 2026Prescription medicines: 0%
From 1 September 2026 VAT on prescription medicines is 0% (previously 5%); non-prescription medicines stay at 5%.
- 15 Sep 2026Firewood: 5%
From 15 September 2026 VAT on firewood and heating pellets and briquettes is 5% (previously 27%).
About this indicator
The standard VAT rate was 25% from its introduction in 1988, fell to 20% on 1 January 2006, rose back to 25% on 1 July 2009 as part of crisis management, and to 27% on 1 January 2012. Reduced rates: 5% for example on some basic foods (pork, poultry, milk, eggs – since 2016–2017) and non-prescription medicines, and on firewood from 15 September 2026; 0% on prescription medicines from 1 September 2026.
The latest figure (27 Oct 2026) is 27%, under the Magyar Péter government. The series goes back to 1990; the highest value was 27% (1 Jan 2012) and the lowest 20% (1 Jan 2006).
Source: NAV / Áfa-törvény · Updated: 27 Oct 2026 21:41 UTC · Download data (CSV)
By government
The value when each government took office and when it left (or the latest figure), plus the average during the term.
| Government | At start | At end / now | Change | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Magyar Péter (Tisza)Magyar · 2026–in office | 27% | 27% | 0 pp | 27% |
Orbán Viktor (Fidesz)Orbán II–V · 2010–2026 | 25% | 27% | +2 pp | 27% |
Bajnai Gordon (MSZP)Bajnai · 2009–2010 | 20% | 25% | +5 pp | 25% |
Gyurcsány Ferenc (MSZP)Gyurcsány · 2004–2009 | 25% | 20% | −5 pp | 20% |
Medgyessy Péter (MSZP)Medgyessy · 2002–2004 | 25% | 25% | – | – |
Orbán Viktor (Fidesz)Orbán I · 1998–2002 | 25% | 25% | – | – |
Horn Gyula (MSZP)Horn · 1994–1998 | 25% | 25% | – | – |
Boross Péter (MDF)Boross · 1993–1994 | 25% | 25% | – | – |
Antall József (MDF)Antall · 1990–1993 | 25% | 25% | – | – |
Data table · Year-end values
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2026 | 27% |
| 31 Dec 2012 | 27% |
| 31 Dec 2009 | 25% |
| 31 Dec 2006 | 20% |
| 31 Dec 1990 | 25% |