What steps do I need to take if I want to become an Airbnb host in Budapest?

You cannot currently open a new short-term accommodation in Budapest. A moratorium is in place between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026: you cannot obtain a new NTAK registration, and only accommodation registered by 31 December 2024 may operate. In District VI, a complete ban will come into force from 2026.

If you are considering starting now, this is the first thing to clarify: the following steps will only become relevant after the moratorium ends, or if you take over an already registered accommodation.

The eight steps to legally get started, in this order

1. Submit a townscape notification if your district requires one.
2. Apply for a NAV tax number. Without one, you cannot register with NTAK or issue invoices.
3. Register the accommodation with NTAK. This is where it receives its official identification number.
4. Have the accommodation classified, meaning obtain its star rating.
5. Provide proof that you use NTAK-compatible accommodation management software.
6. Apply for an operating permit from the district local authority.
7. Register for tourism tax with the tax department of the local authority.
8. Register for building tax.

The order matters because the individual procedures depend on one another. Without a tax number, you cannot obtain an NTAK number, and without an NTAK number, you cannot apply for an operating permit. If you start them in the wrong order, you can easily be sent back to the first steps.

The whole process usually takes 6–12 weeks. This also depends on which district you handle the procedures in and how quickly the administration progresses.

This summary is for informational purposes and does not replace legal advice. District rules can change quickly, so consult the district clerk before getting started.