Between January 1 and April 30, 2026, a total of 29 new Italian companies were established in Hungary, according to the database tracking Italian businesses operating in the country. While the figure remains significant, it reflects a slower pace compared with the exceptionally strong growth recorded in 2025.
A slower start compared with 2025
The monthly evolution for 2026 was the following:
- January: 6 new companies
- February: 9 new companies
- March: 5 new companies
- April: 9 new companies
During the same period in 2025, Hungary registered 50 new Italian companies, compared with 29 in 2026. This represents a decline of approximately 42% year-on-year. Compared with 2024, which recorded 39 company creations between January and April, 2026 shows a decrease of around 26%.
A closer look at the monthly figures highlights several notable changes:
- January 2026 recorded a 60% decrease compared with January 2025
- February 2026 declined by 40%
- March 2026 decreased by approximately 29%
- April 2026 showed a decline of around 31%
Despite this slowdown, the March and April figures remain relatively stable compared with 2024 levels, suggesting that Italian entrepreneurial activity in Hungary continues to maintain a solid foundation even in a more cautious economic environment.
A wide range of sectors represented
The 29 new companies created in 2026 cover a broad spectrum of industries. The most represented sectors include:
- Business management and consulting (3 companies)
- Restaurants and catering (4 companies combined)
- IT programming and technology consulting (3 companies)
- Wholesale trade and distribution activities ( several specialized businesses)
- Conference and trade fair organization (2 companies)
- Automotive retail (2 companies)
Additional sectors include engineering and technical consulting, lighting equipment manufacturing, industrial and fashion design, real estate sales, insurance brokerage, food wholesale, and cosmetics distribution.
The diversity of these activities demonstrates that Italian investors continue to explore opportunities in both traditional and innovative sectors of the Hungarian economy.
Budapest remains the main business hub
As expected, Budapest continues to dominate the Italian business landscape in Hungary, with 21 new companies, representing nearly 72% of all new registrations during the first four months of 2026.
The remaining companies were established in:
- Nagyrév, Debrecen, Nagytarcsa, Balatonfüred, Felcsút and Murarátka
This distribution confirms Budapest’s role as the country’s primary economic and commercial center, while also highlighting a growing Italian presence in secondary cities and regional areas.
Italian investment in Hungary remains strategic
Although 2026 has started at a more moderate pace than 2025, the data confirms that Hungary remains an attractive destination for Italian entrepreneurs and investors. The broad variety of sectors represented, combined with the concentration of activity in Budapest, reflects the long-term strength of economic relations between Italy and Hungary.
For businesses, investors, and professionals interested in exploring the Italian corporate presence in Hungary, the Italian companies database in hungary offers valuable insights into newly established companies, market trends, and sector activity across the country.
ITL Group – Database of Italian Companies in Hungary
