Applications open from September 1, 2025

Event Funding System

Budapest offers various funding schemes to support MICE organizers in the planning and hosting of congresses, corporate events, and incentive programs.

From 1 September 2025, the Budapest MICE Fund offers support to organizers of association congresses, corporate meetings, and incentive events looking to bring their events to Budapest.

The Budapest Convention Bureau (BUDCB) actively partners with event organizers via the Budapest MICE Fund, providing financial and strategic support to bring world-class business events to the city.

Established by Visit Hungary National Tourism Organization Ltd. in cooperation with the Kisfaludy Program, the Budapest MICE Fund offers an annual budget of HUF 400 million to support national and international organizers planning to host meetings in Budapest. Applications can be submitted as early as three years in advance and no later than three weeks prior to the event start date.

Key Components

The Budapest MICE Fund supports international events held in Budapest that run for a minimum of two consecutive days. Funding is available for events taking place after 1 September 2025, until the program is either withdrawn or the annual funding limit is reached.

Funding is available exclusively for international events taking place in Budapest from 1 September 2025 onward. Events scheduled during the off-peak periods — November to February or July to August — may qualify for increased support through a seasonal multiplier.

For the purposes of the Budapest MICE Fund Guidelines, an international event refers to a professional meeting where a minimum of 70% of on-site attendees arrive from abroad to engage in knowledge exchange

The fund supports business events with registered participants known to the organizer, provided they contribute to Budapest’s positioning as a leading MICE hub and business destination. Eligible formats include association congresses and meetings, corporate events, business meetings, and incentive trips.

Evening functions of a purely corporate nature—such as galas, award ceremonies, and Christmas parties—as well as exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural, or sporting events are not eligible for funding.

Funding is available for variable costs paid to third-party providers that are directly linked to the execution of the event. Eligible expenses include venue rental, audiovisual services, catering, transportation, marketing, and other services delivered by external suppliers.

Funding Units

The Budapest MICE Fund is structured around two distinct funding units, based on event size and scope:

Unit 1:

• Multi-day business events held during daytime hours
• A minimum of 50 on-site participants and a maximum of 499 on-site participants
• At least 70% of participants attending in person must be international (i.e., traveled from abroad)
• Held in Budapest, subject to a set venue rental or conference fee, along with a defined range of eligible services

Unit 2:

• Multi-day business events held during daytime hours
• A minimum of 500 on-site participants
• At least 70% of participants attending in person must be international
• Held in Budapest, subject to a set venue rental or conference fee, along with a defined range of eligible services

The maximum support available per event—provided that the criteria for one of the funding units are met—is HUF 50 million.
The exact level of support available through each funding unit is detailed in the official Budapest MICE Fund Guidelines.

Funding Eligibility

To qualify for funding under the Budapest MICE Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national or international MICE event organizer
• Plan to organize or host the event in Budapest, either directly or via a third-party provider
• Take full financial responsibility for the event, including all associated costs

Application Guidelines

Applications for support through the Budapest MICE Fund can be submitted online at any time, unless otherwise communicated by the Budapest Convention Bureau and the Kisfaludy Program.

Following a formal evaluation, eligible applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If the annual funding allocation is exhausted before 31 December, an official notice will be published on the Budapest Convention Bureau website.

All applications must be submitted via the designated online application form at least three weeks prior to the event start date.

Funded events are required to display the Budapest MICE Fund logo in their promotional and marketing materials, in accordance with the branding guidelines provided.

Application Form

Organizers interested in applying for support through the Budapest MICE Fund can follow these steps:

1. Review the Budapest MICE Fund Guidelines
   Carefully read the official guidelines to ensure your event meets all eligibility criteria and funding unit requirements.
2. Prepare Your Application Materials
   Gather all required documentation, including event details, budget plans, venue agreements, and proof of international participation (if available at the time of application).
3. Submit Your Application
   Applications must be submitted via the official online platform provided by Visit Hungary.
   Applications are accepted as early as three years before the event date, and no later than three weeks prior to the event’s start.
4. Await Confirmation
   Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the annual funding limit is reached. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within a set timeframe as outlined in the guidelines.