Budapest MICE Fund
Event Funding System
Budapest supports MICE event organizers. From September 1, 2025, the Budapest MICE Fund will offer financial and strategic assistance for bringing congresses, corporate meetings, and incentive programs to the capital of Hungary.
Established by the Budapest Convention Bureau (BUDCB) and Visit Hungary National Tourism Organization (in cooperation with the Kisfaludy Program), the fund has an annual budget of HUF 400 million. Applications can be submitted up to three years in advance, but no later than three weeks before the event start date.
Key Components
The Budapest MICE Fund offers financial support for international business events held in Budapest, provided they last at least two consecutive days and take place after September 1, 2025. This funding continues until the program ends or the annual funding limit is reached.
To qualify, at least 70% of attendees must be international, 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 event types include association congresses and meetings, corporate meetings, and incentive trips. Events held during off-peak seasons (November-February, July-August) may receive increased support through a seasonal multiplier.
Funding covers variable costs paid to third-party suppliers directly related to event execution, such as venue rental, AV services, catering, transportation, and marketing. Purely corporate evening functions (galas, Christmas parties), exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural, or sporting events are not eligible for funding.
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:
- Review the Budapest MICE Fund Guidelines
Carefully read the official guidelines to ensure your event meets all eligibility criteria and funding unit requirements. - 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). - 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. - 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.