Estonia e-Residency guide for creative freelancers (2025)
Hungary’s creative tech scene is thriving. From Budapest to Debrecen, UX/UI designers are working remotely with startups, agencies, and SaaS platforms across Europe and North America. Yet many Hungarian freelancers face challenges when it comes to scaling their business, managing international payments, and navigating local tax rules.
Estonia’s e-Residency program offers a modern solution. It allows Hungarian designers to open and run an EU-based company entirely online, without relocating, hiring a lawyer, or dealing with Hungarian bureaucracy. With Unicount, the process takes less than a couple of hours.
Why Hungarian designers are choosing Estonia
Estonia’s e-Residency is a government-issued digital identity that gives entrepreneurs remote access to the EU’s most advanced digital business environment. For UX/UI designers, it’s a way to operate professionally across borders, invoice clients in EUR or USD, and manage finances with full legal backing.
Estonia’s business system is built for remote professionals:
- No need to visit Estonia or hire local directors
- Simple corporate tax on retained earnings
- Tax only when profits are distributed
- Access to EU banking and fintech platforms
- Fast company registration via Unicount
Common challenges for Hungarian freelancers
KATA limitations and tax complexity
Many Hungarian designers operate under the KATA tax regime, which was reformed in 2022. The new rules restrict who can use KATA and impose higher taxes on freelancers working with foreign clients. Designers earning more than HUF 18 million annually must switch to more complex structures like EV (egyéni vállalkozó) or Kft (limited company), which require bookkeeping, VAT registration, and quarterly filings.
Invoicing and payment gateways
Hungarian freelancers often struggle to access platforms like Stripe, PayPal Business, or Wise without a foreign entity. Receiving payments from international clients can be slow, expensive, or non-compliant.
Currency volatility and banking restrictions
Invoicing in EUR or USD from a Hungarian bank account can lead to conversion fees and delays. Most Hungarian banks don’t offer multi-currency business accounts or integrations with modern invoicing tools.
Why Estonia (via Unicount) makes sense
Estonia’s e-Residency program is designed for location-independent professionals.
With Unicount, Hungarian designers can register a company in minutes and start operating globally.
- Credibility – EU-based companies are trusted by international clients and agencies
- Tax efficiency – No monthly quotas or unpredictable tax bills
- Fintech access – Open accounts with Wise, Revolut, or Payoneer
- Scalability – Hire collaborators, reinvest profits, and grow your brand
- Legal clarity – Operate under EU law with transparent rules and digital contracts
Step-by-Step: How to open an Estonian company from hungary
Step 1: Apply for Estonian e-Residency
Estonia’s e-Residency is a digital ID that lets you sign documents, register a company, and manage your business remotely.
- Apply online at e-resident.gov.ee
- Choose a pickup location (Budapest or nearby embassies)
- Receive your digital ID card in 3–4 weeks
Step 2: Register your company with Unicount
Go to Unicount.eu and register your Estonian private limited company (OÜ) in just a few clicks.
- No paperwork or notaries
- No local directors required
- Choose activity code 74121 – Specialized design activities, ideal for UX/UI professionals
Step 4: Start operating remotely
Once your company is live, you can:
- Invoice clients legally across borders
- Sign contracts digitally
- Open EU business accounts
- Use Unicount’s virtual office and accounting services.
A Hungarian UX designer earning €60,000 annually could save thousands in fees and gain access to better tools by switching to an Estonian company.
Legal and tax considerations
- You remain a Hungarian tax resident unless you relocate
- Your Estonian company’s profits are taxed in Estonia; dividends may be reportable in Hungary
- Consult a cross-border tax advisor to avoid double taxation and ensure compliance
Estonia and Hungary have a double taxation treaty, which helps prevent overlapping tax obligations.
Ready to Launch?
Estonia’s e-Residency is one of the fastest, most efficient ways for Hungarian UX/UI designers to build a global business. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, or leading design projects for international clients, forming an OÜ with Unicount gives you the legal infrastructure, financial tools, and credibility to grow.
Start your journey at Unicount.eu
