Invoicing and E-receipt for Restaurants and Cafes in Hungary — Ready for September 2026
From 1 September 2026, restaurants, cafes, buffets, and food businesses in Hungary that are not required to use a cash register must switch to electronic receipts (e-nyugta). Bizonylat's Starter plan (2,990 HUF/mo) covers this — works on mobile, no cash register hardware required.
E-receipt obligation for food businesses
The e-receipt (e-nyugta) obligation from 1 September 2026 applies to food businesses that sell to private individuals and currently issue paper receipts without being required to use a certified cash register. This includes:
- Restaurants and bistros
- Cafes and coffee shops
- Buffets and street food stalls
- Bakeries and pastry shops
- Food trucks and market food vendors
- Catering businesses serving private customers
If you already use a certified cash register (online pénztárgép), you are likely already compliant — but check with your accountant. If you issue paper receipts manually, you must act before the 1 September 2026 deadline.
Mobile workflow for busy service environments
Restaurants move fast. Bizonylat is designed to keep up. The e-receipt workflow takes seconds:
- Open Bizonylat on your phone or tablet.
- Enter the amount and select the payment method (cash or card).
- Tap "Issue receipt".
- The receipt is reported to NAV's Receipt Registry (Nyugtatár) automatically.
- The customer can view their receipt in the free NAV mobile app, or you can send it by email.
No printer, no paper roll, no dedicated terminal. Any device with a browser works — at the counter, at the table, or from the kitchen.
Handling corporate clients who need invoices
Many restaurants serve both private diners (who receive receipts) and corporate clients — companies booking events, catering orders, or business lunches — who need a proper invoice for their accounting. Bizonylat handles both from one place:
- Private customer → e-receipt (e-nyugta) → NAV Receipt Registry.
- Corporate client → e-invoice (e-számla) → NAV Online Invoice system.
One subscription, one login. The Starter plan (2,990 HUF/mo) includes both receipt and invoice functionality — no need to juggle separate systems.
VAT rates for food services
VAT rates for food businesses in Hungary depend on the type of sale. As a general guide:
- Sit-in meals (restaurant service) — typically 18% VAT.
- Takeaway food — may qualify for the 5% reduced VAT rate.
- Alcoholic beverages — typically 27% VAT.
Food service VAT can be complex depending on the exact product category and how it is sold. We strongly recommend confirming the correct rate with your accountant before issuing documents. Bizonylat lets you configure the VAT rate per product, so once confirmed, every receipt and invoice applies the right rate automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Do restaurants and cafes in Hungary need to issue e-receipts?
Yes — if your food business is not already required to use a certified cash register and you issue paper receipts to private customers, you must switch to electronic receipts (e-nyugta) from 1 September 2026. Bizonylat's Starter plan (2,990 HUF/mo) covers this requirement.
Do I need a cash register to comply with the e-receipt rule?
No. An approved online platform like Bizonylat is a valid alternative to a certified cash register. It reports receipt data to NAV's Receipt Registry (Nyugtatár) automatically — no hardware purchase required.
Can I use Bizonylat during a busy service?
Yes. Bizonylat is a mobile-friendly web app that works on any smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You can issue an e-receipt at the table or at the counter in seconds — no bulky terminal needed.
What VAT rate applies to restaurant meals?
As a general guide, sit-in meals are typically subject to 18% VAT, while takeaway food may qualify for the 5% reduced rate. VAT rules for food services can be complex — always confirm the correct rate with your accountant before issuing documents.
A corporate client wants an invoice, not a receipt — is that possible?
Yes. Business clients (companies, sole traders) typically need an e-invoice (e-számla) for their accounting. Bizonylat handles both e-receipts for private customers and e-invoices for corporate clients from a single login.
What happens if I don't switch to e-receipts by September 2026?
NAV can issue penalties ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of HUF, depending on severity and recurrence. Setting up Bizonylat before the deadline takes just a few minutes and eliminates this risk.