Who can have a birth registered in Hungary and how?
If at least one of the parents can prove his or her Hungarian citizenship, the birth of the child may be registered in Hungary. During the same appointment, it is also possible to apply for a Hungarian passport for the child.
If the child is under the age of six, the passport may be issued before the Hungarian birth registration is completed. The birth registration procedure takes approximately 4–6 months on average (excluding the passport procedure); however, in some cases the process may take longer.
The birth of all Hungarian citizens must be registered in Hungary upon the request of the parents or the citizen concerned.
The application can only be submitted in person. If the applicant is a minor, both parents must also be present.
Which given names can be requested for the child?
As a general rule, if the child has more than two given names, the parents may choose two of them without changing their order. If no selection is made, the first two given names will be registered. Upon request, it is also possible for the child to retain all three given names.
Normally the name appearing on the foreign birth certificate will be registered, even if it is not a commonly used name in Hungary.
If the name has a Hungarian equivalent that is an approved given name in Hungary, parents may request that the Hungarian equivalent be used in the Hungarian birth certificate.
This is particularly relevant if the name on the South African birth certificate is a Hungarian name without the correct Hungarian accents (for example: Istvan). In such cases, you may request that the correct Hungarian spelling (István) be registered on the Hungarian birth certificate.
Required documents:
- Original birth certificate with Apostille certification issued by DIRCO. Only a full/unabridged birth certificate showing the data of both parents is accepted. (Further informations: https://dirco.gov.za/consular-notarial-services/)
- Identity documents of the parents. If one of the parents is not a Hungarian citizen, he or she must present a valid passport or a certificate of citizenship proving nationality. The Hungarian parent must present proof of Hungarian citizenship.
- The Hungarian marriage certificate of the parents. If the marriage took place abroad and has not yet been registered in Hungary, it must be registered simultaneously with the birth registration.
- If the child was born out of wedlock, an acknowledgment of paternity is required.
- If the child’s given name does not have a Hungarian equivalent, please bring the child’s foreign passport.
- Completed registration form.
Is a translation of the birth certificate required?
No translation is required if the birth certificate has been issued in English, German, or French.
If the birth certificate has been issued in another language, an official translation must be submitted.
- The translation may be prepared by the Hungarian National Office for Translation and Attestation. In this case no additional legalization is required. (Further information: https://www.offi.hu/en)
- Alternatively, the translation must be authenticated by the competent Hungarian consulate.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be booked at the following website:
