How can a death be registered in Hungary?
The death of a Hungarian citizen abroad must be registered in Hungary. A relative of the deceased Hungarian citizen may submit the application. The application may be submitted at the Embassy of Hungary in Pretoria.
Required documents:
- Document proving the Hungarian citizenship of the deceased. Please bring the original valid Hungarian passport and/or Hungarian ID card for invalidation. If the deceased did not possess a valid Hungarian document, his or her Hungarian citizenship must first be verified.
- Original full/unabridged death certificate with Apostille certification issued by DIRCO. (Further informations: https://dirco.gov.za/consular-notarial-services/)
- Please note that Apostille attestations issued by a Notary Public are not sufficient to initiate the procedure.
- Photocopy of the birth certificate of the deceased.
- Documents proving the family status of the deceased at the time of death (marriage certificate, final divorce decree, or death certificate of the deceased spouse), except if the deceased had never married.
- Proof of the applicant’s relationship to the deceased.
- Completed registration form.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be booked at the following website:
https://konzinfoidopont.mfa.gov.hu
Permission for transportation of the body
Non‑cremated remains
The deceased must be placed in a double casket. The inner casket must be strong, completely airtight, and made of sheet metal (lead or zinc). Absorbent material, such as sawdust, must be placed at the bottom of the inner casket. The body must be treated with a 1% sublimate solution.
The inner casket must then be placed into a wooden coffin. The coffin may be additionally protected against damage and may be covered with canvas or tarpaulin so that the nature of its contents is not visible. Strong handles must be attached to the outer packaging.
The funeral director must provide a certificate confirming that the above procedures have been followed. The transportation of objects or flowers together with human remains is strictly prohibited.
In order to obtain permission from the Consulate for the transportation of the deceased, the following documents are required:
- Certificate issued by the funeral director (confirming the preparation of the body and the casket).
- Confirmation from the Hungarian cemetery regarding the receipt of the body.
- Itinerary of the transportation, including the means of transport and the point of entry into Hungary.
- Name and address of the contact person in Hungary.
- Certificate from the medical examiner stating the cause of death and confirming that death was not caused by a contagious disease.
- Death certificate.
The issuance of the transportation permit is subject to a fee.
Cremated remains
There are no special requirements for transporting cremated remains into Hungary; however, the funeral urn must be properly sealed.
If cremated remains are sent by mail, the package containing the urn should be addressed either to the recipient or directly to the cemetery. It is recommended that a copy of the death certificate be enclosed with the shipment.
Urns may also be transported to Hungary as carry‑on luggage. No additional permits are required from Hungarian diplomatic or consular missions; however, it is strongly recommended to contact the airline in advance to confirm any specific requirements.
