When is consular authentication necessary?
For documents to be used (served) in Hungary, it is often required that the signature on the document must be authenticated by a Hungarian consul. Authentic copies and translations prepared abroad are generally only acceptable in Hungary if done by a Hungarian consul.
As indicated on the website there are different alternatives to have a signature legalized on a contract or other official documents, therefore, it is advisable to contact the relevant office in Hungary concerning the preferred and accepted method prior to submitting a request.
How can I have my signature authenticated by the consul?
Authentication of a signature means that the consul establishes the veracity of the signature only, and not the content of the document, for which the Consular Section bears no responsibility. The document will have to be drawn up by the applicant itself in advance. We are unable to assist you in drawing up or typing out the document.
What documents do I need to have with me?
You will need the document on which your signature will be authenticated and a valid photo ID to identify yourself . In case you would like to tuse your South African ID/ passport, please bring your birth certificate as well due to place of birth is not a captured data in South African documents.
Please do not sign the document in advance, as it has to be signed in front of our consul. You find the consular fees applicable for each signature to be authenticated on our website.
What other steps are necessary if I sign for a company?
If you sign for a company, please also present the certificate of incorporation issued not earlier than 30 days before, and a document establishing your signing authority.
How can I get a certificate of life for my Hungarian pension?
The Hungarian pension authority requests life certificates from time to time. The consul will sign these free of charge. Please bring the certificate document and a valid photo ID with you.
How can I have copies of documents authenticated by the consul?
Just present a valid photo ID, pay the consular fee, and hand over the documents for copying.
Fees may vary on the number of pages of the document, so please make sure to check with us beforehand.
How can I have translations of documents authenticated by the consul?
The Consulate authenticates translations of English to Hungarian and Hungarian to English if the translation (prepared by a translator or by the applicant) shall be used in Hungary.
Attention! We do not translate documents. In order to authenticate English language translations, they must be complete and accurate.
What documents do I need to submit to have the translation authenticated?
You should submit the original document together with the translation. Please note that during the authentication procedure the original document will be attached to the translation. In case you do not want the original (certificate, diploma, etc.) to be attached to the translation you are also required to bring a copy of the document. Should you wish to have the copy authenticated as well, please bring this into our attention as that will have generate additional cost. Applicants should present valid proof of ID (ID card, passport, or driver's license) when attending at the Embassy for their appointment.
LEGALISATION OF SIGNATURES, TRANSLATIONS AND COPIES OF DOCUMENTS
I. LEGALISATION OF SIGNATURE
There are two ways to have your signature legalised by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Hungary in Pretoria:
• you sign the document in the presence of the consul, or
• you recognise the signature on the document as yours in the presence of the consul.
Legalisation of a signature means that the consul checks the identity of the signatory person but does not take responsibility for the content of the document.
The document should be prepared by the applicant in advance. The Consulate is not entitled to draw up the document. Should you need more copies of the legalised document, same day service cannot be guaranteed.
Information on the expected timeline can be provided at the time of the application. In order to avoid any inconvenience you are kindly requested to inform the consulate in advance on the number of the documents to be signed (konz.prt@mfa.gov.hu).
The applicant should appear in person at the Consulate and should present his/her valid passport, ID card or driving licence. Please note that your application will be rejected if you fail to present one of these documents.
For information about the fees please visit the following link:“Consular Information / Table of consular fees”. (Fees vary on the basis of the number of the documents/signatories).
In case you would like to sign on behalf of a company (or other organisation) you should present the certificate of incorporation of the company. Certificate of incorporation shall have been issued within the previous 30 days.
II. LEGALISATION OF TRANSLATIONS
The Consulate legalises translations English to Hungarian and Hungarian to English if the translation (prepared by a translator or by the applicant) should be used in Hungary and forms part of a consular procedure. The Consulate does not prepare translations (except for Certificate of good character).
If you need an official translation that should be used in Hungary but does not form part of a consular procedure you should contact the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation Ltd (http://www.offi.hu/en).
You should submit the original document together with the translation.
In accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 5 of Regulation 1/2002 (23. January 2002) of KÜM-IM the consular officer may refuse to legalise translations which require specialized language skills.
You can submit your application for legalisation in person.
Please note that during the legalisation procedure the original document should be attached to the translation. In case you do not want the original (certificate, diploma, etc.) to be attached to the translation you are also required to bring a copy of the document.
For information about the fees please visit the following link:“Consular Information / Table of consular fees”.
Applicants should present a valid proof of ID (ID card, passport or driving license) when attending the appointment.
III. LEGALISATION OF COPIES
Legalisation of a copy: the Consulate legalises the copy the applicant made of an original document, upon presentation of the original.
Certified copy: upon presentation of the original document, the Consulate makes a certified/legalised copy of it.
You can submit your application for legalisation in person.
For information about the fees please visit the following link:“Consular Information / Table of consular fees”.
(Fees vary on the number of pages of the document.)
Applicants should present a valid proof of ID (ID card, passport or driving license) when attending the appointment.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can use our online booking system : https://konzinfoidopont.mfa.gov.hu
