Who can have a birth registered in Hungary, and how to do it?
Follow this procedure if you wish to have the birth of a child registered and if at least one of the parents has proof of his or her Hungarian citizenship. You can also request a passport at the same time. If the child is under the age of 6 , the passport will be issued before his or her birth is registered. The procedure takes an average of 6-8 months (without the passport procedure), but please note that in some cases, it could take longer!
The birth of all Hungarian citizens must be registered in Hungary on the application of the parents or the citizens themselves.
The application may only be submitted in person – in case of the applicants is a minor both of his/her parents must attend as well.
Which given names can I request for my child?
As a general rule, if the child has more than two given names, the parents can choose two of them without changing their order. If you do not make a choice, the first two will be registered. If you so request, he or she can retain all three given names.
Normally the name on the foreign birth certificate will be registered, even if it is not a common name in Hungary.
If the name has a Hungarian equivalent, which is an approved given name in Hungary, then you can request to have the Hungarian equivalent on the Hungarian certificate. You must do this if the name on the SA certificate is a Hungarian one (e.g., Istvan), but you wish to have it with correct Hungarian accents (István) on the Hungarian birth certificate.
What documents should I submit with the application?
- An original birth certificate with Apostille attestation from DIRCO. ( further informations: http://www.dirco.gov.za/consular/legalisation.htm) We only accept a full/unabridged birth certificate, showing data for parents as well! The parents must present their identity documents, and in the case of a non-Hungarian citizen, a passport or citizenship certificate which proves his or her citizenship. The Hungarian parent shall present proof of Hungarian citizenship.
- The Hungarian-issued marriage certificate of the parents. If they were married abroad and the marriage has not yet been registered in Hungary, they shall have it registered simultaneously with the birth registration. The parents must present their identity documents, and in the case of a non-Hungarian citizen, a passport or citizenship certificate which proves his or her citizenship. The Hungarian parent shall present proof of Hungarian citizenship.
- If the child was not born from wedlock, the acknowledgment of paternity would be necessary.
- If the name does not have a Hungarian equivalent, please bring the child's foreign passport.
Should I bring a translation of the birth certificate?
There is no need for translation if the birth certificate is issued in English, German or French language.
If the birth certificate is issued in a different language, a legal translation should be presented:
the translation could be prepared by the National Translation and Authentication Office (OFFI) – www.offi.hu - in this case, it does not need to be further legalized;
OR, the translation should be legalized by the responsible Hungarian Consulate.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Form can be downloaded here:
