Hungary (HU)

The lakcímkártya is one of the most essential Hungarian documents for residents — a small card issued by the Kormányablak (Government Window) or Okmányiroda (Document Office) confirming your registered address. All residents (Hungarian and foreign) must register their address and obtain this card. It is required for opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, accessing most government services, and is proof of legal residency. Must be obtained within 3 days of moving to a new address.

A 10-digit personal tax identification number issued by NAV (Nemzeti Adó- és Vámhivatal — National Tax and Customs Administration). Required for all employment, freelance work, opening bank accounts, and many official transactions. Issued at NAV offices or via Ügyfélkapu. The adóazonosító jel is permanently yours and does not expire. Apply at NAV before starting any employment in Hungary.

The TAJ (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel) card is Hungary's social insurance identity card, issued by OEP/NEAK (National Health Insurance Fund). A 9-digit number used to access the public healthcare system (hospitals, GPs, prescriptions). Required for healthcare visits. Obtained from your local NEAK/OEP office after registering for health insurance. For employees, registration is handled automatically through the employer.

Ügyfélkapu (Client Gateway) is Hungary's central e-government portal — the digital equivalent of Denmark's e-Boks. ALL official government correspondence (tax notices, official documents, government communications) is sent exclusively to your Ügyfélkapu inbox. Registration is mandatory for all residents. Without Ügyfélkapu access you cannot file taxes online, access government services, or receive official communications. Register at Ügyfélkapu.gov.hu. Note: Hungary is migrating to the upgraded Ügyfélkapu+ system in 2025–2026.

The Hungarian national identity card, issued to Hungarian citizens. EU citizens in Hungary use their home country's national ID card. Required for most official transactions, registrations, and as proof of identity. Non-EU nationals use their passport. Hungarian residents who are not Hungarian citizens carry their residence permit card alongside their passport.

EU/EEA citizens intending to stay in Hungary for more than 90 days must register with the Bevándorlási és Menekültügyi Hivatal (BÁH — Immigration and Asylum Office). You receive a regisztrációs igazolás (registration certificate). This is required for address registration, work authorisation confirmation, and accessing services. Free and straightforward for EU citizens — must be done within 30 days of the 90-day mark.

Non-EU nationals require a residence permit (tartózkodási engedély) to live and work in Hungary beyond their visa period. Applied for at the immigration office (Bevándorlási Hivatal). Types include work-based, family reunification, student, and the new Digital Nomad (White Card) visa. The permit is a sticker in your passport or a standalone card.

Required for all registrations, immigration procedures, and as primary identity document for non-EU nationals. EU nationals may use their national ID card for most purposes. Keep your passport valid throughout your stay.

Required for registering children, school enrolment and some benefit applications. Hungary is a Hague Apostille member; foreign birth certificates from Hague member countries require apostille plus certified Hungarian translation by a sworn translator (hites fordító). Documents from non-Hague countries require consular/embassy legalisation plus certified translation.

Required for family reunification applications, registering a partner at the same address, and some benefit claims. Foreign marriage certificates must be apostilled and officially translated into Hungarian.

Required for address registration (lakcímkártya). Either a signed rental contract or a landlord's letter (befogadói nyilatkozat) confirming you are registered at their property. The landlord must sign in front of a notary or at the Kormányablak.

Required for recognition of foreign qualifications and regulated profession licensing. Recognition of foreign academic degrees is processed by the Oktatási Hivatal (Educational Authority of Hungary) at oktatas.hu. Apostille from Hague member countries plus certified Hungarian translation by a sworn translator (hites fordító) required.

EU driving licences are fully valid in Hungary. Non-EU licences may need to be exchanged at the Okmányiroda. An International Driving Permit is useful from non-EU countries with bilateral agreements. Keep the original with you — photocopies are not accepted by police.