Notarising Documents for Use in Hungary from Ireland

Hungary has become an important destination for Irish business, particularly in the technology, pharmaceutical, and financial services sectors. Budapest is a growing hub for multinational companies with significant Irish connections. Whether you are relocating for work, establishing a business, or handling personal legal matters, this guide explains how to get your Irish documents properly authenticated for use in Hungary.

Why Documents Need Notarisation for Hungary

Hungarian authorities, courts, and government agencies require foreign documents to be properly authenticated before acceptance. For Irish documents, this involves notarisation by an Irish Notary Public followed by an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Hungarian institutions are particularly strict about translation requirements, accepting only translations from officially registered sworn translators.

Hungary and the Hague Apostille Convention

Hungary was one of the earliest members of the Hague Apostille Convention, having been a signatory since 18 January 1973. Both Ireland and Hungary are also EU member states. The apostille issued by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is sufficient for Hungarian authorities — no embassy legalisation is required.

Common Documents Notarised for Hungary

• Powers of Attorney: For property transactions, business matters, legal representation, and administrative filings in Hungary
• Corporate Documents: Certificates of incorporation, board resolutions, memoranda of association, and CRO extracts for registering companies or branches with the Hungarian Court of Registration (Cégbíróság)
• Educational Certificates: Degree certificates and transcripts for recognition by the Hungarian Educational Authority (Oktatási Hivatal) or for employment purposes
• Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees for civil registration or residency applications
• Employment Documents: Professional qualifications, reference letters, and criminal record certificates for work permits
• Financial Documents: Bank references, audited accounts, and financial statements for business or investment purposes

Hungarian Translation Requirements

Hungarian authorities require all foreign documents to be accompanied by a certified Hungarian translation. Unlike some countries, Hungary has a regulated system of sworn translators registered with the Hungarian Office of Justice (Igazságügyi Hivatal). Only translations by these registered sworn translators are accepted by Hungarian courts and government offices.

The sworn translator physically attaches the translation to the original document or certified copy, creating a bound unit. This is similar to the Czech system. It is important to use a registered Hungarian sworn translator rather than a general translation agency.

The Hungarian National Translation and Attestation Office (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítő Iroda — OFFI) also provides officially recognised translation services and can certify translations for use with Hungarian authorities.

Business and Corporate Documents

Ireland and Hungary have strong business connections, particularly in technology, financial services, and pharmaceuticals. Irish companies establishing operations in Hungary — whether through a branch office, subsidiary, or representative office — need authenticated corporate documents for filing with the Hungarian Court of Registration.

Key documents include:

• Certificate of incorporation of the Irish parent company
• Memorandum and articles of association
• Board resolutions authorising the Hungarian operation
• Power of attorney for the Hungarian legal representative
• Good standing certificate or CRO extract

Step-by-Step Process

• Step 1: Confirm precise requirements with your Hungarian lawyer or the receiving Hungarian authority.
• Step 2: Gather original documents or obtain certified copies.
• Step 3: Contact Hugh Phelan's office at (021) 489 7134 for a notarisation appointment at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork.
• Step 4: Submit notarised documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs for apostille (2–5 working days).
• Step 5: Arrange certified Hungarian translation by a registered sworn translator or through OFFI.
• Step 6: Submit the complete package to the Hungarian authority.

Visit our apostille services and document notarisation pages for more details.

Practical Tips for Hungary

• EU benefits: As EU citizens, Irish nationals benefit from simplified processes under EU Regulation 2016/1191 for certain civil status documents
• Budapest office hours: Hungarian government offices typically operate on weekday mornings — plan document submissions accordingly
• OFFI translations: Using OFFI (the national translation office) is the safest option for Hungarian sworn translations

Frequently Asked Questions