Bureaucracy & Documents
Getting your Registration Certificate and Address Card
The mandatory registration process for EU citizens staying in Hungary longer than 90 days to obtain their legal residency and address card.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources before taking action.
What is this?
This guide covers the legal requirement for EU citizens to register their stay. You will receive a Registration Certificate (a paper document) and an official Address Card (Lakcímkártya), which is necessary for utilities, banking, and contracts.
How it works
- 1
Gather your core documents: Valid Passport/ID, a lease agreement signed by two witnesses (or a 'title deed' if you own), and proof of income or student status.
- 2
Register on the 'Enter Hungary' portal. This is now mandatory for most applications and allows you to upload digital copies to speed up the process.
Enter Hungary Portal - 3
Pay the 1,000 HUF administrative fee. This can be done via the portal or by a yellow cheque (sárga csekk) at a post office.
- 4
Book an appointment to visit the OIF office in person for biometric verification and to receive your physical Registration Certificate.
OIF Appointment Booking - 5
Wait for your Address Card. Once approved, the plastic card is mailed to your registered Hungarian address by the central records office.
Good to know
Things worth knowing
- The Address Card is often more important than your passport for local contracts.
- Your landlord must sign the address registration form (included in the application).
- EU citizens do not get a 'Residence Permit' card like non-EU citizens; the paper certificate and plastic address card together constitute your residency.
- The 'Enter Hungary' system is the primary way to notify the authorities; doing it on paper is becoming obsolete.
- If you move apartments, you must report your new address within 3 days via the portal to get a new Address Card.
- The Address Card is often asked for alongside your ID.
Useful resources
Clurio is not affiliated with or endorsing any of these services.
Official sources
OIF (Immigration)
http://oif.gov.hu
Always verify your specific situation with official sources. Clurio provides information only and is not a substitute for professional legal or financial advice.