About the Honorary Consul
Official representation of the Hungarian government across five New England states.
Appointed by the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC. Authorized under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. Serving Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts from Derry, NH.
Sylvia Rich
Honorary Consul of Hungary for New England
Appointed by Embassy of Hungary, Washington DC
Credentials & Authority
The Authority Behind the Title
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Officially appointed by the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC
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Authorized under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
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Jurisdiction covers Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts
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Bilingual: English and Hungarian — native fluency in both
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University of Michigan — Teaching English as a Second Language
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Former PR director, Central Europe — Budapest, Prague, Vienna (1991–1994)
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The position is voluntary — compensation is received only for active consular duties
Professional Background
A bilingual career between Hungary and the United States.
Sylvia Rich is a bilingual American and Hungarian professional with native fluency in both English and Hungarian. She holds a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Michigan and built her career in international public relations across Central Europe and beyond.
From 1991 to 1994, she directed PR programs across Budapest, Prague, and Vienna for global clients including Procter & Gamble, Philip Morris, Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and British American Tobacco. Her work focused on communication strategy for Western companies entering post-1989 Central European markets. She subsequently worked from London and Johannesburg before returning to the United States and settling in the Boston area.
She was nominated by the Consul General of Hungary in New York and formally appointed Honorary Consul of Hungary for New England by the Hungarian Government. Her territory covers five states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The position is voluntary; compensation is received only for active consular duties.
Role & Mandate
What an Honorary Consul does.
Notarization
Witnessing and certifying signatures on documents intended for use by Hungarian authorities — affidavits, declarations, consents, and powers of attorney.
Document Authentication
Consular authentication of documents required by Hungarian government offices, courts, and registries — including life certificates for pension recipients.
Consular Representation
Representing the interests of Hungarian citizens, legal entities, and non-governmental organizations resident in New England, in coordination with the Embassy in Washington DC.
Bilingual Liaison
Acting as a point of contact between Hungarian-speaking residents and U.S. institutions where language or procedural guidance is needed, within the bounds of consular authority.
An Honest Word
The Honorary Consul is not an immigration lawyer, financial advisor, therapist, or medical professional. The Honorary Consul is the official representative of the Hungarian government for this region: authorized to authenticate documents, notarize signatures, and help you understand what consular process applies to your situation. For matters outside consular authority, you will be referred to the appropriate professional. Appointments are by booking only, on Mondays, at the office in Derry, New Hampshire.
Your Appointment
What to Expect When You Come
Book Online
Select a Monday time slot through the booking system. You will receive a confirmation with the office address and what to bring.
Prepare Your Documents
Bring your completed documents, your government-issued ID, and exact cash or a check. Documents should not be signed in advance — you will sign in the Consul's presence.
Arrive at the Derry Office
The office is at 16 Route 111, Suite 5, Derry, NH 03038 — near LaBelle Winery. Plan for approximately 15 minutes.
Review and Authentication
The Consul reviews your documents, verifies your identity, and performs the notarization or authentication in your presence.
Payment and Completion
Pay by cash or check. Your authenticated documents are returned to you, ready for submission to Hungarian authorities.
Monday appointments only
In-person at 16 Route 111, Suite 5, Derry, NH. Bring your documents, valid ID, and payment by cash or check.