Certificates Guide
Hungarian Certificates: What You Need and How to Get It
Life certificates, good conduct certificates, civil status certificates, and proof of citizenship — this guide explains each one and the consul's role.
Life Certificates for Pension Recipients — No Charge
If you receive a Hungarian pension, your annual life certificate is signed by Sylvia at no fee. Monday appointment required. Bring your pension documentation and photo ID.
Life Certificate
Életbizonyítvány
An annual certificate confirming that a Hungarian pension recipient is living. Required by the Hungarian pension authority (NYUFIG) to continue pension payments. This is one of the most frequently requested consular services.
If you receive a Hungarian pension and live in New England, you must submit a life certificate to Hungarian authorities every year. Failure to submit results in suspension of pension payments. Sylvia signs these certificates at no charge — the only free consular service.
What to Bring
- ›Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)
- ›Hungarian pension documentation showing your recipient number
- ›The life certificate form (download from NYUFIG website, or Sylvia may have forms available)
Certificate of Good Conduct
Erkölcsi bizonyítvány
A certificate confirming that a person has no criminal record in Hungary. Required for employment, immigration applications, visa purposes, and certain citizenship and property transactions.
A Hungarian certificate of good conduct is issued by the Hungarian National Police (ORFK). The honorary consul cannot issue this certificate, but can authenticate supporting documents required for the application. The application itself is submitted through Hungarian government channels.
What to Bring
- ›Valid Hungarian identity document or passport
- ›Completed ORFK application form
- ›Payment for any applicable fees
› The certificate itself is issued by ORFK (Hungarian Police), not by the consul. Sylvia can authenticate supporting documents and advise on the process.
Certificate of Civil Status
Anyakönyvi kivonat
Certified extracts from Hungarian civil registry records — birth, marriage, or death certificates issued by Hungarian civil authorities. Required for citizenship applications, marriage, divorce proceedings, and inheritance.
Civil status certificates are issued by Hungarian vital records offices (anyakönyvi hivatal), not by the consul. However, the honorary consul can authenticate American vital records documents for submission to Hungarian authorities, and can certify copies of Hungarian documents.
What to Bring
- ›The original Hungarian document (if authenticating a copy)
- ›Your government-issued photo ID
- ›Any supporting documents relevant to your specific need
Proof of Citizenship
Állampolgársági igazolás
A document confirming Hungarian citizenship status, used in conjunction with simplified naturalization applications, EU benefit claims, and certain employment or immigration contexts.
Proof of citizenship is issued by the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC, not by the honorary consul. Sylvia can authenticate supporting documents for the application and provide guidance on the process.
› Issued by the Embassy in Washington DC. Contact: washington.mfa.gov.hu
Ready for your appointment?
Pension life certificates are free. All other certificate-related services are completed in a single Monday visit.
Honorary consuls do not work in a formal office, nor do they have fixed working hours or schedules. They do not receive compensation from Hungary for their duties and therefore cannot be held accountable for their work schedules.