Apostille in Hungary: What if my document is not in Hungarian?

Apostille in Hungary for Documents Not in Hungarian #

If you have a document that needs an apostille in Hungary but is not in Hungarian, you generally need to get it officially translated into Hungarian first. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

General Rule #

Hungarian authorities typically require documents presented to them to be in Hungarian. If your document is in another language, you’ll need a certified translation.

Steps to Follow #

1. Obtain the Original Document: Make sure you have the original document that requires an apostille.
2. Certified Translation: Get the document translated by an official Hungarian translator. A certified translation is one that is performed by a translator who is officially recognized by the Hungarian government.
3. Apostille on the Original or Translation:
   • Apostille on the Original: In some cases, you might be able to get the apostille on the original document in its original language, but this is less common and depends on the specific requirements of the authority requesting the apostilled document.
   • Apostille on the Translation: More frequently, the apostille is placed on the certified translation of the document. This confirms the authenticity of the translator’s signature and seal.
4. Submitting the Documents: Submit both the original document (if required) and the certified translation to the appropriate Hungarian authority for the apostille.

Where to Get a Certified Translation #

You can find certified translators through:

• The Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (OFFI): OFFI is the official translation agency in Hungary. They provide certified translations that are accepted by all Hungarian authorities.
• Other Certified Translators: You can also use other certified translators who are registered with the relevant Hungarian authorities.

Finding OFFI #

You can find OFFI (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítő Iroda Zrt.) at the following address:

Bajza utca 52, 1062 Budapest

You can visit their website for more information: http://www.offi.hu

Competent Authority for Apostilles in Hungary #

In Hungary, apostilles are typically issued by the following authorities, depending on the type of document:

• For court and notary documents: Ministry of Justice
• For administrative documents: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• For documents issued by educational institutions: Ministry of Culture and Innovation

Contact Information and Official Websites #

• Ministry of Justice: Check their official website for detailed information on apostille services.
  https://kormany.hu/miniszteriumok/igazsagugyi-miniszterium
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Visit their website for information on apostilles for administrative documents.
  https://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/
• Ministry of Culture and Innovation: Refer to their website for apostilles on educational documents.
  https://www.kormany.hu/miniszteriumok/kultura-es-innovacios-miniszterium

Important Considerations #

• Check Specific Requirements: Always verify the specific requirements of the authority or institution that needs the apostilled document. They can provide precise instructions on whether to apostille the original or the translation.
• Deadlines: Be aware of any deadlines for submitting the apostilled document and plan accordingly to allow time for translation and apostille processing.
• Fees: Be prepared to pay fees for both the certified translation and the apostille.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your non-Hungarian document is properly apostilled for use in Hungary.