Life Events Registration
Under Hungarian law, Hungarian citizens are required to register with Hungarian authorities any significant life events that occur abroad — even if those events are already registered in the country where they took place.
Which Events Must Be Registered
- Birth — of a child with at least one Hungarian parent
- Marriage — including marriages performed abroad
- Divorce — including decrees issued by foreign courts
- Death — of a Hungarian citizen
- Paternity acknowledgment and name changes also fall under this requirement
How It Works
Residents in this representation's jurisdiction can submit applications to the Embassy of Hungary, Washington, DC. The application will be relayed to the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office (BFKH), which is the competent authority for all overseas civil registration cases. The Embassy of Hungary itself cannot accelerate or decide cases — it acts as the submission point.
Requesting Hungarian Documents
Certified copies of Hungarian civil records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) can also be requested. Residents in this representation's jurisdiction may request official documentation from the Hungarian registry through the Embassy of Hungary, Washington, DC.
Important Notes
- Applications cannot be submitted through Honorary Consulates
- Original foreign certificates must be accompanied by a certified Hungarian translation
- Registration of birth and marriage is free of charge
For more information regarding the registration of civil status events that took place outside of Hungary, please visit the Hazaváró website of the Government of Hungary
