How to Get an Address Card in Hungary: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners and Locals
Last updated: August 2026, Reviewed & Verified by FirmaX Legal & Public Ad
Whether you’re relocating to Hungary for work, starting a business, or simply planning a long-term stay, obtaining an address card (lakcímkártya) is a key administrative step. This document verifies your official place of residence in Hungary and is essential for various procedures — from tax registration and health insurance to opening a bank account or signing a rental contract.
At FirmaX Hungary LLC, we assist individuals and companies with every step of relocation and compliance. In this post, we explain how to obtain an address card in Hungary — clearly and professionally.
What Is an Address Card in Hungary?
The Hungarian address card, officially called the “Lakcímigazolvány”, is an official government-issued document that certifies a person’s registered residential address in Hungary. The official Address Card (Lakcímigazolvány / Lakcímet igazoló hatósági igazolvány) is a vital identity document in Hungary. However, contrary to common belief, physical plastic address cards are NOT issued to all foreign residents.
This document plays a central role in the Hungarian administrative system and is required in a wide range of personal, legal, and commercial situations.
Who Is Eligible to Receive an Address Card?
An address card is issued to the following individuals:
- 1. Hungarian Citizens & EU/EEA Registration Card Holders: Receive an official physical plastic Address Card issued by the Government Office (Kormányablak).
- 2. Permanent Residents (Letelepedett status): Eligible for a physical plastic Address Card.
- 3. Third-Country Nationals (Non-EU) with Temporary/Work Permits: Do NOT receive a plastic Address Card. Their declared accommodation is registered electronically in the immigration database (EnterHungary/OIF).
- Their legal proof of address is their Residence Permit Card combined with an official Accommodation Certificate (Szálláshely igazolás / Bejelentőlap másolat).
Key Features of the Address Card:
- It lists your full name, registered residential address, and identification number.
- It is not a travel document, but is often requested alongside your passport or residence permit.
- Unlike your passport or residence card, it is specific to your accommodation and must be updated anytime you move to a new address in Hungary.
Why Do You Need an Address Card in Hungary?
The Hungarian address card (Lakcímigazolvány) is more than just a confirmation of where you live — it is a critical document that serves as proof of your legal residence within the country. Both private individuals and business owners are often required to present their address card when dealing with Hungarian authorities, service providers, and financial institutions.
Below is a closer look at the key scenarios where an address card is mandatory or strongly recommended:
- Tax Number (Adószám) and Social Security (TAJ) Registration
To obtain a Hungarian tax identification number — which is essential for employment, freelancing, or operating a business — the authorities will request a valid address card. This registration is a core prerequisite when setting up accounting in Hungary and ensuring ongoing tax compliance. The same applies when registering for a TAJ number, which is necessary for accessing public healthcare services.
- Access to Public Services and Utility Setup
Whether you are moving into a rented apartment or purchasing real estate, utility companies (e.g., gas, electricity, water) and municipal offices will typically require an address card to initiate or transfer services into your name.
- National Health Insurance Coverage
To access Hungary’s state-funded healthcare system, you must register with the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK). A valid address card is a core requirement when applying for health insurance coverage or a TAJ card.
- Opening a Hungarian Bank Account
Most banks in Hungary require an address card — in addition to your passport or residence permit — as proof of address before allowing you to open a personal bank account. For corporate bank accounts, the company’s registered address is generally verified through official company documents. However, the bank must also identify the company’s representatives and persons authorised to operate the account, who may be required to provide identification and address documents.
5. Signing Rental or Employment Contracts
When entering into a lease agreement, landlords often require proof of your official residential status, which the address card provides. Similarly, employers may request your Lakcímkártya to ensure that your place of residence complies with legal employment regulations.
- Company Formation and Business Administration
If you intend in register a company in Hungary or act as a managing director (ügyvezető) or shareholder, you must have a registered Hungarian address and a valid address card. This is essential for company registration with the Hungarian Company Court and for subsequent tax and business filings.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Address Card in Hungary
- Secure a Residential Address
You must have a valid residence in Hungary, either by:
- Renting a property
- Owning real estate
- Staying with a host who consents to register you
You’ll need written consent from the owner and the property deed extract (tulajdoni lap).
- Gather the Required Documents
You will typically need:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Valid residence permit or registration certificate (EU)
- Completed and signed accommodation registration form (Szálláshely bejelentése)
- Copy of the property deed extract (issued within 30 days)
- Rental agreement or proof of accommodation
- Landlord’s ID copyFor third-country nationals, proof of accommodation may include a document proving ownership of the property, a valid rental agreement, proof of booked and paid accommodation, or another credible document proving the right to use the accommodation. The exact documentation required may depend on the applicant’s residence status and permit category.Mandatory Signatures & Landlord Consent Rules:1. Multiple Co-owners (Több tulajdonos): ALL registered owners listed on Section II of the Property Deed (Tulajdoni lap) must sign the registration form as ‘szállásadó’. Alternatively, a notarized authorization (Meghatalmazás) from non-present owners must be attached.2. Usufruct Right Holders (Haszonélvező): If a third party holds a registered Usufruct Right (Haszonélvezeti jog) on Section III of the Property Deed, their signature is legally MANDATORY and overrides the bare owner’s signature.3. Corporate-Owned Properties (Céges tulajdon): If the property is owned by a Hungarian company (Kft.), the form must be signed by the authorized Managing Director (Ügyvezető) accompanied by an official specimen of signature (Aláírás-minta) and company register extract (Cégkivonat).
- Submit at the Government Office
Visit the district office (Kormányablak) with jurisdiction over the property address. An appointment is recommended but walk-ins may be accepted.
Important for third-country nationals: The procedure is different. The registration of a Hungarian accommodation, as well as any subsequent change of accommodation, must generally be submitted electronically through the Enter Hungary platform following electronic registration. If the accommodation changes, the new address must be reported within 3 days of the change. After registration, the accommodation certificate should be retained as proof of the reported accommodation.
Upon successful registration, the official will print your address card on the spot (for EU nationals and citizens). Non-EU residents will receive it together with or after the residence permit card.
Additional Notes for Foreigners
- EU/EEA Nationals: Must first register residence (if staying over 90 days) before getting an address card.
- Non-EU Nationals: Will receive the address card with or following their residence permit issuance. You must declare your place of accommodation during the permit application.
- Electronic Administration in Hungary
Many administrative procedures in Hungary can be handled electronically. For address and accommodation-related matters, the most relevant platforms are Enter Hungary and e-Papír, but they serve different purposes.
Enter Hungary
Enter Hungary is the electronic platform of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF/NDGAP). It is used for immigration and residence-related procedures, including certain accommodation notifications.
The general process includes:
- registering or logging in to the Enter Hungary system;
- selecting the relevant procedure;
- providing the required personal, residence and accommodation details;
- uploading the necessary supporting documents, such as a rental agreement, proof of ownership or other proof of the right to use the property;
- submitting the notification electronically; and
- monitoring the account for further requests, notifications or decisions.
Where accommodation changes must be reported to the immigration authority, the new accommodation generally has to be notified through Enter Hungary within 3 days of the change.
After successful notification, an electronic accommodation certificate (szálláshely igazolás) is issued and should be retained as proof of registration.
e-Papír
e-Papír is a general Hungarian electronic administration service that allows users to send official letters, applications, declarations and supporting documents to participating public authorities.
Private individuals can access e-Papír using:
- Ügyfélkapu+, or
- the Digital Citizenship Programme (DÁP).
When submitting a document, the user must select the relevant topic group, case type and recipient authority, provide the subject of the submission and attach the required documents.
The electronic confirmation received after submission should be kept as proof that the documents were sent.
Enter Hungary or e-Papír?
The correct platform depends on the type of procedure and the competent authority.
Enter Hungary should be used when the immigration authority requires the procedure to be handled through that system. e-Papír is a broader communication channel and does not automatically replace a dedicated electronic platform.
If Enter Hungary is temporarily unavailable due to a technical problem, the immigration authority may allow certain submissions through e-Papír. In such cases, the applicant should follow the authority’s current instructions regarding the required information and attachments.
Electronic identification
The traditional username-and-password-only Ügyfélkapu login is no longer used for Hungarian electronic government services. Access to services such as e-Papír generally requires Ügyfélkapu+ or DÁP.
Before starting any electronic procedure, it is advisable to check:
- which authority is responsible;
- which electronic platform must be used;
- which documents are required; and
- whether a statutory notification deadline applies.
Using the correct platform and submitting complete documentation can help avoid delays or requests for additional information.
Need Help? FirmaX Hungary Can Assist
Navigating Hungarian administration as a foreigner can be complex, especially without local language skills or legal knowledge. At FirmaX Hungary LLC, we provide:
- Residential address registration support
- Business setup and legal compliance
- Residence permit applications
We ensure your documentation is correct, your process is smooth, and your compliance is guaranteed.
