Peter
Lawyer · Budapest, Hungary
- 199 cases handled · 22 in this service
- 10+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, German, Hungarian
- Law, University of Pécs
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4.94(17 reviews)
Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) in Hungary
The Hungarian criminal record certificate, also called a police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct, is the erkölcsi bizonyítvány issued from the central criminal records register. English-speaking lawyers in Hungary explain which version a visa, job or citizenship file needs, help with the application from Hungary or abroad, and arrange the translation and apostille.
About Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) in Hungary
The Hungarian criminal record certificate goes by several names in English: police clearance certificate, certificate of good conduct, police certificate or criminal background check. In Hungarian it is the erkölcsi bizonyítvány, officially hatósági erkölcsi bizonyítvány (often typed erkolcsi bizonyitvany). Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Police Clearance Certificate / Criminal Record Check”. English-speaking lawyers in Hungary help people who lived there obtain the certificate, and help newcomers prepare the record from their own country for Hungarian procedures.
Who asks for it
Former residents applying for a visa, residence or a job in another country; people working with children or in regulated jobs in Hungary; applicants for Hungarian citizenship, where a clean record (büntetlen előélet) matters; foreigners whose residence file, for example for family reunification, asks for a certificate from their home country.
How it works in Hungary
The certificate is issued from the central criminal records register run under the Ministry of the Interior, not by a local police station; "police clearance" is simply the name foreign authorities use. Inside Hungary it can be requested online through the government login (Ügyfélkapu+) or at a government office (kormányablak). From abroad the usual route is a Hungarian embassy or consulate, generally in person with a passport. A person may request the certificate only about themselves. Besides the plain version, the request can ask the certificate to confirm that no ban on a particular activity applies, such as work with minors.
Language, apostille and translation
The certificate is an official Hungarian document. Where a foreign authority wants English, a certified translation or an English version is arranged, and for countries outside the EU an apostille is often added. How recent the certificate has to be is set by the receiving body.
What a lawyer does
Identifies which version the receiving authority expects, fills in the Hungarian form correctly, books or guides the consular appointment, follows the request, and organises translation and apostille. For Hungarian procedures, the lawyer checks the foreign certificate before it is filed.
Questions and answers
Can I apply for a Hungarian certificate of good conduct from abroad?
Yes, through a Hungarian embassy or consulate. Some missions accept applications by post, most ask for an appointment.
Is the certificate available in English?
It is issued in Hungarian. An English version or a certified translation is prepared when the receiving body needs it.
Can a lawyer apply in my place?
The request is personal. A lawyer prepares it, explains the options and handles translation and apostille afterwards.
Does a clean certificate mean no case is open against me?
No. It covers the criminal records register; pending matters are a separate question, see arrest warrant check.
I am an EU citizen moving to Hungary. Which certificate do I need?
It depends on the procedure. For a stay as an EU citizen, see EU citizen registration certificate; the rules for residence files have changed more than once, so a lawyer confirms the current list.
1 lawyer who provides Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) in Hungary
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All administrative law & processes services in HungaryWhat our clients say about our service in Hungary
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I am very thankful to the lawyer, and completely satisfied with the result.
— Mohit30 Sep 2025 -
I am really happy with her. Every time I wrote she answered fast, so I never had to chase her for news of how things were going. She understood what I needed straight away and, with her perfect English, explained the parts I had not followed without making me feel stupid. She was also nice to deal with. The price was fair, and in short she got it done, so I am glad I chose her.
— Antoine03 Jul 2026 -
Kind and very helpful.
— Rajinder05 May 2026 -
It was a pleasure to work with her. She resolved an issue for me quickly and efficiently, with grace and charm.
— JDR06 Mar 2026Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
A professional lawyer, pleasant and straightforward to deal with, who made everything feel easy.
— Oystein05 Mar 2026Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
She is fantastic: she helps me and saves me money and time. She speaks very good English and Italian, and she is helpful. When you describe your problem, she knows precisely what to do. Thank you so much to this service, and especially to the lawyer from Greece.
— Masoud30 Jan 2026Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
He was really helpful. I had tried to reach many lawyers before I found this service, which connected me very quickly with a good lawyer in Croatia. He answered my questions promptly and cleared up my doubts very clearly. It is great that the network includes such kind and polite lawyers. Anyone in need of legal help in Croatia would be in good hands with him, and I recommend him. Thank you so much!
— Jaison30 Jan 2026Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
The lawyer was helpful and responsive whenever I wanted an update on my inquiry or had a request.
— George30 Jan 2026Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
The lawyer helped me twice to get a police clearance certificate, and also assisted my husband with the same. His English is perfect, and we were both very satisfied.
— Kim09 Jan 2026 -
Excellent value for money and a very simple process, and I was fully satisfied.
— Allison12 Dec 2025 -
I had a wonderful experience with this service. It found a solution to my problem just when I urgently needed help, and I am very grateful for the support.
— Hải30 Sep 2025Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate) -
The lawyer was exceptional in helping me get a Spanish police clearance certificate. She communicated directly and clearly, and both service and speed were spot on.
— Matthew24 Sep 2025Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance Certificate)