Published: 2023-07-28
When dealing with official paperwork in Hungary, you may be asked to provide a certificate of good conduct to prove that you have a clean criminal record. This document is obtained from the Ministry of Interior of Hungary and is free of charge. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a certificate of good conduct.
What is a certificate of good conduct?
A certificate of good conduct, also known as "erkölcsi bizonyítvány" in Hungarian, is an official document that verifies your criminal record or the absence of one. It serves as proof to banks, employers, and authorities that you are law-abiding and not prohibited from certain activities.
Who needs a certificate of good conduct?
A certificate of good conduct is typically required by institutions or authorities in various situations such as:
- Banks when applying for loans within a government subsidy program
- Immigration agencies
- Authorities issuing certificates for specific activities
- Certain employers, particularly those in government institutions, working with minors, or in law enforcement or security roles
How to obtain a certificate of good conduct
You can obtain a certificate of good conduct in Hungary through the following methods:
- In person at the customer service of the Criminal Records Office
- By phone with identification through phone-based alternatives
- By mail by filling out the relevant form at the post office and submitting it to the clerk
- Online through the portal for electronic administration at magyarorszag.hu
- If you are not in Hungary, you can obtain the document from the local Hungarian consulate or embassy
Key details and validity of the certificate
Upon application, the certificate of good conduct is typically created within 8 days (or 5 days for in-person applications) and then mailed to your address, taking an additional 2-3 days. The document is valid for 90 days and must not be older than 90 days when submitted. It can be obtained free of charge up to 4 times a year, with additional applications costing HUF 3,000 (below EUR 10).
Conclusion
Having a certificate of good conduct can be important when dealing with official documentation in Hungary. It serves as proof of a clean criminal record and is obtained from the Ministry of Interior. Understanding the process and requirements for obtaining this document can help you navigate the necessary paperwork efficiently.
Questions & Answers
What is a certificate of good conduct in Hungary? A certificate of good conduct, or "erkölcsi bizonyítvány" in Hungarian, is an official document issued by the Ministry of Interior of Hungary. It verifies that an individual has no criminal record, is not being prosecuted, and is not banned from certain jobs or activities.
Who might need a certificate of good conduct in Hungary? Some examples of when a certificate of good conduct might be required include:
- Applying for a loan within a government subsidy program, such as CSOK, from a bank
- Immigration purposes
- Certificates required for specific activities by authorities
- Certain employers, particularly those in government institutions, working with minors, or in law enforcement or security.
What information is included in a certificate of good conduct? The information displayed on a certificate of good conduct includes:
- Name
- Nationality
- Mother's maiden name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- The information requested to be verified on the application form.
How can I obtain a certificate of good conduct in Hungary? A certificate of good conduct can be obtained in the following ways in Hungary:
- In-person at the customer service of the Criminal Records Office.
- Via phone if you have registered and have the option for identification via phone.
- By mail, by getting the relevant form at the post office, filling it in, and submitting it to the post office clerk.
- Online through the portal for electronic administration at magyarorszag.hu, using the Ügyfélkapu or Client Gate registration.
- If you are not in Hungary, you can obtain the document from the local Hungarian consulate or embassy.
How long does it take to obtain a certificate of good conduct in Hungary? The document is typically created within 8 days (or within 5 days if you apply in person) and then mailed to your address, which takes another 2-3 days.
How often should I obtain a new certificate of good conduct in Hungary? When required to submit a certificate of good conduct, it must not be older than 90 days. The document is valid for 90 days. However, you can obtain the document free of charge up to 4 times a year. Additional applications cost HUF 3,000 (approximately EUR 10).
How do I select the type of certificate I need when applying online in Hungary? When applying online, you will be prompted to select whether you need a general or a special certificate. If you have not received specific instructions, you can choose the general certificate. The special certificate may be required for verifying that you are not banned from a specific activity.
What options should I select if I need a general certificate of good conduct in Hungary? If you need a general certificate of good conduct, you can select the following options:
- I have no prior criminal record.
- I am not prohibited from participating in public affairs.
- I am not prohibited from a profession/activity.
What should I do if I need to verify that I am banned from a specific activity in Hungary? If you need to verify that you are banned from a specific activity, you should select the option:
- I am prohibited from a profession or activity.
Can I track the status of my certificate of good conduct application in Hungary? During the application process, you will be given the option to indicate if you want a status update once there is a decision about your certificate.
