In Hungary, the address of a natural person is part of their core data. Most third-country nationals living in Hungary can prove their address with a QR code featured on an accommodation slip, while some of them are eligible for an address card alongside Hungarian citizens.
Accommodation slip or address card
While taking care of official business in Hungary, you will regularly be asked to prove your address – this is just part of how administration works here. As a result, having an address is essential as a Hungarian resident.
There are two types of documents that can prove your address. Whether you are eligible for one or the other depends on your status in Hungary.
If you are a third-country national who has just moved to Hungary, you most probably have an accommodation slip (“szálláshelybejelentő lap”). This is an official document featuring a QR code that officials can scan when they want to verify your address.
Otherwise you might be eligible for an address card (“lakcímkártya”). This is a laminated card that contains your Hungarian address, your Hungarian ID number, and a bar code that officials can scan when they want to verify your address. The address card is available to:
Third-country nationals with permanent residency in Hungary (with a National Residence Card, EU Residence Card, or Interim Residence Card)
EEA nationals and their closest third country national family members living in Hungary (with an EU registration certificate)
Hungarian citizens
Refugees and persons admitted for subsidiary protection
Benefits of the address card
Once you become eligible for a Hungarian address card, several services become more accessible to you than before. You will find it easier to localize your driver’s license, subscribe for a post-paid mobile phone plan, buy a car, open a bank account, or get a loan or mortgage. You will also be able to sign up for DÁP, the latest mobile app for electronic administration.
The accessibility of some procedures is based on your eligibility for an address card. For example, if you would like to have Hungarian health insurance but you are not insured, you can start paying a monthly contribution for yourself once you have been holding an address card for at least one year. After 8 years, you can apply for Hungarian citizenship.