Company Proceedings in Hungary- What Foreign Companies Need to Know
This overview explains how company registration proceedings work in Hungary and why they matter for foreign-owned companies.
In Hungary, a company is not treated as a one-time registration event.
Its legal existence and operation are continuously reflected in the official company register.
The legal framework that governs this process is called company registration proceedings.
These proceedings do not apply only to company formation.
They cover the entire legal life of a company.
What are company proceedings?
Company proceedings include all court procedures that affect the data recorded in the Hungarian company register.
This includes, in particular:
registering a company
registering changes to company data
procedures related to the termination of a company
legality supervision procedures
The purpose of these proceedings is to ensure that the company register always reflects the company's actual legal status.
An electronic procedure with mandatory legal representation
Under Hungarian law, company registration proceedings are conducted only in electronic form.
This means that:
applications must be submitted electronically
proceedings are handled by the company court competent for the company's registered seat
legal representation is mandatory
A company cannot act on its own before the company court.
All applications must be submitted through a legal representative, usually a lawyer.
When are company registration proceedings required?
Company registration proceedings are not limited to the initial registration of a company.
They are required whenever the company's registered data changes.
Typical examples include:
a change of the registered seat
a change of managing director
amendments to the articles of association
mergers or demergers
appointment or replacement of a statutory auditor
These are not administrative updates.
They are formal legal procedures.
Deadlines and legal consequences
Hungarian law sets specific deadlines for reporting changes to company data.
If these deadlines are missed, legal consequences may follow, depending on the situation.
For this reason, changes in a company's operation should not be treated as internal or administrative matters only.
Connection to the registered seat and electronic communication
Company registration proceedings are closely connected to the company's registered seat.
The registered seat determines which company court is competent and where the company is legally reachable.
The electronic nature of company registration proceedings is also linked to the general rule that business entities must communicate with Hungarian authorities electronically.
One important element of this system is the Cégkapu, which serves as the official electronic delivery channel for companies.
Why this matters for foreign-owned companies
For foreign-owned companies, questions often arise not at the time of formation, but later, during daily operation.
The system of company registration proceedings ensures that:
the company register remains up to date
the company's legal status is clear and verifiable
communication with authorities follows a defined legal structure
The system is not flexible, but it is consistent.
Conclusion
Company registration proceedings in Hungary provide the legal framework for a company's ongoing operation.
They are not a single event, but a series of procedures that accompany the company throughout its entire life cycle.
These procedures are electronic and require mandatory legal representation.
Understanding this framework is essential for operating safely in the Hungarian legal environment.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the legislation in force and publicly available official information as of the date of publication.
Hungarian company law and company registration procedures may change over time, in particular due to legislative amendments or changes in judicial or administrative practice.
Accordingly, this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Each individual situation requires a case-by-case assessment.
Decisions should not be made solely on the basis of general information.
This article does not replace personalised legal consultation, and the author assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on its content.
For the most up-to-date official information, please consult the website of the Hungarian courts and the Company Information Service.
Frequently asked questions
Can a company handle company registration proceedings without a lawyer?
No. Under Hungarian law, legal representation is mandatory in company registration proceedings.
Applications must be submitted through a legal representative.
Are company registration proceedings paper-based or in-person?
No. Company registration proceedings in Hungary are conducted exclusively in electronic form.
If you require legal assistance in connection with company proceedings in Hungary, you are welcome to contact me.
Contact: lilla.acs@dunalegal.com
Official sources:
https://ceginformaciosszolgalat.kormany.hu/
https://birosag.hu/ugyfeleknek/birosagi-eljarasok/cegeljaras
Related:
Why Your Company's Address Is More Than a Formality in Hungary
Company Formation in Hungary – Clarity for Those Taking Their First Steps Here
Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Hungary – A Key Step After Your Kft (LLC) Is Registered