Hungarian Company Extract Explained
What It Shows (and What It Doesn't)
When foreign companies start doing business in Hungary, they are often asked to provide a document called a company extract. This document is frequently treated as proof that a company is reliable. In reality, it only confirms formal company data. In Hungarian, this document is called cégkivonat.
A Hungarian company extract is an official document from the company register. It shows the most important information about a company.
In international practice this document may also be called:
company extract
business extract
corporate extract
company registry extract
The purpose of the document is always the same: it helps confirm that a company exists and shows its basic legal information.
In practice, many business decisions rely on this document — even though it does not reflect the actual legal or financial risks behind a company.
What information does a Hungarian company extract contain?
A company extract shows the most important information recorded in the Hungarian company register.
Typical information includes:
official company name
company registration number
tax number
registered seat (official address)
legal form of the company (for example Ltd. / Kft.)
managing director(s)
share capital
company status (active, liquidation etc.)
This document therefore provides a basic overview of the company's legal data.
Where can you find a Hungarian company extract?
The Hungarian company register is public. This means that company information can be accessed online.
The official registry can be searched here:
👉 https://www.e-cegjegyzek.hu/
Companies can be searched by name or company registration number.
In many cases the system also allows users to download a company extract.
Different types of company extracts in Hungary
In Hungary there are several types of company extracts depending on the level of certification required.
The most common types are the following.
Free company extract
The free version available in the public company register.
This document is mainly used for information purposes.
However, it is usually not accepted for official procedures.
Certified company extract
A certified version of the document that can be used in many official situations.
Official (public) company extract
A higher level document that may be required for bank procedures, official filings or certain legal matters.
Apostille for international use
If the company extract is used outside Hungary, an additional certification called apostille certification may be required.
An apostille confirms that the document is an official Hungarian public document.
This makes the document acceptable in many foreign countries.
In some cases an official translation may also be required.
A company extract provides formal data, but it does not reflect the real situation of a company.
For example, it does not show:
financial stability of the company
ongoing commercial disputes
contractual problems
the full structure of a company group
Because of this, the company extract is usually only the first step of a company check.
Financial reports and deeper company checks
If a foreign partner plans a serious business cooperation or investment, it may also be useful to review the company's financial reports.
In Hungary annual financial statements are public and can be accessed here:
👉 https://e-beszamolo.im.gov.hu/
These reports may provide additional insight.
However, interpreting them without legal context may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Conclusion
A Hungarian company extract confirms that a company formally exists and shows its registered data. However, it does not provide a complete picture of legal or structural risk.
Relying solely on this document may create a false sense of security in business decisions.
If a company extract is used as part of a business decision, reviewing the underlying legal structure before signing may significantly reduce risk.