Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I would like to acquire Hungarian citizenship through the simplified naturalization procedure. Why should I choose OFFI to obtain a certified translation of my documents necessary for the procedure when I can have my documents translated cheaper at my place of residence?

We have two reasons why you should choose OFFI.

1. Data security: When you make your decision we recommend you take into account the high-level data security that only OFFI can guarantee to you. No unauthorised agencies and persons will receive any information of your translation order given to OFFI. Neither your documents, nor the data therein will get out of OFFI’s secure database. Your personal data are protected from unauthorised access by sophisticated document protection processes. We think this should be your primary consideration before entrusting anybody with the translation of your documents. The data security offered by us is comparable only with consular data management if you decide to order the translation of your documents from the Hungarian Consul.

2. Professional translation: The certified translations of OFFI are prepared by translators with decades of professional experience. OFFI’s  certified translations will be accepted by all authorities. At the request of clients, OFFI provides translations with an expert clause, which will be the basis for your application to bear the Hungarian form of your name.

OFFI prepares most of the translations for the purposes of the simplified naturalization procedure at a reduced price. You can find information about prices on our website. Compare OFFI’s prices with the offers you have received. You will see that it is worth choosing OFFI for data security, as well as quality.

How much do you charge for translation?

The general information on prices per character (including all target language punctuation marks and spaces) can be found on OFFI’s website at www.offi.hu; in the light of the document to be translated we will contact you with a detailed quote at short notice.

Where can I ask for a quote?

Quotes can be requested by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Ezt a címet a spamrobotok ellen védjük. Engedélyezze a Javascript használatát, hogy megtekinthesse. .

Who decides how much translations cost and how are prices set?

In standard cases our prices are automatically generated by our computer system on the basis of the target prices indicated on our website; in specific cases, after assessing the type and length of the document, and occasionally other features and circumstances as well, we apply individual pricing; this is performed by our designated office staff, with the help of the head of department, if necessary, in accordance with our Rules of internal  Procedures.

I presented one page for translation. How did you make it three pages?

Settlement is character-based; the “unit of measurement” of the text is the character; the number of characters (i.e. letters and spaces) on one page is optional, but the certified format is 25 lines per page and 50 characters by line in accordance with the effective rules.

Why is editing necessary if I requested only translation?

As certified translation shall qualify as a document, rigorous technical and language editing, or revision, is crucial. According to our rules in force, editing and proofreading are mandatory components of the preparation of certified translations.

Why does a translation prepared by a client need to be edited?

OFFI certifies the authenticity of a translation only if it has been checked, that is, edited, from both linguistically and technically.

Why does the original document need to be attached to the certified translation?

As a result of the inseparable attachment of the source document and the translation we make it unequivocal that the translation has been made of the document attached; in this way we prevent its use as the translation of another document.

What is a basic document?

The translation price of basic documents (Hungarian documents issued by Hungarian authorities in respect of personal status).

The following Hungarian language documents issued by Hungarian authorities are classified as basic documents:

• Certificates of birth, marriage and death,
• Criminal record certificate,
• Driver’s license*,
• Passport*,
• ID card*,
• Official residence card*,
• Military ID card*,
• Apostille

* Notarised copies of the above documents are classified in the category of “Other documents”.

Where are certificates naturalized?

You can read more about the naturalization of certificates here: link

Can the authorities retain original document in the course of proceedings?

It depends on the procedure of the place/office using the document, but if you need it, you can order one or more additional (certified) copies of previously prepared translation.

What is the Apostille, when and where can I get one?

Apostille

Ministry of Public Administration and Justice

Is it possible to order a certified translation of a non-certified photocopy?

Yes, but “Certified translation from a non-certified photocopy in (...) language” will be indicated in the heading of the translation. However, such certified translations are not accepted by all authorities.

Why is it not possible to make a certified translation of documents that have not been signed?

Certified translations may only be prepared of (private or public) documents, in this respect the Sections of Act III of 1952 on the Code of Civil Procedure pertaining to documents shall apply.

Relevant legal regulations:

• Decree No. 24/1986 (26 June) MT of the Council of Ministers on Translation and Interpretation
• Decree No. 7/1986 (26 June) IM of the Ministry of Justice on the Implementation of Decree No. 24/1986  (26 June) MT of the Council of Ministers on Translation and Interpretation