Business law in Hungary

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

Hungary has a three-tiered, independent judiciary in addition to the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. The constitution guarantees equality before the law and the courts are generally held to be fair. Limited budget resources leave the system vulnerable to outsider influence, but court funding is improving in accordance with the requirements of EU membership.

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

The Hungarian Republic assures all visiting foreigners the security of human and civil rights without discrimination based on race, skin color, sex, language, religion, political opinion, national origin, fortune, or any other issue.
In 2001, Hungary implemented a legal rights protection network to provide legal aid to the Romani community and passed an antidiscrimination law that was introduced in 2003 as a requirement of EU membership.

The Language of Justice

Hungarian is the official language used in court procedures but the law forbids any language based discrimination. Thus, in case of a penal procedure each person has the right to use his or her first language both orally and in writing. Moreover, the use of a defence attorney is compulsory if the defender has an insufficient level of Hungarian.

Recourse to an Interpreter

Any person for whom Hungarian is not the first language must be supplied with a translator paid for by the Hungarian State if asked to stand in court.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

The sources of Hungarian law are the Acts of Parliament, governmental and ministerial decrees, which are valid only if published in the Official Gazette, and decrees of local governments. The legal system of the Republic of Hungary accepts the universally recognised rules and regulations of International Law, and will align the internal laws and statutes of the country with any obligations assumed under International Law.

Checking National Laws Online

Hungarian legislation