This page offers you information about the costs of justice in Hungary. For a more in-depth analysis on the costs of proceedings, please consult the following case studies: Family law - Divorce (Családjog - válás) Family law – custody of the children (Családjog - szülői felügyeleti jog) Family law – alimony (Családjog - tartásdíj) Commercial law – contract (Kereskedelmi jog - szerződés) Commercial law – responsibility (Kereskedelmi jog - felelősség)
The amount of the bailiff’s fee depends on the purpose of the enforcement order (végrehajtható okirat) issued (whether it is to collect a debt or enforce a specific action). If the enforcement involves the collection of a debt (pénzkövetelés behajtása), the bailiff’s fee is proportional to the amount of the debt to be collected. If the enforcement involves a higher claim, the bailiff is paid a higher fee. If the duty involves the enforcement of a specific action (meghatározott cselekmény végrehajtása), the fee depends on how long this takes.
The Hungarian word ügyvéd is used for attorneys, advocats, solicitors, lawyers, and barristers. As a general rule, an attorney’s fee is set by agreement between the party and the attorney. If no settlement is reached, the fee is decided by the court on the basis provided in law (5 percent of the claimed amount and at least 10,000 HUF). The parties can ask the judge to apply the fee stipulated by law if they do not want the settlement to become public.
Fixed costs for litigants in civil proceedings
In first instance cases, the fee (illeték) for court proceedings is 6 percent of the value of the claim (between a minimum of 10, 000 HUF and a maximum of 900,000 HUF). If the value of the claim cannot be determined, the law stipulates that 6% of a fictitious amount is to be paid.
The costs/duties of the court are always determined by law, as well as in the following cases:
Stage of the civil proceeding where fixed costs must be paid
The obligation to pay court duties in civil proceedings arises when the request for litigation is made. Therefore, the court duties must be paid together with the request of litigation. If the party does not pay the court duties, or pays less than is required by law, the court must ask him/her to pay the remaining court duties on submission of the request. The court must also inform the party that the application will be rejected if the court duties are not paid in full.
The payment of the attorney's fee based on an agreement between the party and the attorney. The bailiff’s fee must be paid in advance at the beginning of the enforcement procedure.
Fixed costs for litigants in criminal proceedings
In the case of proceedings conducted solely under private prosecution involving private actions (magánvádas eljárás):
If a civil justice claim (polgári jogi igény) arises from criminal proceedings, the only fees payable are for filing the application and the appeal.
Stage of the criminal proceeding where fixed cost must be paid
Fixed costs must be paid at the beginnig of the procedure on the document initiating the procedure by way of a stamp.
According to article 28 of Act XXXII of 1989 (az 1989. évi XXXII. törvény 28. cikke), proceedings before the Constitutional Court (Alkotmánybíróság) are free of costs.
However, an applicant who does not act in good faith when submitting a motion may have to pay costs.
When practising their profession – with the means and in the manner provided for by law – attorneys help their clients to assert their rights and fulfil their obligations. Legal advisers (jogtanácsos) also help assert the rights of the organisations they represent.
This obligation covers the duty to provide the necessary information about rights and obligations, chances of success and the foreseeable costs of proceedings.
Information about cost sources is available on the homepage of the European Judicial Network (Európai Igazságügyi Hálózat):
The homepage of the Budapest Bar Association (Budapesti Ügyvédi Kamara) also contains information on attorneys’ fees.
Information on cost sources is available on the homepage of the European Judicial Network. Here you can find the relevant information in every official language of the European Union.
The homepage of the Budapest Bar Association contains information on costs in Hungarian only.
Information on mediation may be found on the following websites:
You can find additional information concerning costs on the website of the Budapest Bar Association
Information on the length of proceedings can be found on the website of the Courts of the Hungarian Republic (Magyar Köztársaság Bíróságai).
Other relevant links are:
Information on statistical tables is available in Hungarian only.
The costs indicated above for attorneys are net costs, so VAT (HÉA) will be added.
In Hungary, the VAT rate was 20 percent until 1st July 2009, after which it increased to 25 percent.
There are two minimums:
Legal aid payments can be made in advance.
In criminal proceedings, the suspect or the accused may receive free legal representation if:
The income threshold is 86 percent of the average national income (approximately 130 000 forint). Legal assistance for victims includes legal representation.
Besides the set income thresholds, the victim must fulfil two other conditions:
There are no other conditions attached to granting legal aid to defendants.
The following are exempt from duty in civil cases:
The followings are exempt from duty in criminal proceedings:
Besides the subject-oriented exemption, personal duty exemption may also be granted.
Personal exemption is granted among others to non-governmental organisations, public corporations, churches, association of churches, religious institutions, foundations, public foundations, non-profit business associations of the status of public benefit organization or priority public benefit organization, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Communities, their institutions and bodies, agencies and separate funds.
In its final decision, the court requires that the losing party pay the costs incurred by the winning party within a period of 30 days. The losing party pays the costs directly to the winning party and, if she or he fails to do so, enforcement proceedings are initiated.
As a general rule, the experts’ fees are paid by the losing party, and if (in specific cases) the state is responsible for paying the costs, it also bears the costs of experts. Where the costs are prepaid by the state, experts’ fees are also included.
As a general rule, translators' and interpreters' fees are paid by the losing party, and if (in specific cases) the state is responsible for paying the costs, it also bears the costs of experts. Where the costs are prepaid by the state, these fees are also included.
Homepage of the Budapest Bar Association (A Budapesti Ügyvédi Kamara honlapja)
Hungary's report of the Study on Transparency of costs (533 Kb)
(Magyarország jelentése a költségek átláthatóságáról szóló tanulmányról)
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
In this case study on family law concerning divorce, Member States were asked to advise the party that filed for divorce on litigation costs under the following circumstances:
Case A – National matter: A couple gets married. Later they separate and agree to a divorce.
Case B – Transnational matter: Two nationals from the same Member State (Member State A) get married. The marriage is registered in Member State A. After the wedding, the couple relocates to live and work in another Member State (Member State B), where they establish their residence. Shortly thereafter the couple separates, with the wife returning to Member State A and the husband remaining in Member State B. The couple agrees to a divorce. Upon her return to Member State A, the wife immediately files for a divorce before the courts of Member State B.
Case study | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | |
Is such an option available for this type of case? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes, but only as regards agreement on issues concerning the dissolution of marriage, such as the custody and financial support of children, contact between parent and child, conjugal maintenance, the use of jointly owned real estate and the distribution of jointly owned property. The court, however, still needs to approve the agreement reached by the parties. | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case B | Yes, but only as regards agreement on issues concerning the dissolution of marriage. The court, however, still needs to approve the agreement reached by the parties. | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case study | Attorney | Bailiff | Expert | ||||
Is legal representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is legal representation compulsory? | Must it be made use of? | Costs | |||
Case A | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court may appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. | ||
Case B | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. | ||
Case study | Witness compensation | |
Are witnesses eligible for compensation? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case B | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case study | Legal aid | Reimbursement of expenses | ||||
When and under what conditions is it applicable? | When is full legal aid available? | Can the successful party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs? | If reimbursement is not comprehensive, what is the usual percentage of costs covered? | What costs may not be reimbursed? | Are there instances when legal aid must be reimbursed? | |
Case A | See section on legal aid. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. | Yes, the losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case B | See the section on legal aid. The decision on granting legal aid may take into account the cost of living in each party's country of residence. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. Citizens of EU Member States and citizens of non-EU States who reside legally in an EU Member State are eligible to receive legal aid under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens. | Yes, the losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | ||
When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | |
Case A | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
Case B | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
In this case study on family law – custody of the children, Member States were asked to advise the suing party on litigation costs on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:
Case A – National situation: Two persons have lived together unmarried for a number of years. They have a three year old child when they separate. A court decision grants custody of the child to the mother and a right of access to the father. The mother sues to limit the father’s right of access.
Case B – Transnational situation where you are a lawyer in Member State A: Two persons have lived together unmarried in a Member State (Member State B) for a number of years. They have a child together but separate immediately after the child’s birth. A court decision in Member State B gives the child’s custody to the mother with a right of access to the father. The mother and the child move to live in another Member State (Member State A) as authorized to do so by the Court decision and the father remains in Member State B. A few years later, the mother sues in Member State A to change the father’s right of access.
Case study | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | |
Is such an option available for this type of case? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes. If the parents cannot agree on how and when the right of access may be exercised, they may request mediation on child-welfare grounds. Mediation may also be requested during an enforcement procedure. Within two years of a court decision on the right of access becoming final, petitions for altering the decision may be lodged only with the same court, which retains the authority to decide. | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. |
Case B | Yes. If the parents cannot agree on how and when the right of access may be exercised, they may request mediation on child-welfare grounds. Mediation may also be requested during an enforcement procedure. If more than two years have passed since the conclusion of the divorce or the lawsuit for custody of the child, the guardianship office may approve the parents' agreement or, at their request, decide on the right of access. | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. |
Case study | Attorney | Bailiff | Expert | ||
Is legal representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is legal representation compulsory? | Must it be made use of? | Costs | |
Case A | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case B | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case study | Witness compensation | |
Are witnesses eligible for compensation? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case B | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case study | Legal aid | Reimbursement of expenses | ||||
When and under what conditions is it applicable? | When is full legal aid available? | Can the successful party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs? | If reimbursement is not comprehensive, what is the usual percentage of costs covered? | What costs may not be reimbursed? | Are there instances when legal aid must be reimbursed? | |
Case A | See the section on legal aid. Irrespective of their income or financial situation, the parties have a right to the deferral of payments – suspended payment of specific costs – in lawsuits on custody and transfer of a child or on the right of access, among others. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. | Yes, the losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case B | See the section on legal aid. Irrespective of their income or financial situation, the parties have a right to the deferral of payments – suspended payment of specific costs – in lawsuits on custody and transfer of a child or on the right of access, among others. The decision on granting legal aid may take into account the cost of living in each party's country of residence. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. Citizens of EU Member States and citizens of non-EU States who reside legally in an EU Member State are eligible to receive legal aid under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens. | Yes, the losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be required to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | ||
When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | |
Case A | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
Case B | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
In this case study on family law – alimony, Member States were asked to advise the suing party on litigation costs on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:
Case A – National situation: Two persons have lived together unmarried for a number of years. They have a three year old child when they separate. A court decision grants custody of the child to the mother. The only outstanding dispute relates to the amount of the alimony owed to the mother by the father for the support and education of the child. The mother sues on this.
Case B – Transnational situation where you are a lawyer in Member State A: Two persons have lived together unmarried in a Member State (State B). They have a three year old child. They separate. A court decision in Member State B gives the child’s custody to the mother. With the agreement of the father, the mother and the child move to live in another Member State (Member State A) where they establish their residence.
An outstanding dispute remains. This relates to the amount of the alimony owed to the mother by the father for the support and education of the child. The mother sues on this in Member State A.
Case study | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | |
Is such an option available for this type of case? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes, but the claim for alimony is enforceable only if it is formalised in an executory document (a court or public notary may add an enforcement clause to a document). | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case B | Yes, but the claim for maintenance is enforceable only if it is formalised in an executory document (a court or public notary may add an enforcement clause to a document). | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case study | Attorney | Bailiff | Expert | ||
Is legal representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is legal representation compulsory? | Must it be made use of? | Costs | |
Case A | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court may appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case B | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court may appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case study | Witness compensation | |
Are witnesses eligible for compensation? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case B | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case study | Legal aid | Reimbursement of expenses | ||||
When and under what conditions is it applicable? | When is full legal aid available? | Can the successful party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs? | If reimbursement is not comprehensive, what is the usual percentage of costs covered? | What costs may not be reimbursed? | Are there instances when legal aid must be reimbursed? | |
Case A | See the section on legal aid. Irrespective of their income or financial situation, parties have a right to the deferral of payments – suspended payment of specific costs – in lawsuits on statutory maintenance, including lawsuits for collecting alimony from entities disbursing the obliged party's allowances or from other third parties, cancelling maintenance or changing the amount paid, abating or restricting the executory collection of alimony, and proceedings for obtaining the personal details of the obliged party in transnational maintenance disputes. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. | Yes, the losing party shall be obliged to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case B | See the section on legal aid. Irrespective of their income or financial situation, parties have a right to the deferral of payments – suspended payment of specific costs – in lawsuits on statutory alimony. The decision on granting legal aid may take into account the cost of living in each party's country of residence. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. Legal assistance is free of charge within the framework of legal aid, below an income threshold equal to the minimum retirement pension. Citizens of EU Member States and citizens of non-EU States who reside legally in an EU Member State are eligible to receive legal aid under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens. | Yes, the losing party shall be obliged to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | ||
When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | |
Case A | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
Case B | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
In this case study on commercial law – contract, Member States were asked to advise the seller on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:
Case A – National situation: A company delivered goods worth 20.000 euros. The seller has not been paid because the buyer considers that the goods do not conform to what was agreed.
The seller decides to sue to obtain the full payment of the price.
Case B – Transnational situation: A company whose head office is located in Member State B delivers goods worth 20.000 euros to buyer in Member State A. The contract is subject to Member State B’s law and written in Member State B’s language. This seller has not been paid because the buyer located in Member State A considers that the goods do not conform to what was agreed. The seller decides to sue in Member State A to obtain full payment of the price as provided under the contract with the buyer.
Case study | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | |
Is such an option available for this type of case? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case B | Yes | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case study | Attorney | Bailiff | Expert | ||
Is legal representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is legal representation compulsory? | Must it be made use of? | Costs | |
Case A | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert generally determines his/her own fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case B | Yes. The general courts have jurisdiction to rule on claims relating to international agreements on the carriage and forwarding of goods (Section 23(1)(d) of Act III of 1952 on civil procedure), and legal representation is mandatory at all stages of lawsuits under the first instance jurisdiction of general courts, as well as during appeals, unless the case falls under an exclusion clause (Section 73/A(1)(b) of Act III of 1952). | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert determines his/her fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case study | Witness compensation | |
Are witnesses eligible for compensation? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case B | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case study | Legal aid |
When and under what conditions is it applicable? | |
Case A | Economic operators are not entitled to legal aid. |
Case B | Economic operators are not entitled to legal aid. |
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | ||
When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | |
Case A | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 – 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
Case B | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 – 12 000 per hour. The State bears or pays in advance the interpreter's fees in cases where interpreting is mandated by law. |
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.
In this case study on commercial law – responsibility, Member States were asked to advise the customer on litigation costs in order to consider the following situations:
Case A – National situation: A heating equipment manufacturer delivers a heater to an installer. The installer on-sells (and installs) the heater to a customer to equip his/her house. The house catches fire shortly thereafter. Every participant (heating equipment manufacturer, installer, end-customer) is insured. The origin of the fire is contested. Nobody wants to compensate the customer.
The customer decides to sue for full compensation the heating equipment manufacturer, the heating equipment installer and the insurance companies.
Case B – Transnational situation: A heating equipment manufacturer in a Member State B delivers heater to an installer in a Member State C. The installer on-sells the heater (and installs) the heater to a customer in Member State A to equip his/her house. The house catches fire shortly thereafter. Each participant (heating equipment manufacturer, installer, end-customer) is insured by an insurance company in its own Member State. The origin of the fire is contested. Nobody wants to compensate the customer.
The customer decides to sue in Member State A for full compensation the heating equipment manufacturer, the heating equipment installer and the insurance companies in Member State A.
Case study | Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) | |
Is such an option available for this type of case? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case B | Yes | As agreed by the parties and the mediator. Anyone involved in new or on-going proceedings may request mediation at the court, which is free of charge. |
Case study | Attorney | Bailiff | Expert | ||
Is legal representation compulsory? | Average costs | Is legal representation compulsory? | Must it be made use of? | Costs | |
Case A | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court shall appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert generally determines his/her own fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case B | No | As agreed by the client and the attorney. | No | No The court may appoint an expert at the request of the party providing evidence, except where it may initiate the taking of evidence ex officio. Either of the parties may also submit the opinions of private experts. | The expert generally determines his/her own fee. If the court orders the taking of evidence ex officio, the fee is established pursuant to the relevant legislation in force. |
Case study | Witness compensation | |
Are witnesses eligible for compensation? | Costs | |
Case A | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case B | Yes | Witness compensation is regulated by law. Witnesses are entitled to reimbursement of their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs, and compensation for their period of absence from work. |
Case study | Legal aid | Reimbursement of expenses | ||||
When and under what conditions is it applicable? | When is full legal aid available? | Can the successful party obtain reimbursement of litigation costs? | If reimbursement is not comprehensive, what is the usual percentage of costs covered? | What costs may not be reimbursed? | Are there instances when legal aid must be reimbursed? | |
Case A | See the section on legal aid. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. For more information, see the section on legal aid. | Yes. The losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case B | See the section on legal aid. | In cases where, based on information available at the time, the estimated legal costs are likely to render access to the court impossible for the applicant. For more information, see the section on legal aid. Foreign nationals bringing legal action may only benefit from legal aid pursuant to international agreements concluded by the Hungarian State or as a matter of reciprocity. Citizens of EU Member States and citizens of non-EU States who reside legally in an EU Member State are eligible to receive legal aid under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens. | Yes. The losing party must be ordered to reimburse the costs of the successful party, except where otherwise provided for by law, including where the law obliges another party to bear the costs irrespective of the court's decision. | In the event of partial success in a lawsuit, the amount to be reimbursed shall be commensurate with the successful part of the claim and the advance payments made by each party. The court may also order each party to bear its own costs. | In justified cases, the court may reduce attorneys' fees it deems unreasonably high. The parties may not be ordered to bear costs incurred due to (otherwise preventable) reasons attributable to the court. Reimbursement of legal costs to parties may not exceed the amount claimed by them. | Yes, if it is found that the party benefiting from legal aid was not eligible to receive it. The losing party must reimburse the appointed public attorney's fee, which was paid in advance by the State, directly to the State. The losing party must pay the administrator's fee, even if it is eligible for legal aid. |
Case study | Translation | Interpretation | ||
When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | When and under what conditions is it required? | Approximate cost | |
Case A | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. |
Case B | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The translator determines his/her fee. The fee is calculated based on the character count (approx. HUF 5 per character), the deadline and the source language. Translation costs incurred in connection with evidence provided and submissions made by parties entitled to use their native, regional or minority language during civil proceedings are paid in advance on their behalf by the State. These costs are subsequently governed by the provisions on the recovery of legal costs. | If a party does not speak or understand Hungarian. | The interpreter determines his/her fee. The hourly fee depends on the language used. Approximately HUF 10 000 to 12 000 per hour. |
The national language version of this page is maintained by the respective Member State. The translations have been done by the European Commission service. Possible changes introduced in the original by the competent national authority may not be yet reflected in the translations. The European Commission accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to any information or data contained or referred to in this document. Please refer to the legal notice to see copyright rules for the Member State responsible for this page.