This page offers you information about the costs of justice in Hungary.
Family law – custody of children
The amount of the bailiff’s fee depends on the purpose of the enforcement order issued (whether it is to collect a debt or enforce a specific action). If the enforcement involves the collection of a debt, the bailiff’s fee is proportional to the amount of the debt to be collected. Thus the larger the claim involved in the enforcement, the higher the fee paid to the bailiff. If the duty involves the enforcement of a specific action, the fee depends on how long this takes.
The Hungarian word for a person practising law, ‘ügyvéd’, covers attorneys, advocates, solicitors, lawyers and barristers. As a general rule, an attorney’s fee is set by agreement between the client and the attorney. If no fee is agreement between the client and the attorney for undertaking the case or if the client so requests, the amount of the fee for representation is decided by the court in accordance with the law. If the case is won, the fee due to the attorney under the agreement between the client and the attorney cannot necessarily be claimed in full against the losing party. The court hearing the case may reduce the remuneration of the legal representative within a claim for legal costs which it considers excessive. In this case, the court determines the attorney’s fee on the basis of the statutory provisions. The amount of the attorney’s fee set by the court is adjusted to the value of the claim. The parties may ask the court to apply the statutory fee if they do not want the agreement to become public.
Statutory costs of litigants in civil proceedings
Unless the law provides otherwise, the basis for any fee (illeték) in civil proceedings is the value of the claim at the time the proceedings are brought and, in appeal proceedings, the value of the claim or part of the claim in dispute.
If the value of the claim cannot be established, the basis for calculating the fee in proceedings before a district court (járásbíróság) is HUF 350 000 in contentious proceedings and HUF 200 000 in non-contentious proceedings. In first-instance proceedings before a regional court (törvényszék), the basis is HUF 600 000 in contentious proceedings and HUF 350 000 in non-contentious proceedings. In appeal proceedings, the basis is HUF 300 000 in contentious proceedings and HUF 170 000 in non-contentious proceedings. In appeal proceedings before the court of appeal (ítélőtábla), the basis is HUF 600 000 in contentious proceedings and HUF 300 000 in non-contentious proceedings. Before the Curia of Hungary (Kúria), the basis is HUF 500 000 in appeal proceedings and HUF 700 000 in review proceedings.
In first-instance proceedings, the amount of the fee in contentious proceedings is 6% of the basis for the fee defined above, but at least HUF 15 000 and no more than HUF 1 500 000. In non-contentious first-instance proceedings, the amount of the fee is 3% of the basis for the fee, but at least HUF 5 000 and no more than HUF 250 000. In certain non-contentious proceedings specified by law, the amount of the fee is different, e.g. in the case of opposition to a court injunction it is 3%, but at least HUF 5 000 and no more than HUF 750 000.
In addition to the above, the law provides for fees in specific cases:
For submitting an application for the issuing of an order for payment (fizetési meghagyás) to the Hungarian Chamber of Civil Notaries (Magyar Országos Közjegyzői Kamara), the statutory fee must be paid to cover the operating costs of the Chamber’s system, and the fees and expenses of notaries (‘the procedural fee’). The procedural fee is based on the value of the monetary claim at the time the procedure is brought, calculated exclusive of ancillary costs (‘the fee basis’); the interest due on and enforced together with a monetary claim is not to be included in the fee basis even if, at the same time as the initial claim for interest, the claimant also enforces an additional claim for interest on the interest claimed. Interest and other ancillary costs enforced separately are included in the fee basis.
Amount of the procedural fee based on the fee basis: a) 3%, but at least HUF 5 000 and no more than HUF 300 000, in the main procedure, unless otherwise stated below; b) 1%, but at least HUF 5 000 and no more than HUF 15 000, in a procedure initiated for deferment of payment or payment by instalments; c) 1%, but at least HUF 5 000 and no more than HUF 15 000, in a procedure initiated for deferment of payment or payment by instalments of a fine imposed.
Stage of civil proceedings where statutory costs must be paid
In civil proceedings, the obligation to pay court fees arises when the action is brought. The procedural fees must therefore be paid at the time of bringing the action. If the party does not pay the court fees, or pays less than is required by law, the court must ask the party to pay the remaining court fees when the application is lodged. The court must also inform the party that the application will be rejected if the court fees are not paid in full.
The attorney’s fee is paid based on the agreement between the client and the attorney. Part of the bailiff’s fee must be paid in advance at the beginning of the enforcement proceedings.
Statutory costs of the parties in criminal proceedings
In the case of proceedings based solely on private prosecution (magánvádas eljárás):
If a civil claim is brought within criminal proceedings, the only fees payable are for filing the application and the appeal. These fees are to be paid in addition to those for criminal proceedings, in accordance with the rules on fees applicable to civil proceedings.
Stage of criminal proceedings where statutory costs must be paid
These must be paid on the initiating document at the start of the proceedings.
Statutory costs in constitutional proceedings
Under Section 54(1) of Act CLI of 2011 on the Constitutional Court (Alkotmánybíróságról szóló 2011. évi CLI. törvény), proceedings before the Constitutional Court (Alkotmánybíróság) are free of charge, and any costs incurred in the course of such proceedings are borne by the petitioner.
However, an applicant who does not act in good faith when submitting a petition may have to pay costs and/or may be subject to a procedural fine of between HUF 20 000 and HUF 500 000.
When practising their profession, attorneys help their clients to assert their rights and fulfil their obligations by the means and in the manner provided for by law. Legal advisers (jogtanácsos) also help assert the rights of the organisations they represent.
This obligation includes providing the necessary information about rights and obligations, the chances of success and the foreseeable costs of proceedings.
Information on cost sources is available on the website of the European Judicial Network:
The website of the Budapest Bar Association (Budapesti Ügyvédi Kamara) also provides information on attorneys’ fees.
In what languages can I obtain information on cost sources in Hungary?
Information on cost sources is available on the website of the European Judicial Network. Here you can find the relevant information in every official language of the European Union.
The website of the Budapest Bar Association provides information on costs in Hungarian only.
Information on mediation may be found on the following websites:
You can find additional information on 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 Hungary.
Other links:
Information on statistical tables is available in Hungarian only.
The costs indicated above for attorneys are net costs to which VAT must be added.
The general VAT rate in Hungary was 20% of the tax base until 1 July 2009, when it was increased to 25% and then to 27%.
There are two minimum thresholds:
Legal assistance payments can be made in advance.
In criminal proceedings, a suspect or accused person may receive free legal representation on the basis of the income thresholds applied in civil proceedings.
If the applicant for aid has been found in separate proceedings to be a victim of crime and is entitled to receive victim support services, the fee for the legal service is borne by the State on behalf of the party provided the person’s net disposable monthly income does not exceed 86% of the average gross monthly earnings of the national economy, as published by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, in the second year preceding the reference year (about HUF 231 000 in 2013), i.e. HUF 198 660. (Section 9/A of Act LXXX of 2003 on legal aid)
Legal assistance for victims includes legal representation.
Besides the set income thresholds, the victim must fulfil two other conditions:
Other conditions for granting legal aid to defendants
There are no other conditions for granting legal aid to defendants.
No fees or reduced fees are charged in the following civil cases:
No fees are charged in the following criminal cases:
Fee exemption may be granted due to personal circumstances (személyes illetékmentesség) as well as the subject matter of the proceedings (tárgyi illetékmentesség).
Personal exemption is granted, inter alia, to associations, public bodies, churches, associations of churches, ecclesiastical institutions, foundations, public foundations, non-profit companies with public benefit or priority public benefit status, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the European Communities and their institutions, bodies, agencies and separate funds.
When does the losing party have to pay the winning party’s costs?
The losing party must pay the winning party’s costs if required to do so within a period of 30 days by the court in its final decision. The losing party must pay the costs directly to the winning party. If the costs are not paid, enforcement proceedings may be brought against the losing party.
Experts’ fees
Experts’ fees are usually paid by the losing party, but these are borne by the State in specific cases where it has a duty to pay costs. When costs are advanced by the State, these include experts’ fees. Experts may charge as costs the necessary and justified expenses incurred in the preparation of their opinion. Forensic experts, forensic services and special advisers are granted a flat-rate amount to cover costs that are not supported by an invoice but are necessarily incurred, such as post, telephone and office supplies. The flat-rate amount is 35% of the expert’s fee, but no more than HUF 100 000.
The expert may request an advance of up to 50% of the expected costs, but no more than HUF 150 000.
Translators’ and interpreters’ fees
Translators’ and interpreters’ fees are usually paid by the losing party, but these are borne by the State in specific cases where it has a duty to pay costs. When costs are advanced by the State, these include such fees.
Website of the Budapest Bar Association
Hungary Report of the Study on the Transparency of Costs (533 Kb)
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.