Importing Personal Effects into Hungary: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Hungary Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods – returning Hungarians or EU citizens or citizens of EEA country (European Economic Area - EEA – country, currently: Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland)

• Copy of inventory list in English.
• Copy of list of electric items
• Inventory list in Hungarian (your local FIDI agent will arrange the translation). Original hardcopy signed out by the shipper is required.
• Copy of passport.
• Power of attorney (authorisation to clear the shipment given by the client to the agent) – original hardcopy required.
• Declaration from the shipper on changing the residence and that he/she has possessed the HHG for more than six months. Original hardcopy required.
• Value declaration from shipper stating the customs value of the imported items. Original hardcopy required. Employment certificate – declaration from the employer at origin indicating shipper’s name, job title, employment period with starting and termination dates and full residence address at origin - original hardcopy required. Documents which prove that shipper has lived outside of EU for more than 12 months before moving to Hungary (copy of residence permit from origin country, visa copy, copy of utility bills for the last 12 months of residence, copy of lease/purchasing contract, copies of flight
• tickets/boarding pass to Hungary). Customs has the right to request other supporting documents.
• Document issued by the respective authority and proving the deregistration from the origin country (tax authority, medical insurance authority, lease contract termination, property purchase contract, etc.)
• If the shipper is relocation with family and/or children then the following documents are requested:
• marriage certificate wife/husband’s visa/residence permit from the origin country
• passport copy
• child/children’s visa/residence permit from the origin country,
• passport copy
• birth certificate
• statement about the family.
• GDPR declaration.
• Copy of Hungarian residence permit/EGT card.
• Copy of the Hungarian address card (from the family members, too)
• Copy of the Hungarian TAX card (from the family members, too)
• EORI (VPID) number
• Copy of lease contract in Hungary
• Letter from the employer in Hungary
• Certificate of school attendance (if the customer has child/children and they attend school).

• Duty free, subject to re-exportation.
• Customs clearance in Hungary is for indefinite period.
• Customs accepts supporting documents in English, French German or Hungarian.
• No alcohol and food.

• Number of shipments is not limited.
• Duty free import customs clearance is possible only within 12 months from the relocation date (issue date of residence permit).
• All required documents must be approved by Customs prior to the arrival of shipment to Hungary.
• Effective 21.01.2024 all shipments are subject of physical inspection at the relevant customs office based on the Hungarian registered address of the shipper. Due to this exact information can be given once the Hungarian address card/accommodation report or lease contract of the shipper is available. Customs has the right to ask additional documents supporting the duty free entry of the shipment. In some cases shipper should be presented in person at the time of the clearance.

Removal goods non-EU citizens or citizens of EEA country (European Economic Area - EEA – country, currently: Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland)

• Import with duty payment.

• Duty will be calculated by Customs based on the content, weight and customs value of the shipment
• No Alcohol and Food.

• Contact your relocation agent for further details.

Diplomatic shipment

• Copy of diplomatic passport or Hungarian diplomatic card.
• Duty free request form issued by the receiving Embassy in Hungary with apostil from the Protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• VPID number.
• Copy of inventory list in English.
• Inventory list in Hungarian (Your local FIDI agent will arrange the translation). Original hardcopy signed out by the shipper with apostil from the Protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required.
• Power of attorney (authorisation to clear the shipment given by the client to the agent) – original hardcopy required.
• Value declaration from shipper stating the customs value of the imported items. Original hardcopy required.
• GDPR declaration

• Duty free for all imported shipments.
• No Alcohol and Food.

• All required documents must be approved by Customs prior to the arrival of shipment to Hungary.

Vehicles of returning Hungarians or EU citizens or citizens of EEA country (European Economic Area - EEA – country, currently: Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland)

• Copy of passport.
• Employment certificate – declaration from the employer at origin indicating shipper’s name, job title, employment period with starting and termination dates and full residence address at origin - original hardcopy required.
• Documents which prove that shipper has
• lived outside of EU for more than 12 months before moving to Hungary (copy of residence permit from origin country, visa copy, copy of utility bills for the last 12 months of residence, copy of lease/purchasing contract, copies of flight tickets/boarding pass to Hungary). Customs has the right to request other supporting documents.
• Document issued by the respective authority and proving the deregistration from the origin country (tax authority, medical insurance authority, lease contract termination, property purchase contract, etc.).
• If the shipper is relocation with family and/or children then the following documents are requested: marriage certificate, wife/husband’s visa/residence permit from the origin country, passport copy, child/children’s visa/residence permit from the origin country, passport copy, birth certificate, statement about the family.
• Certificate of school attendance (if the customer has child/children and they attend school).
• Letter from the employer in Hungary
• Registration certificate of the vehicle – original hardcopy.
• Invoice or purchasing contract – original hardcopy
• Value declaration from shipper stating the value of the imported vehicle. Original hardcopy required.
• Power of attorney (authorization given by the client to the customs agent) – original hardcopy required.
• Declaration from the shipper on changing the residence. Original required.
• Declaration from the shipper that he/she has possessed the vehicle for more than six months. Original hardcopy required.
• Photos from the 4 sides of the vehicle, the speed meter and serial number.
• GDPR declaration.

• U.S. made cars may need technical modification.

• Effective 21.01.2024 all shipments are subject of physical inspection at the relevant customs office based on the Hungarian registered address of the shipper. Due to this exact information can be given once the Hungarian address card/accommodation report or lease contract of the shipper is available. Customs has the right to ask
• additional documents supporting the duty free entry of the shipment. In some cases shipper should be presented in person at the time of the clearance.
• The shipper should own the car for at least 6 months before moving to Hungary.
• After customs clearance the car has to be checked at ‘Technical Test Station”. Only cars that meet the European standards can pass technical test.

Vehicles of non-EU citizens or citizens of EEA country (European Economic Area - EEA – country, currently: Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland)

• Import with duty payment.

• Duty will be calculated by Customs.

• Contact your relocation agent for further details.

Tobacco

• Maximum quantity allowed to be imported:
• 500 cigarettes.
• 50 cigars or 500 gr. tobacco.

Medicine

• Imported duty-free with the general practitioner’s written confirmation that the kind and quantity of the medicine is necessary to the treatment of the client.

Plants and vegetable products

• Same as for Removal Goods.
• Phytosanitary certificate. Please, contact your local FIDI agent for more details when planning to move plants.

Dogs, cats, birds

• As for Removal Goods.
• Veterinary certificate. Please, contact your local FIDI agent for more details when planning to move animals.

Prohibited Items

• Weapons and explosives
• Alcohol
• Foodstuff
• Drugs and narcotics.
• Pornographic or obscene material
• Radio transmitters

Exporting Personal Effects from Hungary: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Hungary Export Guide (PDF)

Household Goods

• Documents to be provided by the shipper:
• Value declaration
• Power of attorney to local agent
• Power of attorney for the Tax office - original hardcopy.
• Copy of Hungarian address card or Hungarian address statement
• Copy of Hungarian tax card
• Passport copy
• GDPR

• Where requested the official registered address in Hungary needs to be indicated.
• There is export custom clearance for all shipments leaving the EU.

Vehicles

• Contact your local agent for more information.

Paintings

• Liable to export permit.

Hungary Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Hungary Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Bill of lading (BL), express release, or air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed packing list
• Detailed inventory in English, dated, valued, and signed by the owner
• Resident permit, work permit, registration card, or Hungarian ID
• Proof of living abroad for a minimum of 1 year outside the European Union (company confirmation, utility bills, etc.)
• Bank guarantee, if applicable (see below)
• Owner's contact details in Hungary

Specific Information

EU member state: Hungary joined the EU in 2004. Import regulations differ significantly depending on whether goods are arriving from within the EU or from a non-EU country.

Bank guarantee: If the resident permit is valid for less than 1 year, a bank guarantee is required covering the amount of the duty and other applicable shipment costs. The guarantee is released once the residency requirement is satisfied.

Resale prohibition: Imported goods cannot be sold or leased. This is a standard EU transfer-of-residence provision.

EORI number: An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number may be required for customs clearance of non-EU shipments. The destination agent can assist with registration if needed.

EU Common External Tariff: Hungary applies the EU's common external tariff, with an average rate of approximately 3.6%. Tariff assessment takes place at the first port of entry into the EU, but Hungary collects VAT on all goods with Hungary as their final destination.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials from non-EU origins must comply with ISPM 15 standards.

Intra-EU moves: Household goods moving from another EU member state to Hungary are not subject to customs duties or import formalities. Standard transport documentation applies.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions (non-EU origin): Used household goods may be imported duty-free by non-citizens who hold a valid Hungarian resident permit, provided they can demonstrate at least 1 year of residence outside the EU.

VAT: Hungary's standard VAT rate is 27% (one of the highest in the EU). This applies to non-exempt imports. Reduced rates of 18% and 5% apply to specific categories of goods.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Explosive materials
• Pornographic material
• Meat and milk products from non-EU countries (with limited exceptions noted above)
• Species and products protected under CITES (e.g., ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests) without permits CITES
• Counterfeit goods

Intra-EU guideline quantities (no formal limits, but customs may question quantities above):

• 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos (max 3g each), 200 cigars, 1 kg smoking tobacco
• 10 litres spirits over 22%, 20 litres under 22%, 90 litres wine (max 60 litres sparkling), 110 litres beer

Non-EU duty-free personal allowances (passengers aged 17+):

• 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco
• 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres under 22%
• 4 litres of still wine
• 16 litres of beer

Alcohol in household goods shipments: Alcohol and spirits should be shipped separately from personal effects and are subject to tax. This applies to both intra-EU and non-EU shipments.

Currency declaration: No restrictions on currency from EU countries. Currency exceeding EUR 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared when traveling from outside the EU.

Other restricted items:

• Firearms and ammunition (authorization from the territorial administration required) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior required) PERMIT REQUIRED
• Medication (prescription medicines should be accompanied by a doctor's letter/prescription)
• Meat and milk products from non-EU countries (prohibited, with limited exceptions for products from Andorra, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and small amounts of specific products from other countries)
• Coats, fur, and leather products made from protected animals (special authorization required) CITES
• Fish (max 20 kg, must be disembowelled)
• Powdered baby milk, baby food, and special medical food (including pet food) are permitted if they do not require refrigeration, are branded packaged products, and the package is unopened

Special Categories

• Not having the microchip implanted before (or at the same time as) the rabies vaccination
• Attempting to bring unvaccinated puppies/kittens (not permitted from any origin)
• Not waiting the required 21 days (EU/listed countries) or 90 days (unlisted countries, after titer test) before travel
• Using an EU Pet Passport when traveling from the UK (UK residents should use an AHC)
• Failing to register the transport in TRACES for commercial shipments
• Transiting through an unlisted country without a Transit Declaration

• Tobacco allowance in household goods: The IAM guide (2016) lists duty-free limits within household goods as 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, 500g tobacco. VisaHQ lists the non-EU passenger allowance as 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, 250g tobacco. The tobacco quantity differs (500g vs 250g). The IAM figure may reflect a specific household goods exemption rather than the passenger allowance. The 250g figure aligns with standard EU non-EU passenger allowances. Confirm with the destination agent.
• VAT rate: The IAM guide (2016) states 27% VAT on vehicles. Trade.gov (updated February 2026) confirms 27% as the standard rate, with reduced rates of 18% and 5% for specific categories. The vehicle registration tax is separate from VAT and depends on environmental class.
• Pet identification: The IAM guide (2016) states pets must be identifiable through tattoo or electronic identification. PetTravel (2026) confirms that tattoos are still acceptable but only if applied before July 3, 2011 and with continuous rabies vaccination history. Microchip is the de facto standard.

• Specific vehicle registration tax rates by environmental class could not be verified against a current Hungarian government source because the NAV English site and transport authority site were both unreachable (503). The destination agent should provide current rates.
• The bank guarantee amount and process for short-term resident permits (from the 2016 IAM guide) could not be independently verified against a current source. The requirement itself is consistent with EU transfer-of-residence rules.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air, sea, and road shipments.

Intra-EU vs. non-EU: The key distinction for Hungary is whether the shipment originates from within or outside the EU. Intra-EU moves are essentially free of customs formalities. Non-EU moves require full customs clearance, duty assessment, and potentially a bank guarantee.

Residency documentation: Ensure the resident permit, work permit, or registration card is in hand before the shipment arrives. The bank guarantee requirement for short-term permits can be a significant additional cost.

Valued inventory: The inventory must be detailed, in English, dated, valued, and signed by the owner. Values should be realistic depreciated values for customs assessment purposes.

Ports of entry: Sea cargo entering from non-EU origins typically arrives via northern European ports (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven) and is transported overland to Hungary. Air cargo clears through Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Road shipments from non-EU countries enter through Hungary's eastern and southern border crossings.

Clearance timing: Allow additional time for non-EU shipments requiring bank guarantees or when the residency permit has not yet been finalized.