Székhely
Registered address (Hungary)
- What it is
- A company’s registered address in Hungary — its official seat
- Why it is needed
- Without it the company will not be registered; official correspondence is sent there
- Who provides it
- The company’s own premises or a specialist registered address provider
- What matters
- The provider must ensure documents are kept and mail is received
- Not to be confused with
- A registered address is not the same as a real office and presence
In plain words
Székhely is the Hungarian term for a company’s registered address, its official seat. It is mandatory for registration: a company without an address is not entered in the register. It is to this address that state bodies send official correspondence, and under the rules corporate documents must be kept there.
The address is provided in one of two ways: the company’s own or rented premises, or a specialist provider offering a registered address service. The provider must receive correspondence, keep documents and deal with the authorities. When choosing such a service, look at reliability: a lost notice turns into late filing and penalties.
The important distinction is the same as in other jurisdictions: a registered address does not equal real economic substance. For a bank account, tax matters and business immigration routes, actual activity is assessed — staff, premises, the place where decisions are taken. The address satisfies a formal requirement but does not replace substance.
When it is needed
What to check
- Own or from a provider
- Entry in the register
- Change if needed
- Reliability and experience
- Receiving correspondence
- Speed of forwarding letters
- Keeping corporate documents
- Access for the authorities
- Service agreement
- Not the same as a real office
- The bank’s requirements
- Programme requirements
How it works
- 01Choose an address or provider
- 02Sign the contract
- 03Enter the address in the register
- 04Receive correspondence
- 05Keep it up to date
What you need to know
- Without a registered address the company will not be registered
- Official correspondence arrives at the address
- The provider must ensure documents are kept
- An address does not evidence real presence
- A change of address must be entered in the register
Common mistakes
- Choosing a provider on price alone
- Not paying for the service and losing correspondence
- Treating a registered address as proof of presence
- Not updating your contact details with the provider
- Ignoring letters arriving at the address
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We pay attention to such details: all of a company’s official correspondence goes through the registered address. An unreliable provider is a typical cause of sudden late filings and penalties that the owner learns about last.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is a székhely?
The Hungarian term for a company’s registered address — its official seat as shown in the register.
02 /Is it mandatory?
Yes, without a registered address a company will not be registered or maintained on the register.
03 /Can the provider’s address be used?
Yes, it is common practice. The provider must receive correspondence and keep documents.
04 /Is it the same as an office?
No. A registered address is a formal requirement. Real presence is assessed by staff, activity and the place where decisions are taken.
05 /What if the service is not paid for?
The provider will stop the service, correspondence will stop arriving, and the company risks falling behind on its formalities.
06 /Is an address enough for the bank?
Usually not. The bank looks at the company’s real activity, not just a line in the register.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
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