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Hungarian citizens abroad: How to vote in 2026

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The elections in Hungary are expected to be held on Sunday the 12th of April 2026. If you are a Hungarian citizen and will be abroad on Election Day, here’s a quick explainer on how to vote.

Who can vote in Hungarian elections?

All Hungarian citizens, whether they live in Hungary or abroad, over the age of 18 can vote. 

The key distinction is that those who don’t have a registered address in Hungary (lakcím) can only vote for the national party list (not single member districts). You can read more about how Hungary’s electoral system works here.

How Hungarians living abroad can vote

  • If you do not have a registered address (lakcím) in Hungary: You can register as an external postal voter at magyarorszag.hu (go to the Elections drop down menu on the left). The registration deadline for inclusion on the external electoral roll is by the 25th day before election day. Your ballot is mailed to you, and you can return your vote by mail or return it physically at a Hungarian embassy or consulate.
  • If you have a registered address (lakcím) in Hungary: You are assigned to your Hungarian voting district and can vote for both a party list and an individual candidate. Keep in mind, if you are abroad, you can only cast your ballot in person at a Hungarian embassy or consulate (not by mail). You must register as an external voter at magyarorszag.hu (go to the Elections drop down menu on the left) at least 9 days before the election to be included on the external electoral roll.
  • If you are on holidays on Election Day: If you have a Hungarian address (lakcím), you can still vote at the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate but you must register to be included on the external electoral roll at least 9 days before the election at magyarorszag.hu (go to the Elections drop down menu on the left). If you don’t have a Hungarian address, you must already be registered as a postal voter (deadline 25 days before).

 

Important: If voting at an embassy or consulate, you need a valid Hungarian passport, Hungarian driver’s licence or  ID card (személyi igazolvány). Expired documents are not accepted.

If it’s your first time voting, how do you register to vote? What’s the deadline?

If it’s your first time voting (meaning you’re not already on the voter register) as an external voter, go to www.valasztas.hu/web/national-election-office/voters-applications to register. You must do this at least 25 days before an election. You may also need to follow the additional steps if you are abroad listed above.

What address will my mail ballot be sent to?

If you live outside of Hungary and do not have a registered Hungarian address (lakcím) you get to vote by mail. When you register as an external voter at magyarorszag.hu, you must provide a mailing address. Your ballot package will be sent to that foreign address (or, if you prefer, you can choose to collect it in person at a Hungarian embassy or consulate).

Where are Hungarian embassies and consulates located in my area?

You can find your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate here: www.konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu/en/embassies#hungarian-embassies-abroad

If you have questions about registering to vote or how to vote contact them early to make sure you are sorted in time.

Is voting compulsory in Hungary?

No, voting is not compulsory in Hungary which means turning out the vote is a critical part of the campaign. I write about my personal view on whether you should vote if you don’t live in Hungary here.

(Note: This article is for general informational purposes. Please contact your embassy/consulate or follow information on official government websites for accurate information as it pertains to your individual circumstances.)

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