One of the most common concerns for foreign property owners in Budapest is the permit process. The good news: for most renovation work, the process is simpler than you might expect. The bad news: it's entirely in Hungarian and requires local expertise.
Two types of procedure: notification vs permit
Hungarian building law distinguishes between works that require only prior notification (egyszerű bejelentés) and works that require a full building permit (építési engedély). The notification process is faster (10–15 days) and less demanding; the full permit takes 60 business days from a complete application.
What requires only prior notification
- Full interior renovation of an apartment (not affecting structure or façade)
- Replacement of windows and doors (without changing openings)
- New internal partitions (non-structural)
- Complete replacement of all installations (electrical, plumbing, heating)
What requires a full building permit
- Any structural works (beams, columns, load-bearing walls)
- Changes to the external appearance or façade
- Extensions or additions
- New construction
- Change of use
"In practice, the vast majority of apartment renovations in Budapest only require prior notification, not a full building permit. This makes the process manageable within a normal renovation timeline."
How Constroleum handles permits
Constroleum manages the entire permit process on behalf of the client. We determine which procedure applies, prepare all required documentation, submit the application and liaise with the authorities. The client does not need to speak Hungarian or appear in person at any stage.
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