Age of majority in Hungary (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: In Hungary a person is a minor until 18 and can become an adult earlier by marriage. Marriage of a minor needs the guardianship authority's permission, which may be given from 16. The minimum age of criminal responsibility is 14, or 12 for certain serious offences.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Age of majorityLegal adulthood | A minor is a person who has not completed the 18th year of age, so adulthood begins at 18. A minor becomes an adult by marriage, and keeps that status when the marriage ends. [1] |
| Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthood | Every adult Hungarian citizen has the right to vote in elections of Members of Parliament. A person is an adult from 18, or earlier through marriage (Civil Code 2:10 §). [2] |
| Minimum age to marryLegal adulthood | The marriage of a minor is invalid if entered into without the prior permission of the guardianship authority. The authority may permit marriage for a minor with limited legal capacity who has completed the 16th year, in the cases set by decree. [1] |
| Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthood | A person who had not completed the 14th year of age when the act was committed is not punishable. Exception: for certain serious offences (such as homicide, robbery and terrorism) a child who was 12 or older and understood the consequences can be punished. [3] |
Sources
- Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Magyar Közlöny Lap- és Könyvkiadó): 2013. évi V. törvény a Polgári Törvénykönyvről (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Magyar Közlöny Lap- és Könyvkiadó): Magyarország Alaptörvénye (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Nemzeti Jogszabálytár (Magyar Közlöny Lap- és Könyvkiadó): 2012. évi C. törvény a Büntető Törvénykönyvről (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.