Digitalisation in the legal sector has undergone remarkable development in recent years. Today, personal presence is no longer required for attorney countersigning – under certain conditions. Through remote identification and remote countersigning, clients can make valid legal declarations from anywhere in the world, whether the matter concerns a real estate sale, gift agreement, company formation, corporate amendment or any other document requiring attorney countersigning.
At Herdon Law Firm, particularly in our real estate and corporate law practice areas, we use these modern procedures on a daily basis, offering our clients a safe, fast and cost-efficient alternative to in-person signing.
What is Remote Identification?
Client identification does not require physical presence.
Act LXXVIII of 2017 on Attorneys (Üttv.) does not prescribe a face-to-face meeting.
However, under the AML rules (Pmt.), remote identification is only permitted through audited electronic communication platforms that support secure audio and video recording. The Hungarian Bar Association has therefore issued a detailed list of approved platforms.
Approved platforms include:
Microsoft Teams
Google Meet (with recording function)
Zoom (with end-to-end encryption)
Cisco Webex
During remote identification, the client presents their identification documents (ID card, address card) clearly and with proper lighting. The attorney must record the call and store it for the mandatory retention period.
What is Remote Countersigning?
Remote countersigning means that the client makes their statement during a video call, and the attorney countersigns the document afterwards. This is valid even if the parties have never met in person, provided that identification has already taken place (either earlier or during the same call).
Remote Signature vs. Remote Acknowledgement
In practice, two methods exist:
Remote Signature
The client signs the document in front of the camera.
Remote Acknowledgement
The client confirms during the video call that the previously signed document contains their own signature.
For legal certainty, attorneys typically prefer remote acknowledgement, as it ensures a clear match between the signed document and the recorded video.
How Remote Countersigning Works – Our Procedure
1. Document Drafting and Review
We thoroughly discuss and finalise the content with the Client.
2. Sending the Final Version
The final document is sent to the Client by e-mail.
3. Signing the Document
The Client prints and signs the required copies.
If printing is not possible, we send the document pack by post.
4. Sending the Signed Originals to Us
The Client returns the documents by post or courier.
5. Video Call – Remote Identification & Acknowledgement
A short (approx. 10-minute) video call via Teams or Zoom, during which:
the Client presents their ID documents,
acknowledges their signature,
confirms that the agreement reflects their true intent.
The call is recorded as required by law.
6. Countersigning and Submission
We countersign the documents and either:
submit them to the Land Registry or Company Registry, or
return the countersigned copies to the Client.
Are Apostille or Consular Authentication Required If Signed Abroad?
No.
The Üttv. clearly states that an attorney-countersigned document constitutes full-probative-value evidence. For real estate registration or company filings no Apostille or consular authentication is required.
This is a major advantage for clients staying abroad.
When is Remote Countersigning Recommended?
Real Estate Law
sale and purchase agreements
gift agreements
exchange agreements
easements, usufruct, land use rights
options (call/put options, repurchase rights)
security arrangements (mortgage, prohibition of alienation/encumbrance)
in-kind contributions (as part of corporate transactions)
Corporate Law
company formation and corporate amendments
modification of articles of association
change of managing director
change of registered seat
capital increase or decrease
registering a branch or business site
Other Areas
Any matter where countersigning is required by law or by the Client.
Timing and Costs
The procedure is fast: the video call takes around 10 minutes, and remote signing often speeds up the entire case by several days.
Typical Additional Costs
postage and printing: HUF 5,000 – 10,000
Compared to traditional in-person signing, this is only a fraction of:
flight tickets
lost working hours
travel logistics
Our attorney’s fee is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Remote signing is not automatically subject to extra fees.
Practical Example
A Client living in Turkey was unable to travel to Hungary for a time-sensitive corporate matter.
Thanks to remote countersigning, the entire procedure was completed within 48 hours, avoiding hundreds of thousands of forints in travel costs.
How We Can Assist You with Remote Countersigning
Online Contract Signing via Video Call
Fast and secure remote identification, acknowledgement and attorney countersigning – without personal presence.
Remote Real Estate Transactions
We manage the full process online: contract drafting, signing, countersigning and Land Registry filing.
Company Formation and Amendments from Abroad
Full service for Kft., Bt., Zrt. matters even if the managing director or owner is not in Hungary.
Remote Signing of Civil Law Contracts
Lease agreements, service contracts, construction agreements and other civil contracts can be signed remotely.
English-Language Remote Countersigning
Full English-speaking legal support for foreign clients, even across different time zones.
Request an Offer!
If you choose to place your trust in our Law Firm, you may request a personalised quote via the contact details available under the “Contact” menu or by submitting the form below.
Requesting an offer is free of charge and does not create any payment obligation.
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