Hungary's 9-digit social security number — required for healthcare, social insurance contributions, and access to the public health system in Hungary.
The TAJ szám (Társadalombiztosítási Azonosító Jel) is Hungary's 9-digit social security number, administered by the National Health Insurance Fund (Nemzeti Egészségbiztosítási Alapkezelő — NEAK). Every Hungarian resident who is registered with the social insurance system has a TAJ szám. It appears on the TAJ kártya (social security card) — a white card that serves as proof of entitlement to Hungarian public health services.
For EU/EEA nationals working or residing in Hungary, the TAJ szám is obtained through the local government office (Kormányablak) after registering residency and commencing contributions to the Hungarian social insurance system. Employees who are registered for Hungarian social insurance through their employer receive a TAJ szám as part of the employment registration process. Self-employed persons (egyéni vállalkozók) apply directly through the NAV and Kormányablak system.
The TAJ szám is essential for accessing Hungarian public healthcare — without it, you pay privately for medical services or rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency treatment. Long-term residents should obtain a TAJ szám and register with a local GP (háziorvos) to access the full range of Hungarian public health services, including specialist referrals and subsidised medications.
Non-EU nationals with a valid Hungarian residence permit (tartózkodási engedély) who pay Hungarian social insurance contributions also receive a TAJ szám. Third-country nationals on certain visa types (such as the White Card for digital nomads or the Hungarian Guest Worker scheme) have specific health contribution requirements. Your immigration lawyer can advise on the healthcare entitlements associated with your specific permit type.
The TAJ szám is not used for property transactions or tax purposes — those use the adószám. However, as an expat building long-term ties in Hungary, obtaining both an adószám (for tax) and a TAJ szám (for healthcare) early in your residency avoids gaps in public service access and demonstrates registered residency status.
Register your residency at the local Kormányablak with your EU passport/ID and proof of address. If employed, your employer registers you for social insurance and the TAJ szám is issued. If self-employed, register as an egyéni vállalkozó and apply for TAJ registration through NAV and NEAK. The TAJ kártya is typically issued within a few weeks.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency and medically necessary treatment in Hungary for temporary stays. For long-term residents or workers, the EHIC does not replace Hungarian social insurance registration — you should obtain a TAJ szám to access the full range of Hungarian public health services without additional charges.
No. The TAJ szám is your social security number for healthcare and pension insurance. The adószám is your tax identification number for income tax, VAT, and property transactions. Both are required by expats establishing residency in Hungary, but they are separate numbers administered by different authorities (NEAK vs. NAV).
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