There are a total of 23 districts in Budapest. Józsefváros is the name of the 8th district of Budapest. Our district stretches from the Múzeum körút to the Hungária körút (West to East), and from the Rákóczi út to the Üllői út (North to South).

Józsefváros has around 70,000 residents with at least 15% of the district’s population not being born in Hungary. This makes our district the most multicultural in Budapest in terms of religion, ethnicity, nationality and languages – something we are very proud of.

Website of Józsefváros Municipality: jozsefvaros.hu 

• By clicking on the Google Translate icon in the top right corner of the screen, you can translate the content into many languages.
• You can find selected news and quality  English translations of useful information at jozsefvaros.hu/english 

English newsletter – subscribe to our English language newsletter to stay up-to-date with news and events in the 8th District: jozsefvaros.hu/go/newsletter 

English information on posters and flyers – At the Józsefváros Municipality, we strive to share information through as many channels as possible with those who do not speak Hungarian. We usually place posters on the fences of district parks, playgrounds, and dog runs, and distribute flyers in local restaurants and cafés. We place this logo on Hungarian-language posters to indicate that they include a brief English description of what the poster is about. Look for the logo to stay informed about what’s happening in the district!

Facebook community – look for our upcoming English-language group Foreigners in the 8th District of Budapest (Józsefváros), launching soon.

Members of Parliament (Országgyűlési képviselők)

In Hungary, decisions on national and sometimes local issues are made by the Hungarian national Parliament (országgyűlés), whose members are elected from different parts of the country. Members of Parliament (országgyűlési képviselők) are chosen through direct national elections. The 8th District has two Members of Parliament, these are:

Antal Csárdi
csardiantal.hu
facebook.com/csardiantal
csardi.antal@lehetmas.hu 

András Jámbor
jamborandras.hu
facebook.com/jamborandrasoldala
jambor.andras@parlament.hu 

The next national parliamentary election will take place in spring 2026.

National government (kormány)

The national government (kormány) is formed by the party or parties that win the most votes in the national elections and obtain a majority in Parliament. The national government is responsible for many areas that affect people both nationally and locally, such as the running of schools and hospitals, the provision of financial support, and immigration matters.

If you have questions related to immigration, please contact the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Országos Idegenrendészeti Főigazgatóság):
1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 60.
+36 1 463 9292
migracio@oif.gov.hu
www.oif.gov.hu

In addition, you can also get free support from independent civil organisations, such as the Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants (Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület) for questions related to residence status.
1066 Budapest, Ó utca 39.
+36 20 450 7245
menedek@menedek.hu
menedek.hu

If you would like to contact the national government, you can turn to the Government Offices (kormányhivatalok), which operate Government Service Centres (Kormányablak). Here you can deal with issues such as ID cards, address cards, driving licences or registration to “Client Gate” (Ügyfélkapu), Hungary’s official electronic administration system. 

Through “Client Gate” (Ügyfélkapu) you can log in once and access many government-run services (for example the Tax Authority or the Health Insurance Fund). A more secure version called Ügyfélkapu+ and a dedicated smart phone app called Digital Citizenship Program (Digitális Állampolgárság Program/DÁP) are also available. For details and eligibility, please ask at the Government Service Centres (Kormányablak).

There are two Government Service Centres (Kormányablak) in the 8th District:

• 1082 Budapest, Baross utca 59
• 1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 2–6 (Keleti Railway Station)
  kormanyhivatalok.hu

Municipality of Budapest (Fővárosi Önkormányzat)

There are also local elections, where residents can vote for the mayor and local representatives of their city, town or village. In Budapest, there are two levels of local government: one for the whole city and one for each district. The Mayor of Budapest (főpolgármester) is elected by residents of the city who have the right to vote in local elections (for more information see the section on Voting Rights).

You can find official information on voting rights and elections in several languages on valasztas.hu.

The current Mayor of Budapest is Gergely Karácsony
facebook.com/karacsonygergely
fopolgarmester@budapest.hu 

The Municipality of Budapest (Fővárosi Önkormányzat) is responsible for many services, including public transportation, street lighting, sewage, public cleanliness and services for the homeless and elderly.

budapest.hu
Customer Service: 1052 Budapest, Bárczy István utca 1–3 ugyfelszolgalat@budapest.hu 

Municipality of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat)

The 8th District has its own elected mayor, and there are 17 representatives in the Local Council (képviselő-testület) who are all elected by the residents of Józsefváros. They are elected by people living in the district who have the right to vote in the local elections (for more information see the section on Voting Rights).

The current Mayor of the 8th District is András Pikó
facebook.com/pikoandraspolgarmester
jozsefvaros.hu/go/pikoandras/ 
polgarmester@jozsefvaros.hu 

You can find the names and contact details of the deputy mayors (alpolgármester) here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/deputymayors 

You can find the names and contact details of the members of the Local Council (képviselő-testület) here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/assembly  (you can check your representative based on your address).

The Municipality of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat) is responsible for many local services, including public cleanliness, kindergartens, park maintenance and social support among many things.

For information about Municipality of Józsefváros, please visit: jozsefvaros.hu 

This booklet was prepared by the Municipality of Józsefváros. It mainly introduces the services provided by the local government of the 8th District, but also mentions those offered by the Municipality of Budapest, the national government and civil organisations.

Your right to vote depends on your legal status in Hungary and whether you have an official Hungarian address.

Your right to a permanent address card depends on your legal status. The tables below show who can and who cannot obtain one in Hungary.

Eligible for a permanent address card (lakcímkártya)

English	Hungarian
Refugee	menekült
Beneficiary of subsidiary protection	oltalmazott
Long-term resident	huzamos tartózkodási jogállás
– Immigrant (old status, no longer issued)	bevándorlási engedély
– Permanent resident	huzamos tartózkodási engedély
– Settled (old status, no longer issued)	letelepedési engedély
– Interim residence card holder	ideiglenes tartózkodási kártya
– National residence card holder	nemzeti tartózkodási kártya
– EU residence card holder	EU tartózkodási kártya
EU citizen and family members	uniós polgár és családtagja

Not eligible for a permanent address card, only temporary accommodation registration slip (szálláshely-bejelentő lap)

English	Hungarian
Asylum seeker	menedékkérő
Stateless person	hontalan
Person with temporary protection	menedékes
Third-country national with residence permit	tartózkodási engedéllyel rendelkező harmadik országbeli állampolgár

In national elections (for Members of Parliament), only Hungarian citizens aged 18 or over may vote.

You can vote in municipal elections (for the mayor and members of the local council) if you are 18 or over and have a permanent address card (lakcímkártya) in Hungary.

In municipal elections, EU citizens may also stand for election (refugees and third-country nationals cannot run for office).

In European Parliament elections, all EU citizens with a permanent Hungarian address may vote for Members of the European Parliament. (If you are a citizen of another EU Member State and wish to vote for Hungarian candidates, you must make an official declaration about this).

For more information on voting rights and the process of voting in Hungary, please visit the official website of the National Election Office (Nemzeti Választási Iroda), available in English, German, French and Spanish: valasztas.hu.

When are the next elections?

The next municipal elections (for the Municipality of Budapest and the Municipality of Józsefváros) are expected in 2029 (exact date not yet known).

The next European Parliament elections are expected in 2029 (exact date not yet known).The next national elections (for Members of the Hungarian Parliament) are expected in 2026 (exact date not yet known).

The Mayor’s Office (Polgármesteri Hivatal) is responsible for carrying out the administrative services of the Municipality of Józsefváros.

Please note: In municipal administration in Hungary, you will often see the term “Mayor’s Office” (Polgármesteri Hivatal). However, in English this usually refers only to the mayor’s personal office, so in this booklet we use “Municipality” instead – even when in Hungarian the exact term would be Mayor’s Office (Polgármesteri Hivatal).

Please contact the Registry Office (Anyakönyvi Iroda) if:

• you wish to get married in the 8th District,
• your child was born in the 8th District (either in a hospital or at home),
• a family member of yours passed away in the 8th District.

You can ask for a permit from the Municipality if you want to:

• open a business,
• use public space for cultural or commercial events,
• operate short-term accommodation or a hotel,
• place a container on the street,
• install an air-conditioning unit on the exterior of a flat.

We can also help you with:

• paying local taxes – if you buy property in the district, please make sure to contact our Customer Service,
• social and financial support,
• housing applications,
• different ways to participate in local public life,
• and many other matters – please contact our Customer Service for details (see contact information below).

This is not a full list! For all services available at the Municipality, please visit: jozsefvaros.hu/go/administration 

How to contact us

Mayor’s Office (Polgármesteri Hivatal)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 63–67

Customer Service (Ügyfélszolgálat)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 66–68
+36 1 459 2100 (main number)
+36 80 277 256 (toll-free)
info@jozsefvaros.hu
jozsefvaros.hu 

Opening hours of the Customer Service

• Monday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

In Józsefváros it is important that everyone is treated equally – whether they are a woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Roma, a person with a disability, or a foreign citizen.

For this reason, in January 2025 the Municipality established the Equal Opportunities Office (Esélyegyenlőségi Iroda) to support marginalised groups living in the district, including foreigners.

The Office has an Intercultural Officer (interkulturális referens), who develops and implements equal opportunities policies and provides information for foreign residents of the district. Their work helps ensure that public services are accessible to everyone, and that district programmes and events take cultural diversity into account.

Tasks of the intercultural officer include, for example:

• identifying and reducing barriers to accessing public services,
• helping overcome difficulties caused by linguistic and cultural differences,
• making information materials and municipal communication more accessible,
• cooperating with civil organisations and communities to support inclusion.

If you are a foreign resident and encounter difficulties accessing district services or information, you can contact the Intercultural Officer at the Equal Opportunities Office at eei@jozsefvaros.hu for support.

Your legal status in Hungary determines what healthcare services you can access free of charge. An overview of the Hungarian healthcare system, in English, is available here: egeszsegvonal.gov.hu/en 

If you are a refugee, a beneficiary of subsidiary protection or a third-country national and need support in accessing healthcare in Hungary, please contact:

Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants (Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület)
1066 Budapest, Ó utca 39
+36 20 450 7245
menedek.hu
menedek@menedek.hu 

If you are a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection or a third-country national and need psychological support, you can turn to the Cordelia Foundation (Cordelia Alapítvány), which provides psychological, psychiatric and social assistance. To check your eligibility for free services, please contact: cordelia@cordelia.hu

Further information for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless persons is available on the UNHCR website: help.unhcr.org/hungary

Healthcare Services in the 8th District

Healthcare for Children

• Paediatric GP (gyermek háziorvos)
  In Hungary, residents are automatically assigned a GP (including paediatric GPs) according to their home address, with each street and house number belonging to a specific GP’s district. You may change to another GP once a year without giving a reason, and more often if you have a valid reason (e.g. you’ve moved or visiting your assigned GP is difficult). To switch, you need to submit a request, and the new GP’s consent is required.
  Paediatric GPs in Józsefváros: jozsefvaros.hu/go/childrengp 
• Paediatric Out-of-Hours or “On-Call” Service (gyermekorvosi ügyelet) – National Ambulance Service (Országos Mentőszolgálat)
  Phone: 1830 (national on-call number)

On-call (ügyelet) means that medical help is available outside of regular opening hours – for example in the evening, at night, or on weekends – and it should only be used in urgent cases.

How does it work?
After your call, the staff of the National Ambulance Service will ask about the symptoms and immediately suggest further steps. If necessary, they will direct the patient to an on-call medical centre, or send an on-call doctor or an ambulance.

mentok.hu/ugyelet

• Health Visitor (védőnő) – a nurse specialised in supporting pregnant women, newborns and young children, focusing on prevention and health advice.
  You can contact your assigned Health Visitor (védőnő) based on your address.

Please note: Health Visitor check-ups are mandatory, and proof of attendance is required for certain social benefits (e.g. Birth Grant – anyasági támogatás, Family Allowance – családi pótlék, Child Care Allowance – GYES. Always check for eligibility).
jozsefvaros.hu/go/homenurse 

• Children’s Dental Care (0–18 years) – Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics Department, Semmelweis University (Semmelweis Egyetem Gyermekfogászati és Fogszabályozási Klinika)
  1088 Budapest, Szentkirályi utca 47
  +36 1 318 0011, +36 1 459 1500, on-call: +36 20 825 8890
  semmelweis.hu/gyermekfogaszat

Healthcare for adults

• GP Services (háziorvos)
  In Hungary, residents are automatically assigned a GP according to their home address, with each street and house number belonging to a specific GP’s district. You may change to another GP once a year without giving a reason, and more often if you have a valid reason (e.g. you’ve moved or visiting your assigned GP is difficult). To switch, you need to submit a request, and the new GP’s consent is required.
  GPs in Józsefváros: jozsefvaros.hu/go/familydoctors 
• Józsefváros Szent Kozma Health Centre (Józsefvárosi Szent Kozma Egészségügyi Központ) – outpatient clinic providing a variety of health services (e.g. internal medicine, dermatology, gynaecology, ENT, oncology, urology, laboratories, etc.).
  1084 Budapest, Auróra utca 22–28
  +36 1 790 4600
  jek.hu
  info@jek.hu 
• Adult Out-of-Hours or “On-Call” Service (felnőtt orvosi ügyelet) – National Ambulance Service (Országos Mentőszolgálat)

Phone: 1830 (national on-call number)
On-call (ügyelet) means that medical help is available outside of regular opening hours – for example in the evening, at night, or on weekends – and it should only be used in urgent cases.

How does it work?
After your call, the staff of the ambulance service will ask about the symptoms and immediately suggest further steps. If necessary, they will direct the patient to an on-call medical centre, or send an on-call doctor or ambulance.
Website: mentok.hu/ugyelet

• On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the No. 14 Pest Daytime On-call Service (Pesti Nappali Ügyelet) treats residents of the district (1096 Budapest, Haller utca 29/A).
• From 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, residents of the district are treated at the No. 11 Auróra Street On-call Medical Centre (Auróra utcai Ügyeleti Központ) (1084 Budapest, Auróra utca 22–28).

• Adult Dental Care (18+): Department of Public Dental Health, Semmelweis University (Fogászati és Szájsebészeti Oktató Intézet)
  Patient care
  1088 Budapest, Szentkirályi utca 47.
  Weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dental on-call service
1085 Budapest, Mária utca 52.
Weekdays from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and weekends/public holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• On-call Pharmacy – Három Sas Pharmacy (Három Sas Gyógyszertár) – Open 24/7
  1082 Budapest, Baross utca 70–72.
  +36 1 313 7210

Booking appointments in healthcare – Since 1 May 2025, the Outpatient Management System (Járóbeteg Irányítás Rendszer/JIR) has changed how patients can book appointments and choose locations. With this system, the concept of “territorial obligation” has changed: now anyone can book an appointment in any specialist clinic in the country, whether the service requires a referral or not.
More information: jozsefvaros.hu/go/JIR_english 

EgészségAblak mobile app – A mobile application that helps you navigate the Hungarian healthcare system, also available in English. Through the app you can easily find doctors, clinics, pharmacies and key health information, and you can also book appointments. It is free to download and can be used by anyone with a Social Security Number (TAJ szám) and electronic identification (e.g. Ügyfélkapu+ or Digital Citizenship app). It provides a simple and convenient way to view your own health data on your smartphone.
More information and download: https://www.eeszt.gov.hu/hu/eeszt-mobilalkalmazas

• Social Support Office (Szociális Támogatási Iroda) – financial support for individuals and families (always check eligibility based on your legal status in Hungary).
  1082 Budapest, Baross utca 66–68.
  +36 20 433 9100
  jozsefvaros.hu/go/support
  szocialis@jozsefvaros.hu 
• Family and Child Welfare Service (Család- és Gyermekjóléti Szolgálat) – support with family, social or other problems.
  1081 Budapest, Népszínház utca 22.
  +36 1 333 0582
  jszszgyk.hu
  info@jszszgyk.hu 
• Community Laundry Service
  Two community laundries provide support to those people who cannot manage to wash and dry clothes and other textiles due to their social and/or housing situation.
  The laundry is open to anyone with a permanent or temporary address in Józsefváros. The fee is HUF 400 per load, and each client may wash up to two loads per week.
  • Közösségi mosoda
    1089 Budapest, Diószegi Sámuel utca 13.
    +36 1 790 5910
  • Közösségi mosoda
    1086 Budapest, Szerdahelyi utca 13.
    +36 20 521 7728

Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Friday: 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

• Day Care Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (Értelmi Fogyatékosok Napközi Otthona/ÉNO)
  Day care and development programmes for residents of the 8th District aged 16+ with intellectual or multiple disabilities (e.g. mobility, hearing, visual impairments, autism). Free social activities, developmental sessions, physiotherapy, music sessions, and breakfast and lunch are provided.
  Requirements: written application, professional assessment, and district address.
  1082 Budapest, Kisstáció utca 11.
  06-1-615 1371, 06-1-324-3004
  kisstacio@jszszgyk.hu 

Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Support for Menstrual Dignity (menstruációs méltóság/2M Program)
  Free sanitary pad packages are available from vending machines at several locations (listed below) throughout the district. Please only take as many pads as you need for the given month.

Sanitary pads can be obtained with tokens at the following sites of Józsefváros Social Services and Child Welfare Centre (Józsefvárosi Szociális Szolgáltató és Gyermekjóléti Központ/JSzSzGyK):

• Family and Child Welfare Service (Család- és Gyermekjóléti Szolgálat) (Népszínház utca 22.) during opening hours,
• Family and Child Welfare Centre (Család- és Gyermekjóléti Központ) (Kőris utca 35.) during opening hours,
• LÉLEK Program site (Koszorú utca 4.) 0–24 hours.
  

Tokens are available from JSzSzGyK social workers also at:

• Temporary Home for Families (Családok Átmeneti Otthona) (Koszorú utca 14–16.),
• Home Care Services (házi segítségnyújtás) (Orczy út 41.),
• at day-care institutions.
  

You can pick up pads without a token from the machines at the Teleki Market Hall (Teleki László tér 11.) and at Dankó Udvar (Dankó utca 18.) during opening hours.

Dankó Udvar

Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Teleki Market Hall

(see opening hours at “Markets”)

• Support for Victims of Domestic Violence

Shelter Józsefváros Victim Support Group (Óvóhely Józsefvárosi Áldozatsegítő Csoport) provides complex social, legal and psychological assistance to victims of domestic violence. They help create safety plans and prepare for a new start. Their lawyer offers free legal advice in civil and criminal cases, including restraining orders and filing police reports, and – in cases of need – provides free legal representation. Their psychologist supports adult clients in coping with the emotional impact of abuse. The group offers both in-person and online counselling for victims, their relatives, professionals, and even to neighbours who are aware of or witness abuse.
Shelter (Óvóhely) Józsefváros
+36 20 518 3311
ovohely@jszszgyk.hu
(If you cannot reach them by phone, send an email and ask for an English speaker and they will call you back.)

• Support for People with Disabilities

If you or a family member live with a disability, various forms of support and services may be available, depending on the type and degree of disability. Because assistance is provided by different institutions, it is best to contact the Customer Service Office or the Equal Opportunities Office of the Municipality of Józsefváros for guidance and referral to the appropriate services and support.

HOUSING SERVICES

• Application for Municipal Housing – In Józsefváros, the main way to obtain a municipal rental apartment is through a public housing application.

The Municipality regularly announces new housing calls on its website (always check eligibility based on your legal status in Hungary).
Housing Office, Municipality of Józsefváros (Lakásügyi Iroda)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 63–67.
+36 1 459 2567
jozsefvaros.hu
lakaspalyazat.jozsefvaros.hu
vagyongazdalkodas@jozsefvaros.hu 

• Józsefváros Housing Agency (Józsefvárosi Lakásügynökség) – affordable private rentals supported by the municipality.

The Józsefváros Housing Agency connects property owners who wish to let out their apartments in the district with tenants seeking affordable housing.
Eligible applicants are middle-income people who live in Józsefváros.
They can rent apartments below market price — the agency provides the discount to the tenant and then pays the full rent to the owner.
This way, everyone benefits: tenants get affordable housing, and owners get reliable renters.
Housing Office, Municipality of Józsefváros (Lakásügyi Iroda)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 63–67.
For tenants: +36 20 772 1191
For property owners: +36 20 771 7382
lakasugynokseg.jozsefvaros.hu
lakasugynokseg@jozsefvaros.hu 

You can find many services for children and their families in Józsefváros. Here are the most important ones:

• Nurseries (bölcsőde) – high-quality nursery care for children under 3 years (not compulsory). You can enrol your child through the Unified Nurseries of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Egyesített Bölcsődék/JEB).
  1082 Budapest, Baross utca 112.
  06-1-210-9188, 06-20 233 2214
  http://www.bolcsode-bp08.hu/en.html
  jeb@bolcsode-bp08.hu

Customer hours:
Monday: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

There are seven nurseries in Józsefváros at the following addresses. They organize open days for parents to visit before enrolling. For details, please check the Nursery Guide (Bölcsi Hívogató), published in spring each year (available at nurseries and the Customer Service Office of Municipality of Józsefváros).

• Mini-Manó Bölcsőde: 1083 Budapest, Baross utca 103/a.
• Babóca Bölcsőde: 1083 Budapest, Baross utca 117.
• Játékvár Bölcsőde: 1085 Budapest, Horánszky utca 21.
• Gyermekkert Bölcsőde: 1082 Budapest, Nagy Templom utca 3.
• Fecsegő-tipegők Bölcsőde: 1087 Budapest, Százados út 1.
• Tücsök-lak Bölcsőde: 1084 Budapest, Tolnai Lajos utca 19.
• Katica Bölcsőde: 1089 Budapest, Vajda Péter utca 37–39.

• Early Childhood Development Centre (Biztos Kezdet Gyerekház) – a welcoming place for children under 3 and their parents, especially families in difficult situations. Here you can play, join activities, and get support for your child’s healthy development.
  1083 Budapest, Szigetvári utca 1.
  +36 1 631 0480
  +36 20 240 4578
  bolcsode-bp08.hu/bkgy.html
  biztoskezdet@bolcsode-bp08.hu 
• Focus Community Space (Fókusz Közösségi Tér) – community and learning space for children under 3 years old and their families, organizes a range of free activities and programmes for children and families, including some in English.
  1086 Budapest, Magdolna utca 47.
  +36 1/788 6918
  facebook.com/enidohely
  fokuszkozossegiter@gmail.com 

• Kindergartens (óvoda) – attendance is compulsory for children aged 3 to 6. There are 11 kindergartens in Józsefváros, and the specific one your child will attend is assigned based on your official address.

Kindergartens organise open days so that parents can visit before enrolment. The official information booklet, Kindergarten Guide (Ovihívogató) is published each spring with details about the kindergartens, enrollment deadlines and open days. Copies are available in the kindergartens and at theCustomer Service Office of the Municipality of Józsefváros.

English Experimental Education
All of our kindergartens employ highly competent and educated teachers who use English Experimental Education, which involves a playful mix of songs, rhymes, stories as well as lots of physical exercises that allow children to master the basics of the English language and expand their vocabularies almost without noticing it. Our teachers’ language skills not only help children speaking foreign languages to fit into their classrooms, but also help to achieve effective communication between teachers, children and parents.

Hungarian as a Foreign Language Programme
All kindergartens offer a Hungarian as a Foreign Language programme at three levels to support children of foreign nationals:

1. basic level for those with no prior knowledge of Hungarian,
2. support for those with a little knowledge of Hungarian,
3. preparation for starting school in Hungarian.

Kindergartens of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Egyesített Óvodák)
Headquarter

1084 Budapest, Tolnai Lajos utca 7–9.
+36 1 210 0086
08egyesitettovoda.hu
egyesitett.jvovoda@gmail.com 

• Kesztyűgyár Community Centre (Kesztyűgyár Közösségi Ház) – community programmes, summer camps and learning support for children and youth all ages.
  1084 Budapest, Mátyás tér 15.
  +36 1 788 13 44
  kesztyugyar.hu/
  info@kesztyugyar.hu 
• FiDo Youth Centre (FiDo Ifjúsági Központ) – board game club, creative activities, sport and community.
  1086 Budapest, Koltói Anna tér
  https://www.facebook.com/fidosz.parkosz
  fido@jszszgyk.hu 
• Dankó Udvar – a community courtyard with many activities, table tennis, sports court, barbecue and games.
  1086 Budapest, Dankó utca 18.
  https://www.dankoudvar.hu/
  info@dankoudvar.hu
  +36 20 230 8485
• Temporary Daytime Childcare — Hungarian Interchurch Aid (Ideiglenes nappali gyermekfelügyelet – Ökumenikus Segélyszervezet) – for children (3-6) from families arriving from Ukraine. Up to four times per week daytime childcare to help children socialize and prepare for entry to the Hungarian public system. Ukrainian-speaking, qualified caregivers support a safe transition.
  Community Space of Support Centre for Ukrainian Refugees, HIA
  1082 Budapest, Baross utca 3.
  umtk@hia.hu 
  +36 70 504 3154
  In-person information hours: Support Centre for Ukrainian Refugees
  1085 Budapest, Baross utca 28.
  Monday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m
  Thursday 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

The maintainer of primary and secondary schools is the national government. You can find the full list of schools in the district here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/schools. 

You can contact the Government Office responsible for primary and secondary education in our district.

Inner Pest School District Centre (Belső-Pesti Tankerületi Központ)
1071 Budapest, Damjanich utca 6.
belsopest@kk.gov.hu
kk.gov.hu/intezmenyeink-bep 

Hungarian as a Foreign Language (magyar mint idegen nyelv/MID) is currently available in six schools, financed by the Municipality of Józsefváros and organised by the Józsefváros Social Services and Child Welfare Centre (Józsefvárosi Szociális Szolgáltató és Gyermekjóléti Központ/JSzSzGyK). The aim of the programme is to help non-Hungarian-speaking students living in the district integrate effectively into school life and education.
If you would like to know whether your child’s school offers MID, please contact our Customer Service team: info@jozsefvaros.hu 

Financial support for school children

The Municipality of Józsefváros provides financial support for:

• children in the 8th District starting primary school at age 6
• school meals and meals during school holidays for children in need,
• participation of children in need in summer camps,
• public transport pass support for young people aged 14–18.

You can apply for these forms of support at:
Social Support Office (Szociális Támogatási Iroda)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 66–68.
+36 20 433 9100
szocialis@jozsefvaros.hu 

Please always check eligibility based on your legal status in Hungary.

Free Services Complementing School

Kesztyűgyár Community Centre (Kesztyűgyár Közösségi Ház)
1084 Budapest, Mátyás tér 15.
Enrolment: Monday–Friday 10:00–17:00
kesztyugyar.hu
info@kesztyugyar.hu
facebook.com/kesztyugyar 

• A Padtárs Mentor Program offers personalised academic support for students in the 8th District: one-on-one mentoring from Monday to Thursday (2–6 p.m.) and free study groups on Fridays (2–4 p.m.). The programme is completely free and makes learning enjoyable with community activities, high school entrance preparation, exam retake tutoring, and career guidance.
  kesztyugyar.hu/mentor-program/
  +36 30 502 3185
• Zsendülő Tanoda* uses playful, experience-based methods to support children’s learning, development and leisure activities. It provides a safe and inclusive community with plenty of group programmes, while working closely with families.

* Tanoda means an after-school programme (study hall) in Hungary that provides learning support and community activities for children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
kesztyugyar.hu/tanoda/
+36 70 513 2888

There is a Study Hall Support (tanodáztatási támogatás), that aims to encourage and reward regular attendance at these programmes among low-income families. The monthly allowance is 10,000 HUF, granted for one year. For assistance in the application process you may turn to the Customer Service Office of the Municipality of Józsefváros.

Senior Clubs (idősek klubja)

If you are a senior resident of Józsefváros, you can join the Senior Clubs (idősek klubja) operated by the Józsefváros Social Services and Child Welfare Centre (JSzSzGyK). Membership in one of these clubs gives you access to various free or affordable services and benefits — such as physiotherapy, massage, hairdressing, pedicure, and daily meals, as well as discounts at the Dandár Thermal Bath on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Members can also take part in community activities such as excursions, cultural visits, or festive events — all in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

Joining a club does not require daily attendance; the membership itself grants eligibility for these services. While the senior clubs mainly operate in Hungarian, foreign residents who live in Józsefváros and meet the basic conditions are also welcome to apply.

You can read more about the available clubs and how to become a member here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/seniorclubs

Programmes for Seniors

There are community centres in Józsefváros—such as Kesztyűgyár Community Centre, H13 Kultpont, and Dankó Udvar—that often host activities for seniors (for instance, dance, fitness, crafts). If you’re interested, it’s worth going in person or contacting them to ask about current programs and schedules for older adults. See contact details at the section Community Events and Culture.

Public transport in Budapest is organised and managed by the Municipality of Budapest (Fővárosi Önkormányzat).

Józsefváros is very well connected to Budapest’s public transport. Three metro lines (M2, M3 and M4), tram lines 4 and 6, and bus 9 serve the district. Keleti Railway Station is also located here.

You can find all useful information here: Budapest Transport Centre (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ/BKK) – bkk.hu/en 

Discounted passes: Students, pensioners and parents of children under 14 may be eligible for reduced-price passes. To apply, you need a Hungarian address card (lakcímkártya) and, in some cases, additional documents (e.g. student ID, child’s birth certificate). More information: bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes 

For up-to-the-minute travel information and to purchase a ticket, download the BudapestGO app or use it online: go.bkk.hu 

Public bikes are also operated by BKK and are called MOL Bubi. There are many Bubi stations across Józsefváros. The system is available 24/7 and you can ride with a monthly or annual pass or pay-as-you-go rate. More information and app download: molbubi.hu/en 

For local residents

If you have an official permanent address in the 8th District, you are entitled to a discounted, and in some cases free, residential parking permit. For more information, please contact:
Parking Directorate Customer Service (Parkolási Igazgatóság Ügyfélszolgálat)
1084 Budapest, Német utca 17–19.
+36 1 299 7000
jgk.hu
ugyfelablak.jgk.hu (Customer Portal in English (ügyfélablak))
parkolasugyfelszolgalat@jgk.hu 

For visitors

If you do not have an official permanent address in the 8th District, you will have to pay for parking on weekdays. The parking fee varies according to the three zones established by the Municipality of Budapest – the closer you are to downtown, the more you have to pay.

You can pay at ticket machines in cash, by mobile phone, or at a discount via the Józsefváros Smart City app.
Download the app from GooglePlay or the AppStore: jozsefvaros.hu/go/app_english

If you would like to rent premises, storage or a parking space from the municipality, please contact the Józsefváros Management Centre (Józsefvárosi Gazdálkodási Központ/JGK).
Available properties:  jozsefvaros.hu/go/jgk_ingatlanok
Open tenders:  jozsefvaros.hu/go/jgk_palyazatok

JGK Premises Management Office (JGK Zrt. Helyiséggazdálkodási Iroda)
1084 Budapest, Őr utca 8.
+36 1 216 6962
berbeadas@jgk.hu 

Free Beach at Lake Balaton

The municipal beach in Káptalanfüred can be used free of charge by all visitors who have an official temporary or permanent address in the 8th District, plus one guest.

If you plan to visit the beach as a group, please contact udultetes@jkn.hu in advance.

Józsefváros Municipal Beach (Józsefváros Önkormányzati strand)
8220 Balatonalmádi–Káptalanfüred, Sirály utca 8.
udultetes8.hu/kaptalanfured-strand/ 

Public sports equipment

II. János Pál Pápa tér

• Running track
• Outdoor fitness (adult)
• Streetball
• Football
• Chess

Teleki tér

• Table tennis

Koltói Anna tér – FiDo Ifjúsági Központ

• Outdoor fitness (adult)
• Football, basketball
• Streetball
• Table tennis

Losonci tér

• Football

Kálvária tér

• Outdoor fitness (adult)
• Chess

Orczy Garden (Orczy kert)

• Running
• Outdoor fitness (adult)
• Football
• Streetball
• Volleyball
• Handball

Golgota tér

• Football

Szenes Iván tér

• Football

Déri Miksa utca

• Outdoor fitness (adult)
• Chess

Tisztes utca

• Outdoor fitness (adult)

Dankó Udvar – Dankó utca 18.

• Football, basketball

More information: jozsefvaros.hu/english/municipal-services/sports-and-recreation/ 

Discounted entry to Ludovika Swimming Pool (Ludovika Aréna Uszoda)

In 2025, residents with a permanent or temporary address in Józsefváros can purchase tickets to the swimming pool for HUF 1,000 – you need to show your address card when buying a ticket.

Ludovika Swimming Pool
1089 Budapest, Diószegi Sámuel utca 23.
+36 30 287 7842
sportiroda@uni-nke.hu 

• Dog parks – there are 18 dog runs in the 8th District. You can find them on the map here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/dogparks
  
• Free dog waste bags – please help us keep the district clean! If you have an address in the 8th District, you are entitled to 100 free dog waste bags per month. You can collect them from district guards at the following locations (Please note: Leaving dog waste on the street is against the law in Hungary and may result in a fine.):
  • Kálvária tér
  • II. János Pál pápa tér
  • Teleki tér
  • Golgota tér
  • Horváth Mihály tér
  • Déri Miksa utca

• Veterinary Clinics
  • Vet-Art
    1082 Budapest, Horváth Mihály tér 11.
    vetart.uw.hu
  • TutiVet
    1082 Budapest, Horváth Mihály tér 6.
    tutivet.hu
  • Veterinary clinic
    1084 Budapest, Auróra utca 14.
  • Veterinary clinic
    1089 Budapest, Bíró Lajos utca 41.
    
• Animal Health Support Programme for Józsefváros Residents – from August 2025 until our budget runs out, the 8th district municipality is providing financial support for cat and dog owners in the district. The programme helps more owners take their pets for vaccinations, microchipping, sterilisation or other important health checks. For more details, visit: jozsefvaros.hu/go/animalhealthsupport 

• Recycling locations – places to drop off paper, plastic, glass, compost, used oil, electronic waste, medicines or clothing: jozsefvaros.hu/go/recycling_map 
  
• Used cooking oil disposal – places to safely dispose of used oil: jozsefvaros.hu/go/oil_disposal
  • Teleki Market Hall (1086 Budapest, Teleki László tér 11.)
  • Kindergartens of Józsefváros (1084 Budapest, Tolnai Lajos utca 7–9.)
  • Tündérkert Kindergarten (1081 Budapest, Kun utca 3.)
  • Pitypang Kindergarten (1087 Budapest, Százados út 14.)
  • Százszorszép Kindergarten (1084 Budapest, Szűz utca 2.)
  • Virágkoszorú Kindergarten (1083 Budapest, Baross utca 91.)
  • Gyermekkert Nursery (1082 Budapest, Nagy Templom utca 3.)
    
• Compost box – private individuals with a residence in the 8th District and residential buildings in the district can request a compost box free of charge.
  jozsefvaros.hu/go/compostbox 
  
• Community gardens and community composting – you can join a composting community or a community garden in the district.
  • Tolnai Community Garden
    1084 Budapest, Tolnai Lajos utca 23.
    facebook.com/groups/atolnaikertbaratai
  • Klímakert Auróra
    1084 Budapest, Auróra utca 9.
    facebook.com/auroraklimakert
  • Teleki tér composting
    Teleki tér Compost Friends: facebook.com/groups/249027710009048/
    Teleki László tér
  • Kőris Community Garden
    1089 Budapest, Kőris utca 4/b
    facebook.com/KorisKozossegiKert 

Rendezvény8 Event Management Office
We organise free music, family and outdoor events across all seasons! We welcome residents and visitors to join our programmes and experience Józsefváros’s rich cultural atmosphere!

For major events, especially music programmes, see the website of the Municipality of Józsefváros or the Rendezvény8 Facebook page:
jozsefvaros.hu/go/events
facebook.com/Rendezveny8 

Józsefváros Museum (Józsefvárosi Múzeum) – community museum
The Józsefváros Múzeum is a guardian of our shared memory and an open community space where visitors can discover the district’s past and stories. Through its exhibitions and programmes, it presents Józsefváros’s well-known locations, personalities, families and lost heritage, while also offering insight into museum work behind the scenes.

The Museum’s first permanent exhibition, Józsefváros Universe – Objects and Stories from Inside and Beyond the Boulevard (Józsefváros-univerzum – Tárgyak és történetek a körúton innen és túl), presents the district’s past and collective memory. Covering nearly 40 themes – including craft, music, theatre, sport, hospitality and alternative cultural life – it tells the story of Józsefváros through more than 180 artefacts from the 1870s to the present day.

1085 Budapest, József körút 70.
jozsefvarosimuzeum.hu/
info@jozsefvarosimuzeum.hu 

Opening hours (free entry):

Monday – Closed

Tuesday–Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday–Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday – Closed

H13 Kultpont – A community and cultural centre in the Palace District offering regular programmes for all ages, such as exhibitions, film screenings, dance and music events. 

Event space rental: H13 provides fully equipped spaces for events, with chairs, tables, projector, interactive board, microphones, computers, and high-speed internet.
1085 Budapest, Horánszky utca 13.
facebook.com/kozossegh13
h13@jkn.hu 

Kesztyűgyár Community Center (Kesztyűgyár Közösségi Ház) – exhibitions, classes and a wide range of regular programmes for children and adults.
1084 Budapest, Mátyás tér 15.
kesztyugyar.hu
info@kesztyugyar.hu
facebook.com/kesztyugyar 

Dankó Udvar – a community courtyard in the Magdolna Quarter: football and basketball training, craft activities, movie nights.
1086 Budapest, Dankó utca 18.
dankoudvar.hu
info@dankoudvar.hu
facebook.com/dankoudvar 

Find events online! – follow these Facebook pages to stay up to date on free community and cultural events in the 8th District:

• Municipality of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat)
  facebook.com/jozsefvaros.hu
  jozsefvaros.hu/go/events
• Jóban Nyolcban
  facebook.com/groups/jobannyolcban
• Rendezvény8
  facebook.com/Rendezveny8
• Office of Community Participation (Közösségi Részvételi Iroda)
  facebook.com/reszveteliiroda 

Meet people and make friends in community spaces that are especially welcoming to foreigners:

• Mira Intercultural Community (Mira Ház) – is a welcoming hub offering a variety of programs—including Hungarian language classes, mentoring, creative workshops, sports events, film nights, and intercultural cooking nights—where newcomers and locals can connect and learn together.
  1086 Budapest, Lujza utca 36.
  facebook.com/mirabudapest
  mira.artemisszio.hu 
  info@mira.artemisszio.hu

• Közkincs Library (Közkincs Könyvtár) – A feminist community library with a large English collection on feminism, gender, LGBTQ+, art and politics. They also host book clubs, film screenings, workshops and other events open to newcomers.
  1088 Rákóczi út 11
  facebook.com/kozkincskonyvtar
  kozkincskonyvtar.com
  kozkincs.konyvtar@gmail.com

• BlaBla Language Exchange – language exchange nights, friendly international community.
  facebook.com/BlaBlaBudapest 

Residents of the 8th District can take part each year in deciding how a portion of the municipal budget should be spent – this is called participatory budgeting (részvételi költségvetés).
All residents aged 16+ can take part (it’s enough that you live here, an official address in the district is not required).
We encourage you to tell us what would make Józsefváros better! The dates for submitting ideas and voting are listed at reszvetel.jozsefvaros.hu.

There are two traditional markets in Józsefváros where you can buy fresh produce, meat, cheese and much more.

Teleki Market (Teleki téri Piac)
1086 Budapest, Teleki László tér 11.
Monday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m.–2 p.m.

Rákóczi Market Hall (Rákóczi téri Vásárcsarnok)
1084 Budapest, Rákóczi tér 7–9.
Monday: 6 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m.–1 p.m.

You can use the internet free of charge for job searching at the Kesztyűgyár Közösségi Ház and at the Municipality of Józsefváros Customer Service (Ügyfélszolgálat).

Kesztyűgyár Community Centre (Kesztyűgyár Közösségi Ház)
1084 Budapest, Mátyás tér 15.
Every Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Municipality of Józsefváros Customer Service (Ügyfélszolgálat)
1082 Budapest, Baross utca 66–68.
Monday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The Józsefváros Smart City app can be used for several purposes:

• report issues in public spaces via the Community tab,
• buy public transport and parking tickets nationwide via the Travel tab,
• apply for the Józsefváros Card in the Wallet.

The app can be downloaded from GooglePlay and the AppStore: jozsefvaros.hu/go/app_english 

By using the Józsefváros Card (Józsefváros Kártya) you can support local businesses in the district and receive discounts. You can apply for the discount card if you are over 18 and have an official permanent address in the 8th District, or if you are a student at any higher education institution based in Józsefváros.

The discount card can be requested in the Józsefváros Smart City app. Download the app from GooglePlay or the AppStore: jozsefvaros.hu/go/app_english 

List of accepting partners: jozsefvaros.hu/go/jozsefvaroscard 

You can attend Hungarian classes free of charge at the following places:

Mira Intercultural Community (Mira Interkulturális Közösség)
1086 Budapest, Lujza utca 36.
facebook.com/mirabudapest
mira.artemisszio.hu  
info@mira.artemisszio.hu 

Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants (Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület)
1066 Budapest, Ó utca 39.
+36 20 450 7245
menedek.hu
menedek@menedek.hu 

More information on a website prepared by Mira Intercultural Community: https://navigatehungary.hu/en/language

You can also join the Teach & Learn Hungarian Facebook group to find a teacher: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1514552258777766/

• Develop your skills with Next Step Association (Next Step Egyesület)
  1092 Budapest, Ráday utca 9.
  +36 70 325 5205
  +36 70 323 7552
  nextstepeu.org/
  info@nextstepeu.org 
  
• Get free, client-friendly advice on working in Hungary, and help with your CV or job interviews from Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants (Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület)
  1066 Budapest, Ó utca 39.
  +36 20 450 7245
  menedek.hu
  menedek@menedek.hu 
  
• Hungarian Interchurch Aid – Support Centre for Ukrainian Refugees (Ökumenikus Segélyszervezet – Ukrajnai Menekülteket Támogató Központ) provides refugees with information, legal counselling, training, labour market and psychological support, donations and community programmes.
  https://ukraine.hia.hu/support-centre-for-ukrainian-refugees-budapest/
  umtk@hia.hu
  +36 70 504 3154
  1085 Budapest, Baross utca 28.
  
• Further information for refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless persons on the UNHCR website: https://help.unhcr.org/hungary/partners/

• Community groups and civil organisations provide numerous services to district residents. You can find many of them here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/civicorganizations 
  
• Religious communities and churches also provide many services. Their list is available here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/religious 
  
• Officially recognised national minorities have their own elections and elected representatives. In Józsefváros, the following 11 national minorities have their own self-governments: Bulgarian, Armenian, Serbian, Greek, Roma, Slovak, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian, German and Rusyn. Their websites are listed here: jozsefvaros.hu/go/minorities 

If you need help or advice regarding your legal status, or if you have experienced discrimination, you can use the free services of the organisations below:

Hungarian Helsinki Committee (Magyar Helsinki Bizottság)
1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 20. II./9.
+36 1 321 4323, +36 1 321 4327, +36 1 321 4141
helsinki@helsinki.hu
helsinki.hu/en/howcanwehehelp/ 

Menedék – Hungarian Association for Migrants (Menedék – Migránsokat Segítő Egyesület)
1066 Budapest, Ó utca 39.
+36 20 450 7245
menedek.hu
menedek@menedek.hu 

The Municipality of Józsefváros is very open and offers many volunteering opportunities. If you would like to help us with outreach or translation, please contact the Office of Community Participation (Közösségi Részvételi Iroda). You can get involved in the following activities:

• distributing leaflets and posters,
• promoting municipal events and programmes,
• organising events and programmes,
• translating online and offline texts for the municipality into multiple languages.

1082 Budapest, Baross utca 63–67.
+36 1 459 2139
reszvetel@jozsefvaros.hu
kozossegi_reszveteli_iroda
facebook.com/reszveteliiroda 

If you notice a problem or someone in need of help in Józsefváros, here’s where to turn:

• 112 – General Emergency Number (segélyhívó központ)
  The single European emergency number. You can call it free of charge from any phone, even without a SIM card. The operator will connect you to the police, ambulance, or fire service as needed.
  

• Homeless people in need of assistance: contact the Menhely Foundation (Menhely Alapítvány) – Tel. +36 1 338 4186, menhely.hu
• Waste, litter, or rats: report it via the Józsefváros Smart City mobile app or at the district’s customer service office.
  
• If you witness domestic violence: call 112 or contact the National Crisis Management and Information Telephone Service (Országos Kríziskezelő és Információs Telefonszolgálat/OKIT) – 06 80 20 55 20.

For general neighbourhood or community issues, the Józsefváros Smart City app is the easiest way to report a problem directly to the district office.