End of an era: Hungarian Client Gate officially retires in 2025! What’s replacing it?

From 16th January 2025, the Client Gate (Ügyfélkapu) system as Hungarian citizens know it will be phased out, ushering in a more secure and advanced approach to digital identification. The cornerstone of this transformation will be the Client Gate+ (Ügyfélkapu+) system and the Digital Citizenship Programme (DCP) mobile app. These innovations reflect the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and security of access to public services.

According to Portfolio, the migration addresses long-standing weaknesses in the old system, which relied on basic username and password credentials. This outdated method posed significant risks, such as unauthorised access and data breaches.

The Client Gate+ replaces the existing identification method with two-factor authentication, providing a robust layer of security. Available since 2022 via the Central Identification Agent (CA) interface, it combines a password with a one-time code generated exclusively on the user’s mobile device. Importantly, the code is generated by an authentication application and remains functional even when offline.

To set up Client Gate+, users require a smartphone and an app, such as Google Authenticator or the NISZ app. These apps generate a new code every 30 seconds, which must be entered when logging in. Setup begins on the Client Gate portal, where users connect their device to the system.

While Client Gate+ represents a significant leap forward, its longevity is uncertain, as the DCP mobile app may soon replace it entirely.

Source: Pixabay

The future of administration

The DCP mobile app, already used by 337,000 Hungarian citizens, aims to streamline digital administration while maintaining strict data security standards. Its key feature is an EU-approved QR code-based identification method that allows password-free access to public services.

Registering for the app is a straightforward process that requires a smartphone, a Hungarian mobile phone number, an ID document, and a short visit to a government office. Identification is completed by scanning a QR code. In addition to simplifying processes, the app will eventually integrate personal data and official documents, such as vehicle and property details. Hungary’s first digital document, the moral certificate, is already accessible via the app, paving the way for other documents to follow.

In cooperation with the EU, the Hungarian government is prioritising the digitisation of key life events. These include milestones such as moving house, starting a business, getting married, retiring, or having a child. One of the first fully digitalised processes will be buying a car. By the end of 2027, all major life events should be manageable through the DCP app. The app will also see regular feature enhancements to ensure a seamless experience.

Source: Pixabay

Future plans and enhancements

The capabilities of the DCP app will continue to expand. By the third quarter of 2025, it will support bank and utility logins, as well as digital signatures. By the end of the year, it will facilitate car sales and offer a digital wallet function for accessing electronic documents.

From 2026, it will introduce ePost and ePayment functions, enabling digital communication with public services and the payment of fees. The long-term vision is a single, unified platform for dealing with everyday public administration needs via a mobile device.

The retirement of Client Gate marks the beginning of a more modern and secure era for digital public services. Client Gate+ and the DCP app are laying the foundations for a comprehensive digital administration that prioritises convenience, security, and accessibility. With plans to cover most life events digitally by 2027, these innovations aim to simplify citizens’ lives while positioning Hungary at the forefront of modern public administration. The future is clear: a fully digital, secure, and efficient system, tailored to the needs of everyday life.

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