In our language channel we recently looked at the Hungarian prefix pót- meaning “additional” or “spare”: pótalkatrész (spare part), pótvizsga (re-sit exam), pótszék (extra chair). In the context of permanent residency and citizenship, the most important word built from the same root is the verb:
pótolni: to make up for, to supplement, to supply what is missing.
From it comes one of the key words in Hungarian bureaucracy: hiánypótlás.
How the word is built
hiány: absence, shortage
pótlás: supplementation, making up for something missing
Hiánypótlás refers to supplying missing documents or information at the request of an authority.
What is a hiánypótlási felhívás
Hiánypótlási felhívás — an official notice requiring you to complete your application. The authority informs you that something is missing from the submitted package and must be provided within a set deadline.
This notice is not a rejection in itself. It is important, however, to read it carefully so you understand exactly what is being asked for.
Examples
A hatóság hiánypótlásra szólított fel. ⓘ
Pótolni kell a hiányzó dokumentumokat. ⓘ
A hiánypótlási határidő 15 nap. ⓘ
