Hungary Digital Nomad Visa: White Card Requirements & Application
Hungary offers a dedicated visa for digital nomads known as the White Card. This residence permit has been available since November 2021 and is designed for third-country nationals who work remotely for non-Hungarian employers or manage a foreign business remotely. It allows you to relocate for up to 2 years to one of Central Europe’s most affordable and charming destinations while continuing your remote work lifestyle.
Quick Visa Facts
Visa validity period
1 year
Extendable?
Yes, once for another 1 year
Who can apply?
Remote employees, freelancers, or business owners who work with entities outside Hungary
Minimum income requirement
€3,000/month (proven for prior 6 months)
Application cost
~€110 for initial application, ~€60 for extension
Processing time
21-30 days (may extend if additional documents needed)
Does Hungary Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Hungary offers the White Card, which acts as a digital nomad visa launched in 2021. This permit is available to third-country nationals who work remotely and are not employed by or owners of any business in Hungary. Applicants must either work for a company registered abroad or operate a foreign-owned company themselves.
Benefits of the White Card
The White Card offers flexibility and legal residency with attractive perks for remote professionals:
- Live in Hungary for up to 2 years while working remotely
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Open a Hungarian bank account
- Affordable healthcare via private insurance options
- Low income tax rate of 15% if you become a tax resident
- Enjoy the country's high-quality yet low-cost lifestyle
Who Can Apply for the White Card?
This visa is available to non-EU/EEA nationals who meet specific employment and income criteria. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a third-country national (not an EU/EEA citizen)
- Work remotely for a foreign company or operate a registered business outside Hungary
- Earn at least €3,000/month for six consecutive months prior to application
- Be able to maintain this income throughout your stay
- Have valid health insurance and adequate accommodation in Hungary
How to Apply for the White Card as a Digital Nomad
Your application process will vary slightly depending on whether you come from a visa-required or visa-exempt country.
Step 1: Determine where to start
- If you're from a visa-required country, apply for the White Card visa at your nearest Hungarian consulate in person.
- If you're from a visa-exempt country, you can enter Hungary and apply directly for the White Card on the National
Directorate General of Immigration Police website.
Step 2: Gather and complete the application forms
Fill in the main application and Supplement 16 and include an official passport photo (recent, high quality)
Step 3: Book an appointment and submit your application
- If applying abroad, book a visa appointment at the consulate and bring your physical documents
- If applying within Hungary, upload your documents and book a biometrics appointment at the immigration office
Step 4: Attend a biometrics appointment
- Submit fingerprints and a facial photo in person at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP)
Step 5: Wait for your permit to be processed
Stay legally in Hungary while your card is processed (you may be issued a temporary residence certificate)
Step 6: Collect your White Card
Your residence permit will be mailed or can be picked up from the NDGAP once issued
Documents Required for Applying for the White Card as a Digital Nomad
You’ll need to show clear evidence of your legal remote work activity and reliable financial background. Bring the following:
- Completed application form and Supplement 16
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months past intended permit expiry)
- Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
- Proof of stable income (€3,000/month for 6 months) via bank statements and/or employment contracts
- Proof of the ongoing income source (employment contract, company ownership papers, or freelance status)
- Proof of €10,000 savings in a non-sanctioned bank account
- Accommodation proof in Hungary (lease agreement, hotel booking covering stay period)
- Valid private health insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage
- Signed declaration stating intention to leave Hungary if the permit is refused
- Certified English or Hungarian translations of any non-English documents
How Much Does the White Card Cost?
- Initial application fee: ~€110 (HUF 39,000)
- Renewal fee: ~€60 (HUF 22,000)
- Health insurance: Around €15/month for basic plans like TESTŐR by Generali
- Translation and notarization: About €50+ depending on volume
- Flights, accommodation deposits, and living costs: Vary based on location
Timeline for Applying For the White Card
Application reviews typically take 21 days but could extend to 30 days, if clarification is needed.
There is no way to speed this up by paying extra, though you can submit a written urgency request if you have special circumstances.
What If I'm Not Eligible for the White Card as a Digital Nomad?
If you don’t qualify for the White Card, you may still live in Hungary through:
- Gainful Activity Residence Permit: If you establish a company or freelance business in Hungary
- Guest Self-Employment Visa: For self-employed professionals carrying out temporary projects
Other European countries also offer digital nomad visas, including Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Hungary
If you stay in Hungary for less than 183 days and keep your tax residency elsewhere, you generally don’t owe taxes in Hungary but must still declare your income.
If you spend more than 183 days or register your main residence here, you’ll become a tax resident and owe 15% income tax on global income.
Are You Ready To Live and Work in Hungary as a Digital Nomad?
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