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Hungary Digital Nomad Visa: the White Card
A residence permit for people who work remotely for a foreign company or run their own business outside Hungary. You live in Budapest or another Hungarian city while your income keeps coming from abroad.
The White Card is Hungary's version of a digital nomad visa. It is issued to non-EU citizens who are employed by a foreign employer or who own a company abroad and manage it online. The main condition for the Hungary digital nomad visa is a steady income from abroad: according to the latest figures, the threshold is about €3,000 a month, proven with bank statements for at least six months. You also need housing in Hungary for the full period, health insurance and a valid passport.
The card is issued for one year and can be extended for one more. It is a convenient way to live in the EU, but the program has limits: you cannot work for Hungarian employers, and years on a White Card do not count toward permanent residence. If you plan to stay longer, we will work out in advance which basis to switch to after two years.
Who it is for
- Employees of foreign companies who work remotely
- Owners and co-owners of businesses abroad who manage them online
- IT specialists, designers, marketers and other professionals who work online
- People who want to live in the EU for a year or two and get to know the country
- Couples where both work remotely and each meets the income requirement
Requirements
- Remote work for a company outside Hungary, or ownership of a business abroad
- Income from abroad at or above the set threshold, about €3,000 a month according to the latest figures, proven for the last 6 months
- Housing in Hungary: a lease for the period of the card or proof of ownership
- Health insurance for the entire stay
- A passport with enough remaining validity
- No work for Hungarian employers and no paid activity inside the country
What we do
- Review your contract, bank statements and income structure to see whether you qualify
- Draw up a document list for your case and filing location
- Arrange translations into English or Hungarian and notarization
- Help with a lease agreement the immigration authorities will accept
- Prepare the application form and cover letter, and book your appointment
- Support you after approval: entry on a D visa, the card application and address registration
Key documents
- Passport
- White Card application form and a cover letter
- Employment contract with a foreign company, or documents for your business abroad
- Bank statements for the last six months and tax documents
- Lease agreement for housing in Hungary
- Health insurance policy
- Diploma or proof of your most recent education
- Photos that meet the consulate's requirements
How it works
- Income checkwe review your statements, contract and source of funds and assess your chances
- Documentstranslations, notarization, lease and insurance
- Filingusually at the Hungarian consulate in your country of residence, with biometrics
- Reviewusually several weeks; after approval you receive a D entry visa
- Card in Hungaryafter entry we apply for your card at the immigration office and register your address
Timeline
The consulate review usually takes several weeks; after approval you enter on a D visa and apply for the card in Hungary.
Timelines are approximate: government agencies, consulates and banks set them.
What to watch out for
- Income below the threshold or irregular payments are the main reason for refusal
- Working for Hungarian clients or a Hungarian employer breaks the program's conditions
- A spouse cannot simply join as a family member and needs their own basis
- After two years on a White Card you need to switch to another basis or leave
- Translation errors and expired certificates send the file back for corrections
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our service fee is from $2,300. Government fees, translations, insurance and other mandatory costs are paid separately; we send the full estimate before you sign.
How much income do I need for the Hungary digital nomad visa?
According to the latest figures, about €3,000 a month. The income must come from abroad and is proven with bank statements for at least six months, plus your contract or business documents. Statements usually need to be recent on the filing date. We check the exact threshold and the required format before you collect documents.
Can my family move with me?
This is where the White Card has limits. Minor children can be included, according to available information, but a spouse needs their own basis. If your spouse also works remotely and meets the income requirement, they can apply for their own White Card. Other options are study or work. We will work out how to move the whole family.
How long is the White Card issued for?
First for one year, and then it can be extended for another year, so up to two years in total. At renewal the authorities check that you still meet the conditions and actually live in Hungary. After two years you need to switch to another basis or leave.
Does the White Card lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
No. Time on a White Card does not count toward permanent residence or naturalization. If you want to stay in Hungary long term, it is better to look at a basis with prospects from the start: employment, a business or an EU Blue Card. You can start with a White Card and change status later, and we will plan that route in advance.
Where do I apply?
Usually in person at the Hungarian consulate in the country where you live, including biometrics. Applying from inside Hungary is possible in some cases and requires explaining why you are in the country. After approval you get a D entry visa, and the card itself is issued in Hungary.
Do I have to pay taxes in Hungary?
Tax residence depends on how much time you spend in the country and where your center of interests is. White Card holders are subject to specific rules on income from abroad. We look at taxes separately, before you move: this affects how your contract should be structured and where you pay tax.
Do you guarantee the result?
No. Decisions are made by government agencies, consulates and banks. We are responsible for preparing and checking documents, filing and support, and we tell you about the risks upfront.
Let’s discuss your case
We will check whether the program fits your citizenship, income and family, and send an estimate with the full list of costs.
