The Hungarian digital nomad visa - explored

Launched in November 2021, this visa has positioned Hungary as a rising destination for digital nomads, combining affordability, cultural richness, and strategic access to Europe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what the visa is, what it offers, how to obtain it, and why Hungary is an appealing choice for remote workers.

What is the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa?

The Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa, or White Card, is a residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Hungary for up to one year while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country. It can be extended for an additional year, offering a maximum stay of two years. The visa is designed to attract skilled remote workers to Hungary, boosting the local economy while providing digital nomads with a legal and stable base in Europe.

Key characteristics include:

• Purpose: For remote workers employed by foreign companies or managing businesses abroad using digital technology.

• Duration: One year, with a one-year extension option.

• Limitations: It does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship and does not allow family members to join under the same application. Working for a Hungarian employer or acquiring shares in a Hungarian company results in visa revocation.

The White Card addresses the legal challenges faced by digital nomads who previously worked under tourist visas, which is illegal for remote work. By offering a dedicated permit, Hungary ensures compliance while welcoming global talent.

What Does the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa Grant?

The White Card provides several benefits that make it an attractive option for digital nomads:

• Legal Residency: Holders can legally reside in Hungary for up to one year, with the possibility of extending for another year, providing stability for remote work.

• Remote Work Rights: The visa permits working remotely for foreign employers or clients, ensuring compliance with Hungarian immigration laws.

• Schengen Area Travel: As a residence permit, the White Card allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (26 European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, facilitating easy exploration of Europe.

• Access to Local Services: Depending on specific arrangements, holders may access Hungarian services such as healthcare and education. For healthcare, obtaining a Hungarian social insurance card (TAJ) may be necessary.

• Affordable Lifestyle: Hungary’s low cost of living compared to Western Europe allows digital nomads to maintain a high quality of life on a modest budget.

These benefits, combined with Hungary’s central location and modern infrastructure, make the White Card a compelling choice for remote workers.

How to Obtain the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a non-EU/EEA citizen.

• Have a verified remote job with a company outside Hungary or own a business generating income from outside Hungary.

• Prove a minimum monthly income of €3,000 (approximately HUF 1.1 million) for the past six months.

• Not be eligible for other Hungarian residence permits, such as those for employment, study, investment, or guest self-employment.

Applicants must also demonstrate that their work is conducted using advanced digital technology, ensuring alignment with the remote work model.

Application Process

The application process varies depending on whether you apply from outside Hungary or within the country (for visa-free citizens). Below are the steps for each scenario.

Applying from Outside Hungary

1. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of income, employment contract, health insurance, and accommodation details.

2. Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country.

3. Submit Application: Attend the appointment, submit the application, and pay the visa fee (approximately €110, payable in euros or another convertible currency).

4. Wait for Decision: Processing typically takes about 30 days.

5. Travel to Hungary: If approved, travel to Hungary within three months of visa issuance using the single-entry visa provided.

6. Register for Residence Permit: Within 30 days of arrival, visit the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP) to apply for the White Card residence permit. The card is sent to your registered address or collected from the NDGAP.

Applying from Within Hungary (Visa-Free Citizens)

Visa-free citizens (e.g., from the US, Canada, or Australia) can apply for the White Card after entering Hungary. There are two methods:

• Electronically via Enter Hungary (Enter Hungary):

  • Register on the Enter Hungary platform.

  • Complete the application form and upload all required documents.

  • Pay the application fee of HUF 24,000 (approximately €60) via credit card.

  • Wait approximately 15 days for the decision.

  • Collect the residence permit from the designated NDGAP office.

• In-Person at NDGAP:

  • Gather all required documents.

  • Schedule an appointment at an NDGAP regional directorate (NDGAP Appointment).

  • Attend the appointment, submit the documents, and pay the fee (approximately HUF 39,000 or €100, payable by credit card, postal cheque, or bank transfer).

  • Wait about one month for the decision.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form (Application Form).

• Completed appendix 9.18 (Appendix 9.18).

• Valid passport with at least three months validity beyond the desired visa expiry date.

• Two passport-sized photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm).

• Valid health insurance covering the Schengen Area.

• Proof of departure ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

• Proof of lawful means of transport.

• Proof of financial means: A certificate or bank statements showing a legal monthly income of at least €3,000 for the past six months.

• Statement agreeing to return home if the application is rejected.

• Proof of accommodation in Hungary (e.g., apartment leasing agreement, letter of invitation with official endorsement, document confirming property ownership, or booking confirmation).

• Additional documents for in-Hungary applications:

  • Hungarian social insurance card (TAJ) or proof of healthcare entitlements.

  • Bank statement confirming healthcare contributions.

For freelancers or business owners, additional documents may include:

• Last year’s tax return.

• Invoices or contracts with clients showing remote work and income meeting the €3,000 monthly threshold.

• Official registration documents or tax certificates proving the business is actively operating.

Application Fees

The fees vary depending on the application method:

Payments at embassies are made in euros or another convertible currency. In Hungary, payments can be made via credit card, postal cheque, or bank transfer, with specific instructions for bank transfers to the NDGAP account (Enter Hungary Payment).

Extension Process

The White Card can be extended once for an additional year, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. To extend:

• Submit the extension application at least 30 days before the current permit expires via the Enter Hungary platform.

• Pay the extension fee of approximately €60.

• Provide updated documents, including proof of income and accommodation.

• Have stayed in Hungary for at least 90 days within the previous 180 days.

• Visit an immigration office to submit biometrics and new photographs.

Processing for extensions typically takes 15–30 days, and the extended permit is sent to the registered address or collected from the NDGAP.

Important Notes

• Family Members: The White Card does not allow family unification. Spouses or dependents must apply for their own White Cards and meet the same requirements.

• Revocation Risks: The visa will be revoked if the holder works for a Hungarian employer, acquires shares in a Hungarian company, or fails to comply with visa conditions.

• Biometric Data: Applicants must provide facial likeness and fingerprints for the residence permit, collected during the application process or upon arrival.

Why Hungary is an Attractive Destination for Digital Nomads

Hungary, particularly its capital Budapest, has become a hotspot for digital nomads due to its unique blend of affordability, infrastructure, and cultural appeal. Below are the key reasons why Hungary stands out:

1. Affordable Cost of Living

Hungary offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Western European countries, making it an economical choice for digital nomads. Examples of monthly costs include:

• Budapest: €400–€800 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.

• Debrecen: €300–€500.

• Szeged: €250–€400.

• Pécs: €200–€350.

• Győr: €300–€450.

Daily expenses, such as food and transportation, are also budget-friendly, allowing digital nomads to maintain a high quality of life while earning in stronger currencies like the US dollar or euro (Flatio Guide).

2. Central European Location

Hungary’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring neighboring countries. Budapest is well-connected by air and rail to major European cities like Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava. The White Card’s Schengen Area travel privileges allow digital nomads to visit 26 European countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, enhancing opportunities for travel and networking (Nurall Blog).

3. High-Quality Infrastructure

Hungary boasts modern infrastructure critical for remote work:

• Internet Speed: Average download speeds of 174 Mbps for fixed broadband and 50 Mbps for mobile internet, among the fastest in Europe.

• Public Transport: Efficient trains, buses, and trams make navigating cities like Budapest easy and affordable.

• Coworking Spaces: Budapest offers numerous coworking spaces, such as CoNation, CoHub, and The Hub Budapest, equipped with high-speed internet and networking events (Daily News Hungary).

4. Vibrant Culture and History

Hungary, especially Budapest, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle:

• Landmarks: Iconic sites like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion attract visitors and residents alike.

• Thermal Baths: Hungary is famous for its thermal baths, such as Széchenyi and Gellért, offering relaxation and wellness.

• Events and Festivals: Budapest hosts year-round cultural events, from music festivals to food markets, fostering a lively atmosphere.

• Expat Community: A growing digital nomad and expat community, particularly in Budapest, ensures a welcoming environment for foreigners, with English widely spoken in urban areas (Digital Nomads World).

5. Safety and Quality of Life

Hungary ranks among the top 20 most peaceful countries in the Global Peace Index, with low crime rates and safe urban environments. Residents report feeling secure walking in Budapest even late at night, with a lower risk of pickpocketing compared to cities like Paris or Berlin. The country also offers high-quality healthcare and education systems, contributing to a high quality of life (Immigrant Invest).

6. Tax Advantages

Hungary’s tax system is favorable for digital nomads:

• Non-Tax Residency: Digital nomads who stay in Hungary for less than 183 days in a year are not considered tax residents and do not pay taxes in Hungary, though they must declare their income.

• Low Tax Rates: For those who become tax residents (by staying 183 days or more or registering a sole residence in Hungary), Hungary offers one of the lowest income tax rates in the EU at 15%, with deductions available (VisaGuide.World).

7. Digital Nomad-Friendly Visa

The White Card simplifies the legal process for remote workers, eliminating the need to work illegally under a tourist visa. Its relatively low income requirement (€3,000/month) compared to other European digital nomad visas (e.g., Portugal’s €3,480 or Malta’s €3,500) makes it accessible to a broader range of professionals (Lincoln Global Partners).

Conclusion

The Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa, or White Card, offers a unique opportunity for non-EU/EEA remote workers to live and work in one of Europe’s most affordable and culturally vibrant countries. With a relatively low income requirement, access to the Schengen Area, and a supportive environment for digital nomads, Hungary stands out as a top destination. The application process, while requiring careful preparation, is accessible through both embassy and in-country options, with clear guidelines and reasonable fees.

For digital nomads seeking a balance of affordability, modern infrastructure, and cultural richness, Hungary—particularly Budapest—provides an ideal base. Whether you’re drawn to its thermal baths, historic landmarks, or thriving expat community, the White Card makes it easier than ever to call Hungary home for up to two years.