Hungary White Card: how to get a residence permit for digital nomads

The White Card is a residence permit in Hungary, also known as the Digital Nomad Residence Permit or Fehér Kártya in Hungarian. It is issued to remote employees of companies based outside Hungary.

With a Hungarian White Card, digital nomads can open bank accounts in Hungary and travel to other EU countries without visas, but they cannot work for a Hungarian company. Digital nomads do not receive free treatment in Hungarian hospitals because they do not pay insurance and other fees.

The residence permit is valid for a year and can be extended for the same period. However, after two years, the foreign national must leave Hungary. They must then leave the country and apply again to obtain a White Card.

Another feature of the White Card is that it does not confer the right to obtain permanent residency and subsequently citizenship. If the foreign national continues to live in Hungary under another type of residence permit, the two years with the White Card do not count towards obtaining permanent residency.

Foreigners who are not citizens of the European Union may apply for a Hungary White Card if they meet the following requirements:

1. Receive this income from a company based outside Hungary;
2. Have an employment contract that explicitly allows remote work;
3. Earn at least €3,000 per month, confirmed by an employment contract or a bank statement for the last 6 months.

Family members cannot join the applicant based on a White Card. Spouses may still move together under the White Card if each applies separately and meets the requirements independently, including proving remote income from a company outside Hungary.

If the goal is to relocate as a family, Hungary offers other residence permit options that allow spouses and children to obtain residence permits at the same time.

The Hungarian White Card does not require any investment, and the permit itself is issued for a government fee. However, applicants should also budget for related expenses, such as document translations, health insurance, accommodation costs, and service fees.

The main costs for obtaining a residence permit include:

• rental of real estate for the entire duration of the residence permit — €800+ per month;
• deposit for real estate — the amount of the monthly payment;
• translation of documents into English, if required — €50+;
• health insurance for the duration of the residence permit — €15+ per month;
• state fee for applying for a residence permit — €110;
• flight to Budapest — the cost depends on the departure country and travel season.

One must apply for a residence permit in person at the Hungarian consulate in their country of residence. The application must explain why the foreigner is in Hungary if documents are submitted there.

Digital nomads must submit biometrics and provide documents during the application process. The standard requirements for a Hungarian White Card include:

1. An application for a residence permit and supplement 16. Documents must be filled out either by hand or on a computer.

2. A copy of a passport valid for at least one year.

3. Two photos measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm.

4. An agreement with the employer indicating the right to remote work, the contract duration, the employee’s responsibilities, and the scope of the company’s activities.

5. Confirmation of ownership of shares or stakes in the company, for managers.

6. Any document confirming the company’s legal existence, such as a registration number, tax information, or an extract from the register of companies in the company’s country of origin.

7. Confirmation of income of at least €3,000 per month — a bank statement for the last six months or a valid employment contract.

8. Confirmation of savings of €10,000 in any non-sanctioned bank.

9. Confirmation of an address in Hungary for the entire duration of the residence permit — a purchase and sale or rental agreement for at least 12 months.

10. Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per person.

11. A written statement that the digital nomad will leave Hungary if the residence permit is refused. In the application, the foreigner indicates that they have sufficient funds to leave the country.

Documents must be translated into English or Hungarian and certified by a notary.

The process of obtaining a residence permit from the date of application takes 3—4 months. The timing depends on the workload of immigration centres. The quickest time to consider your application is in the autumn or spring when the fewest international students come to Hungary.

To expedite the processing time, confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements, including a valid reason for remote work in Hungary and demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.

Application submission in Hungary is available only to third-country nationals who can enter Hungary visa-free and do not hold a Hungarian residence permit. Applications can be submitted online via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the competent regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing based on the address of accommodation[2].

When applying online:

1. Applicants create an Enter Hungary account. 
2. Complete the electronic form. 
3. Upload supporting documents.
4. Pay the administrative fee. 

Applicants must appear in person within 15 days so the immigration authority can record a facial photograph, fingerprints and a signature specimen. The application is considered officially received only after the fee is paid and the data are recorded. The immigration authority sends a notification once the application is deemed received and processing begins.

When applying in person, applicants must complete the paper form accurately and sign it. The form and the required annex are available on the immigration authority’s website. During the appointment, the immigration authority records a facial photograph and fingerprints for the residence permit card. 

If the application is approved, the residence permit card is generally delivered by post to the address indicated in the application. Collecting the card in person at the immigration office is possible only if the applicant proves they cannot receive it at the delivery address.

Hungary combines practical benefits with a comfortable lifestyle, which makes the country attractive to remote workers. Below are the key reasons why digital nomads choose Hungary as a base in the European Union.

1. Low taxes

Hungary boasts one of the lowest income tax rates in the European Union at 15%. Digital nomads can become tax residents of the country by spending at least 183 days a year in Hungary or being registered at their place of residence solely in Hungary.

If a digital nomad has not become a tax resident, they don’t pay the Hungary digital nomad visa tax but must only declare their income.

2. Safety 

According to the Global Peace Index, Hungary is among the world’s top 20 most peaceful countries. On immigration forums, people mention that walking late at night in Budapest is safe, and the likelihood of encountering a pickpocket is much lower than in Paris or Berlin.

3. Visa-free travel in Schengen countries 

Foreigners with Hungarian residence permits can enter the Schengen Area without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period[3].

Hungary’s central location makes travel around the region particularly convenient. From Budapest, it is easy to plan short trips to nearby capitals such as Vienna or Prague, and with relatively affordable transport options can drive to Vienna or Prague in three to five hours.

4. Affordable cost of living 

Maintaining a high standard of living in Hungary is cheaper than in other EU countries[4]. On average, one person will need €1,500 to live in Budapest, which is less than half the amount required in Madrid, Lisbon, or Vienna.

5. “Old Europe” and the modern city 

Hungary combines the atmosphere of historic Central Europe with modern urban infrastructure and contemporary architecture. The country offers a mix of well-preserved heritage sites and new cultural spaces designed for everyday city life.

Budapest reflects this contrast particularly clearly. Alongside landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament, the city has developed modern venues such as the House of Music, built as part of the Liget Budapest project, with concerts, exhibitions, and public events.

According to Hungarian law, digital nomads must declare income, including income received outside the country. They must obtain an individual tax number and submit a tax return. The filing dates for returns can be found on the website of the Hungarian Tax Administration[5].

Tax year and filing timeline

The tax year in Hungary coincides with the calendar year. On March 15th, the taxpayer receives an electronic declaration. After that, they have a month and a half to check and adjust it. By May 20th, the taxpayer must submit the final return and pay the tax. This can be done online in their personal account[6].

When income tax applies

Digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax in Hungary. However, if they spend at least 183 days a year in the country, they become Hungarian tax residents. In this case, income tax is levied at a rate of 15%.

How double tax treaties can help

Even if a digital nomad becomes a Hungarian tax resident by spending more than 183 days a year in the country, they may not have to pay income tax in Hungary on the same earnings if their home country has a double tax treaty with Hungary[7]. Such treaties are designed to prevent double taxation, meaning income is taxed only once, under the rules set by the agreement.

For example, if a digital nomad works for a company in the United Kingdom, the treaty may allow the income to be taxed in the UK rather than in Hungary. In this case, the income still needs to be declared in Hungary, but an additional Hungarian income tax payment may not be required.

Main reasons for denial are the provision of false information about the applicant and their employer, expired passports, or insufficient income.

The refusal can be appealed within 8 working days after notification of the decision. The appeal is submitted to the same immigration office where the application for a residence permit was accepted, or to the Hungarian consulate in the country of residence. 

However, the appeal will not be considered on its merits if:

• it is submitted by third parties not specified in the initial application for a residence permit;
• it contains new information not previously provided;
• it was filed without stating a reason.

The appeal fee is €160, or HUF 47,000. To pay the fee, you must fill out a form.

The Hungarian Immigration Service revokes residency if a foreigner:

• does not meet the eligibility requirements;
• stays outside Hungary for more than 90 days;
• takes up employment with a Hungarian employer;
• acquires an ownership interest in a Hungarian company.

The White Card does not grant the right to obtain permanent residency. To qualify for a permanent residence permit, a foreigner must live in Hungary with another type of residence permit.

Permanent residency and, later, citizenship are available through other legal grounds of residence in Hungary, such as investment, employment, business, studies, or family reunification, provided the applicant meets the statutory residence and eligibility requirements.

Permanent residence

National permanent residency is issued for an unlimited period to foreigners who meet the following conditions:

• living in Hungary with a valid residence permit for at least three years;
• absence from Hungary not exceeding four consecutive months;
• total time spent outside the country of no more than nine months;
• demonstrated intention to settle in Hungary, for example, by keeping most savings in Hungarian banks.

A foreigner cannot obtain a permanent residence permit by simply spending at least 183 days a year in Hungary. In this case, they become a tax resident and are obliged to pay taxes in the country.

A European permanent residence permit, or EU long-term residence permit, will be issued on the same basis as a national permanent residence permit, but there is no need to prove interest in the status. The permanent resident card is renewed every 5 years.

Citizenship

An application for citizenship is submitted after 11 years of living in Hungary. It must be done in person at the Ministry of Interior or a Customer Service Office.

Hungarian citizenship is issued to applicants who:

• lived in Hungary as a permanent resident for at least eight years and have not been absent from the country for more than six months per year;
• have no criminal record and do not pose a threat to Hungary’s national security;
• passed exams on their knowledge of the Hungarian language, history, and culture;
• have a stable income and a permanent address in Hungary.

Hungary allows multiple citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their current nationality when obtaining Hungarian citizenship[8].

Upon company registration, foreigners over 18 can obtain one-year residence permits. If the company makes a profit, foreigners can extend this status once for one or two years.

Family members can be added to the application after one year. The spouse submits a separate application for a residence permit through family reunification for themselves and their children under 18. After the residence permit expires, you need to leave Hungary and resubmit the documents.

Investors obtain Hungary Golden Visas. The investor first applies for a Guest Investor Visa. With this visa, they enter Hungary within 6 months and fulfil one of the investment conditions: buying shares in investment funds or donating to a higher education institution. The minimum investment is €250,000.

Investors immediately get residence permits valid for 10 years. Along with the investor, their family members can also become residents: spouses, children, and parents.

Hungary offers a balanced lifestyle for remote workers, combining moderate living costs, a high level of safety, and well-developed urban infrastructure. Below is an overview of everyday expenses and practical aspects of living in the country as a digital nomad.

Cost of living

On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Budapest costs €600 per month, while prices might be lower outside the city centre. 

Utility costs, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal, typically amount to around €150 per month for a small apartment.

Grocery expenses can vary based on where you shop and your dietary habits. On average, a single person might spend approximately €400 per month on food, including groceries and occasional dining out.

Safety

Based on Numbeo’s survey, Budapest is generally seen as a safe city, with a relatively low level of crime and a high sense of personal safety. Respondents typically report feeling comfortable walking around during the day. Nighttime safety is also viewed positively, although standard precautions remain advisable in tourist areas and on public transport[9]. 

As a popular tourist destination, Budapest attracts millions of visitors each year. The city takes measures to ensure the safety of tourists, including a police presence in major tourist areas and public transportation hubs.

Healthcare

Hungary has a tax-funded universal healthcare system organised by the state-owned National Health Insurance Fund. One hundred per cent of the population is covered by universal health insurance.

Digital nomads can use government medicine or apply for expat policies that ensure treatment at the best private hospitals.

Transportation

Budapest has an efficient and safe public transportation system, including buses, metro, trolleybuses, trams, suburban railway lines, and boat services. A one-way ticket costs €1.20, and a monthly pass is €25.

The MOL Bubi is a bicycle-sharing network in Budapest. The apple-green bikes can be hired from and returned to any docking station found at major transport hubs in the city centre. So far, 1,150 bikes can be hired from 98 docking stations in the centre of Budapest.

Pets policy

Hungarians have a strong appreciation for animals, who are valued members of many families. Around 50% of Hungarian households have at least one pet. The most popular pets in Hungary are dogs, followed by cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

All dogs and cats must be microchipped, and their owners must register them with the local authorities[10]. Owners must also ensure that their pets have valid vaccinations and keep them on a leash or in a designated area while in public spaces.

Immigrant Invest provides end-to-end support with obtaining a Hungary White Card, from preparing documents to obtaining residence permit cards. The company applies an individual approach to each case. As a result, 99% of applications prepared by Immigrant Invest receive approval, reflecting a consistently high success rate.

We offer a wide range of additional services, including permit renewals, and bank account openings. We are also always ready to assist with other individual requests.

1. The Hungarian nomad residence, or White Card, is issued to remote workers with a monthly income of €3,000.
2. Only one applicant can receive a White Card in Hungary. If spouses wish to move to Hungary, they each need to obtain a White Card.
3. The Digital Nomad Visa does not entitle you to permanent residency or a Hungarian passport.
4. The White Card is valid for a year and can be extended for the same period.
5. After two years of living in Hungary, you can reapply for a White Card by applying for a residence permit again.

1. Source: Regional directorate, National Directorate-General for Aliens 
2. Source: White Card factsheet, OIF White Card residency for digital nomads
3. Source: Schengen 90 in 180, European Commission visa policy page
4. Source: EU price levels stats, Eurostat comparative price levels article and dataset
5. Source: Tax return rules, Hungarian Tax Administration
6. Source: Personal account, Hungarian Tax Administration
7. Source: Double tax treaties list, NAV Double taxation treaties of Hungary
8. Source: Dual citizenship allowed, Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian citizenship
9. Source: Safety level in Budapest, Numbeo

Source: Pet movement rules, Nébih non commercial movement of pet animals