How a digital nomad can get a White Card and a residence permit in Hungary

Foreigners with citizenship of a country outside the European Union may get a White Card.

The minimum income for applicants for a White Card is €3,000 per month. It must be confirmed by an employment contract or a bank statement for the last six months.

The income must originate from a company outside Hungary. Simultaneously, the employment contract must specify that the digital nomad can work remotely.

Family members cannot join the applicant based on a White Card. It will be issued only to the main applicant. However, spouses can each obtain a White Card and move to Hungary together.

The Hungarian White Card is a way to obtain a residence permit without investment.

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 — €30+.

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.

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 taxes 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 Schengen states without visas and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. One 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. 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 features many narrow European streets and historical buildings, the most recognisable being the Hungarian Parliament. However, it is not the only attraction worth seeing in Budapest. As part of the Liget Budapest project, the House of Music, a modern music stage and exhibition centre, was constructed.

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.

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%.

The digital nomad will only have to pay income tax once the income is received in a country with Hungary having a double tax treaty. For example, a digital nomad who works for an Israeli company only pays income tax in Israel. However, they still need to declare such income in Hungary.

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.

Most often, residence permits are denied due to 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;

• the appeal 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 in the following cases:

• after the residence permit was issued, it turned out that the applicant did not meet Hungary’s requirements for digital nomads;

• the foreigner left Hungary for a period of more than 90 days;

• the foreigner works for a Hungarian employer;

• the foreigner bought a share 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.

National permanent residency is granted to a foreigner for an indefinite period if they:

• have lived in Hungary with a residence permit for at least 3 years;

• have not left Hungary for more than 4 months in a row;

• have spent no more than 9 months outside Hungary;

• have demonstrated an interest in permanent residency in Hungary — for example, by keeping most of their 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.

How to get Hungary permanent residency

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 under the following conditions:

1. The applicant has lived in Hungary as a permanent resident for at least 8 years and has not left the country for more than 45 days per year.

2. The applicant has no criminal record and does not pose a threat to Hungarian national security.

3. The applicant has passed exams on his knowledge of the language, history, and culture of Hungary.

4. The applicant has a stable income and a permanent address in Hungary.

Investors obtain Hungary Golden Visas. The investor first applies for a Guest Investor Visa. With this visa, they enter Hungary within 2 years and fulfil one of the investment conditions: buying shares in investment funds, purchasing real estate, 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 and minor children.

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 children under 18. After the residence permit expires, you need to leave Hungary and resubmit the documents.

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. Budapest has a relatively low crime rate and is ranked among Europe’s top 20 safest countries. Violent crime is rare, and most visitors do not encounter any safety issues during their stay.

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.

While walking around the city, especially in tourist areas like the historic district of Buda or along the Danube River, exercise standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas at night.

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. 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.

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 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.