Hungary White Card for a former exchange student who misses living abroad

From one of her colleagues, Liu Yi Fang heard about Digital Nomad Visas offered by some European countries. This colleague had already obtained a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal with the help of Immigrant Invest and recommended our services to her.

During our first consultation, Yi Fang explained her situation, and we presented several Digital Nomad Visa programs in various countries.

After some consideration, Liu Yi Fang chose the Hungarian one, called the White Card.

Benefits of the Hungary White Card for the applicant. Three main factors made the Hungary White Card appealing to Yi Fang:

1. Hungary is a Schengen country, which allows its residents to travel within the Schengen Area without visas.

2. Hungary’s cost of living is generally lower than in many other countries offering Digital Nomad Visas. For instance, she would need about €3,300 per month in Hungary and about €4,500 and €4,700 in Italy and Spain, respectively. Renting in both countries is 1.5—2 times more expensive than in Hungary.

3. Located in the centre of Europe, Hungary offers easy access to various travel destinations. For instance, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, and Serbia share a border with Hungary.

Several requirements must be fulfilled by the applicant for the Hungary White Card:

• be employed by a company outside the EU and have a monthly income of at least €3,000;

• rent or buy real estate with a living area of at least 6 m² per person; there is no minimum cost requirement;

• provide a bank statement from a non-sanctioned bank showing a balance of at least €10,000;

• buy health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Limitations. The White Card is granted for one year, with an opportunity to extend it once for the same period. The residence permit issued on its basis does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship.

Yi Fang did not want to move to Hungary or Europe for over a few years. She admitted that after a year in Hungary, she might consider living in another European country. But in the end, she planned to return to China. Thus, it did not matter to her that the Hungary White Card does not lead to a life-long status.

The White Card also does not allow foreigners to include family members; it is designed exclusively for single applicants. Yi Fang does not have a partner or children, so this limitation did not concern her too.

Liu Yi Fang,

Obtained the Hungary White Card

Initially, I did not know much about Hungary. But as soon as I started exploring, I fell in love with the country.

Hungary, with its streets and architecture, seemed like a place where the spirit of old Europe still lingers. I had visited more popular countries like Italy and France, but Hungary felt different. Even in the pictures, it seemed cosy and warm.

After spending hours on Google and looking at dozens of pictures, I knew Hungary was the right choice for me. The conditions of the White Card program were also suitable, so I decided to proceed.

Liu Yi Fang decided to rent real estate in Budapest, as she did not plan to live in the country for more than a year. Our lawyers contacted a realtor in Hungary who helped her find the suitable property.

The applicant chose a two-bedroom apartment in district VI, Terézváros, located in central Budapest, near the famous Parliament Building and the Danube River. The apartment’s size is 62 m², and the rent is HUF 530,000 per month, which is about €1,300.

Yi Fang signed a 12-month long leasing contract and paid three months' rent in advance — HUF 1,590,000, or €4,000. She also paid a deposit, equal to one month’s rent.

With the White Card, Liu Yi Fang has been living in Hungary since August, 2024. She is thoroughly enjoying her new life. Yi Fang has already taken a road trip through seven European countries and met people from Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia.

Moreover, she has already promised several of her new international friends to visit them in their home countries and invited them to come to China when she would return there.

Liu Yi Fang,

Obtained the Hungary White Card

The amount of memories I have made during the last five months compares to five years in China. I’ve travelled to new countries, made many new friends, practised my English, and even learned how to cook traditional Hungarian food.

I’m beyond grateful Immigrant Invest helped me obtain my White Card and make my life more enjoyable than ever.