Hungary Digital Nomad Visa

Hungary introduced its Digital Nomad Visa, known as the White Card, in 2021 to cater to remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from outside the European Union. This visa provides non-EU citizens with the opportunity to live and work remotely from Hungary for up to one year, with the option to extend for an additional year. With its affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and well-developed infrastructure, Hungary is becoming a top destination for digital nomads.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Non-EU/EEA Citizenship: The visa is available only to third-country nationals (non-EU and non-EEA citizens).
  2. Remote Work: Applicants must work for a company or clients based outside of Hungary. Freelancers, business owners, and employees of foreign companies are all eligible, provided their work does not involve earning income from Hungarian companies.
  3. Minimum Income: You must demonstrate that you earn at least €3,000 per month. Bank statements for the past six months are required to prove financial stability.
  4. Health Insurance: Valid health insurance that covers medical expenses for the duration of your stay in Hungary is required. The coverage must be a minimum of €30,000.
  5. Proof of Accommodation: Applicants must present a valid rental agreement or proof of property ownership to show where they will reside during their stay in Hungary.
  6. Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal background check from your home country is required as part of the application process.

Application Process

The application process for Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa can be completed in two ways, depending on your country of residence:

  1. For Nationals Who Can Enter Hungary Visa-Free: You can apply online via the Enter Hungary platform. After registering, you will submit all necessary documents, including proof of income, accommodation, and insurance.
  2. For Nationals Requiring a Visa: Applicants must apply at the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. You will need to make an appointment and submit your documents in person, where you may be asked to attend an interview.

After submitting your application, expect processing to take around 30 days. Upon approval, you must travel to Hungary, and within 30 days of arrival, you are required to apply for a residence permit at the Directorate General for Aliens Policing in Hungary.

Costs

  • Visa Application Fee: Applying through an embassy costs approximately €110, while applying online reduces the fee to €70.
  • Residence Permit Application Fee: After arriving in Hungary, applying for a residence permit costs around €110.
  • Other Costs: Depending on your city of residence, rental costs vary from €400 to €600 per month, while annual health insurance costs around €180-300.

Benefits of the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa

  1. Schengen Area Access: With the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, you gain access to the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel freely to 27 European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  2. Low Cost of Living: Compared to other European countries, Hungary offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Budapest, while more expensive than other Hungarian cities, still remains affordable with an average rent of €400-600 for a one-bedroom apartment.
  3. Fast Internet: Hungary boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, with average broadband speeds of 245 Mbps. This makes it a great destination for remote work.
  4. Tax Benefits: If you stay in Hungary for less than 183 days per year, you are not subject to local taxes. However, if you surpass this duration, you become a tax resident and are required to pay 15% personal income tax and contribute 18.5% toward social security.

Key Cities for Digital Nomads in Hungary

  • Budapest: As the capital, Budapest is a vibrant city with many coworking spaces, affordable living, and a buzzing social scene. It’s the most popular destination for digital nomads in Hungary.
  • Debrecen: A quieter and less expensive alternative to Budapest, Debrecen is a student-friendly city with a rich cultural history.
  • Szeged: Located near the southern border, Szeged is known for its sunny climate and youthful energy thanks to its university population.

Final Thoughts

Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for remote workers looking to experience life in Europe. With affordable living costs, fast internet, and access to the Schengen Area, it’s a top destination for digital nomads. Whether you’re drawn to the lively city life of Budapest or the peaceful atmosphere of smaller cities like Debrecen, Hungary has much to offer. For more details and to begin the application process, visit the official Hungarian government platforms: