In a world where borders are blurring and the freedom to work from anywhere in the world is becoming a reality, Hungary is opening its doors to digital nomads through the White Card program. Find out what this program is, how it allows you to work remotely in the heart of Europe, what documents you need to submit, and what benefits and limitations it has

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Hungary’s White Card program, introduced in November 2021, offers digital nomads from non-EU countries (Turkmenistan, Morocco, Georgia, and others) the opportunity to live and work remotely in Hungary while maintaining employment with their employer. As of 2025, the program continues to attract remote professionals looking for a European base to relocate to.

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What is a White Card in Hungary?

The White Card, or “White Card,” is a special type of residence permit in Hungary, officially known as the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (in Hungarian: Fehér Kártya). This permit is designed for remote workers who work for foreign companies and have no business ties to the Hungarian labor market.

Holders of the White Card are entitled to:

- Open bank accounts in Hungary;

- Travel freely within the Schengen area without additional visas.

However, there are also restrictions: it is forbidden to work for Hungarian companies, and it is also impossible to use free medical care, since card holders do not pay social contributions to the Hungarian healthcare system.

How long is the Hungarian White Card valid?

The card is issued for 1 year with the possibility of one extension for another year. After two years, the foreigner is obliged to leave the country. If after that he wants to get a White Card again, he must go through the application procedure again - including collecting all documents.

Another important detail: this type of residence permit does not lead to permanent residence. Even if after the White Card a foreigner switches to another type of residence permit, the two years spent with the White Card are not taken into account when applying for the status of a permanent resident of Hungary.

Who can get a White Card of Hungary?

To qualify for the Hungarian White Card, applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Age and nationality: be over 18 years old and a citizen of a country outside the EU and EEA.

- Employment status: provide proof of remote work, such as an employment contract, proof of freelance work, or ownership of a foreign company.

- Income requirements: demonstrate a minimum monthly income of 3,000 euros, which can be confirmed by bank statements for the last six months.

- Residence: secure housing in Hungary through purchase or rental agreement for at least 12 months.

- Clean record: have no criminal record and do not engage in activities detrimental to the interests of Hungary.

How to apply for the Hungarian White Card?

The procedure for applying for a White Card in Hungary can be divided into the following stages:

Step 1 – Preparation of documents

To apply for a White Card (Digital Nomad Residence Permit), you must prepare the following package of documents:

1. Completed application for a residence permit and Appendix 16. The documents can be filled in manually or on a computer.

2. A copy of a foreign passport valid for at least 12 months from the date of application.

3. Two color photos measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm (as for a passport).

4. An employment contract with a foreign employer, which contains: the right to telework, the duration of the contract, a description of duties, the scope of the company's activities.

5. Confirmation of partial or full ownership of the company (for business owners or managers) - for example, documents on ownership of shares or a stake.

6. Documents confirming the legal existence of the company in which the applicant works: company registration number, extract from the state register of companies, certificate from the tax authorities of the country of registration.

7. Confirmation of a stable income of at least 3,000 euros per month: bank statements for the last 6 months, or a valid employment contract indicating the salary.

8. Documentary confirmation of savings of at least 10,000 euros. The funds must be kept in a bank that is not under sanctions.

9. Health insurance covering expenses of at least 30,000 euros per person.

10. A written statement of readiness to leave the territory of Hungary in the event of refusal to issue a residence permit. The document must also confirm the availability of sufficient funds to leave the country.

Important! The documents must be translated into English or Hungarian and notarized.

Step 2 – Consular Application

Apply for a residence permit at the Hungarian consulate or embassy in your country.

Step 3 – Issuance of D visa

Upon approval, obtain a three-month D visa to enter Hungary.

Step 4 – Application for residence permit

In Hungary, apply for a residence permit under the White Card at the National Directorate General of the Foreigners Police.

Step 5 – Issuance of the card

Upon processing, receive a White Card valid for one year with the possibility of extension for one year.

Costs and fees for the Hungarian White Card

Applicants should anticipate the following costs:

- Registration fee: €110.

- Translation and notarization of documents: €50+

- Rent: €500+ per month

- Rental deposit: €500+ (one month’s rent).

- Health insurance: €15+ per month

Additional costs may include legal assistance and other administrative costs.

Benefits of the White Card Hungary

- Extended stay: reside in Hungary for up to one year with the option to extend for another year.

- Access to the Schengen area: travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

- Public services: access healthcare, education, and other public services in Hungary.

- Community: join the growing community of digital nomads and make use of the various coworking spaces available across the country.

- Tax residency: By living in Hungary for at least 183 days during the year, you can obtain tax residency, subjecting your income to taxation in Hungary.

Are White Card holders allowed to move to Hungary with their family?

Although a White Card holder can bring their dependents with them, each must apply separately for a residence permit in different categories.

Hungary offers digital nomads a combination of cultural enrichment and professional flexibility. Potential applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documentation to facilitate the application process.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to explore the possibilities of obtaining a residence permit in Hungary, as well as to assess your prospects for obtaining a “White Card”.

Reminder! Hungary has introduced significant changes to its work visa rules, which will come into effect on January 18, 2025. We have already told you which foreigners can work in Hungary in 2025 and what is the procedure for obtaining a visa.

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