Hungary is one of those European countries that are gaining popularity in the world of digital nomads. It is a wonderful country full of art, culture, and history. Digital nomads who love exploring historical sites and learning about new cultures will find it a fantastic place to live.

 In order to leave your daily routine behind and start a new life in Hungary as a freelancer, you can use a digital nomad visa.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Hungary is officially called the White Card. It serves as a temporary residence permit issued by the Hungarian government to qualified individuals, including digital nomads. Thus, it is also called the Hungarian digital nomad visa.

The White Card applies to citizens of non-EEA countries.

For how long is a residence permit issued for a remote worker?

White Card holders will have the right to live and work remotely in Hungary using digital technologies for up to two years.

Basic requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa

Before you decide to apply for a Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa, it is worth checking whether you meet the eligibility requirements. So, here are the requirements for the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa:

● Third-country nationals, which means that they are citizens of non-EEA countries.

● Ability to work remotely using digital technologies such as laptops, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, etc.

● You have a valid employment contract with a company or employer outside Hungary, you are a shareholder in a company outside Hungary, or you own a company outside Hungary.

List of required documents for obtaining a digital nomad visa to Hungary

If you are eligible for a Hungarian digital nomad visa, it is time to send your application. But before that, prepare the necessary documents for submission. Here is the list of requirements that you need to provide:

● Valid passport - your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.

● Visa application form - you can download the application form online.

● Passport-size photos.

● Proof of income - applicants must present proof that they earn at least €2000 per month. To do this, you can provide an employment contract indicating your monthly salary, bank statements or any other documents confirming your income.

● Health insurance - applicants must have health insurance to cover any medical expenses incurred while living in Hungary as a digital nomad.

● Proof of accommodation - you must provide proof that you have accommodation in Hungary. This can be a rental agreement or a hotel reservation, depending on where you want to stay while living in Hungary.

● Additional requirements for hired individuals - for digital nomads working for a company, you need to provide a document confirming the scope of your employer's activities. You will also need to submit an employment contract specifying the nature of your remote work, including the hours you are expected to work each day.

● Additional requirements for owners or shareholders of a company - for digital nomads who own a business, you must provide a document that contains information about the scope of your business. If you are a shareholder, provide a document confirming the ownership of your shares in the company.

How to apply for a digital nomad visa for Hungary?

When you have all the requirements ready, you can start by applying for the White Card. The application for a Hungarian digital nomad visa consists of two parts. First, you need to apply for a visa at the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country. Once you are approved for an entry visa, you can travel to Hungary on your visa and apply for a White Card once you are in the country. Here are the steps to help you apply for a digital nomad visa: 

1. Make an appointment at the Hungarian Embassy. Contact the Hungarian embassy or consulate in your country to make an appointment to apply for a digital nomad visa. You can search for them online.

2. Download the application forms and fill them out. Then download The White Card application forms online. You will need two forms: the residence permit application form and the Annex 17 form. Fill out the forms completely.

3. Come on the appointed day - visit the embassy or consulate on the appointed day. Do not forget to bring application forms and all necessary documents.

4. Pay the visa application fee. After the interview, pay the White Card application fee, which will cost $125.25.

5. Wait for approval. Wait up to 30 days for them to process your visa application.

6. Travel to Hungary. When your application is approved, they will issue an entry visa. You can then travel to Hungary and use it to enter the country. They usually send it by mail.

7. Apply for a White Card. Make sure you apply for a White Card within thirty days of your arrival in Hungary. You can apply for a White Card at the National General Directorate of the Police for Foreigners (NDGAP) near you. Visit the nearest NDGAP office and bring all the documents to apply.

8. Pay the service fee. After applying for the White Card, pay the service fee, which should cost you about 125.55 USD. You will also need to pay the application fee through the NDGAP online platform, which is equivalent to USD 77.26.

9. Receive the White Card. Once your application is approved, they will send you a White Card by mail. It will serve as your residence permit, allowing you to live as a digital nomad in Hungary.