🇭🇺 How to Apply for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
In 2022, the Hungarian government created the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the “White Card”. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in Hungary for up to one year.
This article will summarizes the four most important steps when applying for the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
Before you depart make sure you're covered...
Lau
What is a Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa allows someone to live and work in a foreign country for an extended time without having to obtain a traditional work visa.
Digital nomads are often people who work online or who have jobs that can be done remotely.
The requirements for a digital nomad visa vary from country to country. However, they typically include a valid passport, proving that you have enough money to support yourself and have health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Requirements for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
🇪🇺 Citizenship
You are NOT a European Union or European Economic Area citizen.
📄 Valid Travel Document
At least three months validity from the date of arrival in the country.
💶 Proof of Remote Income
You must be able to prove sufficient income from either:
- Valid working contract with a foreign company
- Owning a business with clients outside the country
- Becoming an independent freelancer and earning an income through providing services to international customers.
- You own stocks in a profitable business entity located outside of Hungry.
💰 Meet the Minimum Monthly Income
You must meet the minimum monthly income requirement of $2,160 (€2,000) per month. One must submit payslips and authenticated bank statements to establish proof of sufficient income and funding.
🚫 No ownership of a Hungarian Company
You currently possess no ownership of a Hungarian company and you are not searching for any lucrative activity in Hungary.
5 Most Important Steps when Applying for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
💥 Step 1: Gather all the required documents
First, you must gather all the necessary documents for your Hungary visa application. As these documents can vary depending on which country you’re applying from, we suggest contacting the Hungarian Embassy directly to ensure you have all the correct paperwork for requesting the nomad visa.
However, use the following documents as an indication of what you will need to gather:
❗️ Required Documents
- A completed online application form
- Copy of Passport - Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months.
- Two Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
- Proof of Income with Certified Bank Statements
- Remote Work Verification
- Proof of Accommodation
- Document of Health Insurance Protection
➕ If employed by a company outside of Hungary, you must provide proof of certification which includes:
- The scope of the company’s activities.
- A job contract that validates your ability to work from a distance, along with detailed records of the time spent working.
- The essence of your occupation.
➕ If you are an owner of a business or possess any shares, you must provide a document that states:
- Essential knowledge about how the business runs and operates.
- Your role and responsibilities within the company.
- The scope of the company’s activities.
- Your possession of the company’s shares.
📆 Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with the Hungarian Embassy
The Hungary digital nomad visa application comprises two parts – both must be completed and submitted separately. First, you must apply for a visa at the Hungarian Embassy in your country; afterwards, you apply for the White Card once you enter Hungary.
To apply for the nomad visa, you must schedule a visa appointment with the embassy/consulate in your country and submit all requested documents on the day of the meeting.
✔️ Step 3: Complete the Applications Forms and Attend the Appointment
You can acquire the application forms online. You need to fill out the application form for the residence permit and the Appendix 17 form.
Before submitting your documents and application form, a consulate officer will ask a few questions in an interview. Make sure to answer truthfully.
⏳ Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Wait for Approval
Applying for the White Card in your country will cost $125.25 (€116,52). The processing time is typically around a month.
✈️ Step 5 – Get the Entry Visa and Travel to Hungary
If approved, the relevant authorities will send you a 30-day single-use entry visa to your home address. You can use this to enter Hungary, where you must follow the steps to acquire your “White Card.”
How to apply for the White Card in Hungary
🗂️ Step 1: Submit an Application to the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP)
Once entering Hungary using your single entry visa, you must locate your closest NDGAP and get started on the application process for the White Card.
You must ensure you have all the required documents to submit your application and apply within 30 days.
💰 Step 2: Complete the Service Fee
For submitting your White Card application within Hungary, the service fee of $125.55 (€116,80) is required.
By utilizing NDGAP’s online portal to submit your application, you will be charged a service fee of $77.26 (€71,88).
Bear in mind that these amounts can be altered at any time. To ensure a trouble-free visa application process, contacting your nearest Hungarian Embassy or Consulate is highly recommended before starting the paperwork.
Government bodies will have the most recent information regarding applicable costs and services.
🥳 Step 3: Receive the White Card
After your Hungary digital nomad visa is granted, the competent authorities will send you a copy by post.
Once you have completed the steps, your White Card will allow you to stay in Hungary for an entire year. It is possible to extend this visa for an additional 12 months. Have an awesome time in Hungary!
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
For those of you who like summary tables, we've put the most important information of Hungary's Digital Nomad Visa below.
Income Requirement $2160 (€2000) per month Duration of Visa One year (possible to extend a further year) Cost of Visa €110 ($116) Processing Time 30 days Family Allowed on Visa No Ease of Applying 7/10 Tax Obligations Yes, when spending more than 183 days Global Peace Index Ranking 13/163
⛪️ Why Hungary is a great place for Remote Workers
Hungary is great for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural identity. Hungary has a rich history and some of the best cuisine in Europe.
Hungary is renowned for having some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe and globally, and it has excellent mobile internet.
Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live and work remotely. Moreover, it also has a thriving startup community, so digital nomads can easily network with like-minded individuals in the city.
Time to start packing!
Lau
F.A.Q
Does Hungary have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Hungary has a digital nomad visa, which is designed for those who want to live and work remotely in Hungary.
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Hungary?
If your stay in the country is shorter than 183 days, you don’t have to pay taxes. After that, the obligation to pay taxes will depend upon whether your country of residence has a tax treaty with Hungary.
To avoid double taxation of investment income, two countries often enter a tax treaty agreement that specifies which government should impose the taxes. This collaboration helps to ensure fairness in taxation and encourages cross-border investments.
Is it possible to travel to other European countries with my White Card?
After attaining your white card, you can venture to any nation within the Schengen Area without requiring a visa for a maximum of 90 days.
Can I extend my Hungary digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can extend your Hungary DNV for an additional year with service fee costs.
How long does the Hungarian Digital nomad visa take?
Hungary’s digital nomad visa typically takes around a month to process.
What is a white card in Hungary?
The white card permits you to work remotely in Hungary for any foreign employer or business registered outside Hungary.
Could I bring family members over with the Hungary digital nomad visa?
Unlike other digital nomad visas, Hungary’s digital nomad visa does not offer the opportunity to bring your family along when entering this country.