Hungary White Card digital nomad guide

The basics

According to the Hungarian immigration authority factsheet, the White Card is a residence permit for third-country nationals who work remotely from Hungary for an employer, or through a company, based in another country. It is not a short-stay visa.

Validity

Not stated in the official page text reviewed.

Stay per entry

Not stated in the official sources reviewed.

Where you apply

At a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission abroad, or in Hungary for eligible visa-exempt nationals, via the Enter Hungary platform or at the regional directorate of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (NDGAP).

Fee

Not stated on the White Card factsheet. It refers to a separate page on administrative service fees.

Who it's for

Official sources indicate the White Card is for third-country nationals, meaning generally non-EEA nationals and stateless persons. Whether you need a visa to enter depends on your nationality.

• A person with a verified employment relationship in a country other than Hungary, who works from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution.
• A person who owns a share in a company with a verified profit in a country other than Hungary, and who works or manages the company from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution.
• The factsheet says the card is only granted to someone who does not pursue gainful activity in Hungary and does not hold a share in a Hungarian company.
• The factsheet lists people who are not eligible, including those who meet the conditions for other Hungarian permits (such as guest worker, Hungarian Card, National Card or Corporate Card), students, posted workers, people with refugee or protection status or applications, holders of an EC residence permit or EU residence card, intra-corporate transferees and highly qualified workers admitted for employment.

How to apply

Based on the official factsheet, the route depends on your situation. A separate visa application is not required, because the residence permit application includes an application for a visa to collect the permit.

• Outside Hungary: if you have no residence permit and your entry is not visa-exempt, apply at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in the country of your nationality or habitual residence. Contact the mission about other authorised application points, such as honorary consuls or external service providers.
• In exceptional cases, and if there is no consulate or other receiving point in your country, you may apply in a country where you are staying legally, with proof of the reasons.
• Inside Hungary: a holder of the citizenship of a visa-free country without a residence permit can apply during legal residence, via the Enter Hungary platform or in person at the competent NDGAP regional directorate for their place of accommodation.
• Applications through a legal representative or legal person can only be submitted via Enter Hungary.
• Complete the application form and the White Card appendix accurately. In person, the form must be signed.
• A facial photograph is recorded, and fingerprints for applicants over age six.
• For Enter Hungary applications, the application is deemed received once the administrative service fee is paid and the photograph, fingerprints and signature specimen are recorded within 15 days of receipt.
• The factsheet states a procedural administration time of 21 days. NDGAP may request further documents.

Documents

The official factsheet lists the following documents as possible proof of meeting the conditions.

• Purpose of residence, employment abroad: a certified statement from the employer covering the scope of its activities, the provision on remote electronic work and its authorised duration, and the applicant's duties and position. The employer's real and actual operation must be certified.
• Purpose of residence, company ownership: a document stating the company's real and actual operation, the applicant's job title and position, the scope of activities and the applicant's share ownership. Operation can be verified by a public registration document, an authentic instrument or tax authority certificate showing regular income or profit, or other credible means.
• Means of subsistence: monthly legal income of at least EUR 3,000 net for at least 6 months before entry, and the factsheet says this must be maintained throughout the stay. It can be shown by 6 months of bank statements or a certificate of regular income from the employer or tax authority.
• Accommodation in Hungary: a residential lease, a document on accommodation provision by courtesy, proof of ownership, or evidence of a reservation and payment.
• Health insurance: proof of access to comprehensive health insurance services, or of ability to cover the costs. The factsheet describes social security coverage, an international agreement, or means of subsistence as ways to meet this.
• Conditions of exit: a valid passport, and a valid ticket or enough money to cover the travel costs.
• One facial photograph. For an extension, documents on unchanged conditions do not need to be submitted again.

Stay and extensions

The official factsheet gives these extension terms. It does not state the permit's validity or stay length.

• Extension applications may only be submitted in Hungary, via the Enter Hungary platform.
• A residence permit can only be extended once for the same purpose.
• You must hold a valid residence permit when applying, and must have resided in Hungary with it for at least 90 days within any 180-day period before applying.
• An extension application may be submitted no more than 90 days before the permit expires, and must be submitted no later than thirty days before expiry.

Things to confirm

• The White Card validity period and the maximum total duration. The official page text reviewed does not state them.
• The administrative service fee. Check the authority's procedural fees page.
• Whether your nationality is visa-exempt, which affects where you can apply.
• Whether family members can be included. The official page text reviewed does not say.
• Any minimum health insurance coverage amount. The official page text reviewed does not state one.
• Current requirements and forms with the Hungarian consulate or the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing before applying.

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.