Hungary White Card Permit
Support, coordination, and legal facilitation. We connect you with a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney who handles your White Card application from start to finish.
What Is the White Card?
A White Card is Hungary’s digital nomad residence permit for remote workers and business owners who want to live in Hungary while working for a foreign employer or running a business outside Hungary.
It allows you to:
- Legally reside in Hungary for up to 2 years
- Work remotely for non-Hungarian employers
- Manage your foreign business from Hungary
- Build stability with EU Schengen access
Important
You cannot work for Hungarian companies or own shares in Hungarian companies while holding a White Card.
Who This Is For
Remote Employees
- Digital workers employed by companies outside Hungary
- Professionals working via remote employment contracts
- Employees who can perform their work electronically from anywhere
Business Owners
- Entrepreneurs managing profitable foreign companies remotely
- Shareholders of foreign businesses with proven income
- Digital business owners operating internationally
Not suitable for: People wanting to work for Hungarian employers, those wanting to establish Hungarian businesses, students, or those seeking family reunification in Hungary.
Not sure which permit fits your situation?
Book a one-hour consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer. €150, credited toward full service if you proceed.
Book ConsultationHow the Process Works
With a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney:
- Get a detailed assessment of your employment/business situation
- Verify your income meets the €3,000/month requirement
- Receive a tailored list of required documents
- Discuss strategy, timeline, and accommodation logistics
Consultation fee (€150) is credited toward full service if you proceed.
Your attorney reviews and prepares all documentation:
- Certifies and authenticates employer/business documents
- Arranges Hungarian translations where needed
- Verifies income documentation meets the threshold
- Confirms accommodation and insurance requirements
Once you decide to move forward:
- Your attorney submits your application via the official Enter Hungary system
- Monitors progress through 21-day processing period
- Coordinates biometrics appointment and card delivery
- Handles all communication with immigration authorities
You remain in contact with both Hungary Visa (coordination) and your attorney (legal representation).
Key Requirements
Income Requirement (Mandatory)
- €3,000 net per month for at least the 6 months prior to entering Hungary
- You must maintain this income level throughout your stay
- Documented via bank statements and employer/tax authority certificates
Employment/Business Documentation
Option A: Remote Employee
Certified statement from foreign employer confirming:
- Employer’s scope of activities
- Provision allowing remote electronic work
- Authorised duration of remote work
- Your job title, duties, and position
Option B: Business Owner
Documentation proving genuine business operation including:
- Company registration documents
- Proof of your ownership interest
- Tax authority certificates showing regular profit
- Evidence of company’s actual operations
All applicants must demonstrate
- Valid accommodation in Hungary (lease, ownership, or booking confirmation)
- Health insurance coverage
- Valid passport (must remain valid 3+ months beyond permit expiry)
- Proof of exit capability (return tickets or funds)
Important Restrictions
Key limitations you should know
- 2-year maximum: Initial validity up to 1 year, extendable once for another year only
- No gainful activity in Hungary: Cannot work for Hungarian employers or own shares in Hungarian companies
- Physical presence required: Must reside in Hungary at least 90 days in any 180-day period to qualify for extension
- No permit switching: Cannot apply for any other residence permit type during or after White Card validity
- No family reunification: Spouses and dependents cannot join you (exception: children born in Hungary during validity)
- No path to permanent residence: White Card holders cannot apply for National Residence Card
This is a temporary permit with no extension beyond 2 years and no upgrade path.
Indicative Fees
Pricing
Legal Consultation: from €150
Full White Card Assistance: from €1,250
Consultation fee is fully credited toward the full service if you proceed. These figures are indicative and subject to change. Final pricing confirmed after case review.
Processing Timeline
- Application submission → 21-day processing by immigration authority
- Type D visa issued (for non-visa-free applicants) → valid 3 months, single entry, 30-day stay
- Entry to Hungary → must enter within 3 months of approval
- Biometrics appointment → within 15 days of arrival
- White Card delivered → by post, 2-4 weeks after biometrics
Total timeline: Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 months from submission to card in hand.
Why Work With Us
Tailored guidance for digital nomad situations
Help navigating employer certification and apostille requirements
We manage all administrative steps from start to finish
Qualified Hungarian immigration lawyers experienced in digital nomad permits
No guesswork, just clear process with defined timelines
Guidance on documenting the €3,000/month requirement properly
What’s Not Included
Government fees
- HUF 26,000 (approx. €65) if submitting via Enter Hungary platform
- HUF 39,000 (approx. €98) if submitting in person in Hungary
- EUR 110 if applying at Hungarian consulate abroad
Additional costs paid directly by you
- Embassy or consular fees at your local Hungarian embassy
- Document apostille/authentication costs (varies by country)
- Certified Hungarian translations of non-English/non-Hungarian documents
- Travel to Hungary or biometric appointments
- Accommodation costs (lease deposits, booking fees)
- Health insurance premiums
Application Locations
Outside Hungary (Most Common)
- Required if: You’re not visa-exempt for Hungary OR you previously held a White Card
- Where: Hungarian consulate in your country of nationality or habitual residence
- Process: Submit application → Type D visa issued → enter Hungary → complete biometrics → receive card by post
Inside Hungary (Limited Cases)
- Only if: You’re visa-exempt for Hungary AND this is your first White Card application
- Where: Via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional office
Good to know
Extensions can be submitted up to 90 days before your current permit expires, and must be submitted no later than 30 days before expiry.
Document Checklist Summary
- Valid passport (full copy of all pages)
- 1 recent ID photo (not older than 3 months)
- Accommodation proof (lease, booking, or ownership)
- 6 months of bank statements showing €3,000+ monthly
- Current bank balance certificate
- Income certificate from employer/tax authority
- Health insurance documentation
- Certified employer statement OR business documentation
All non-Hungarian/non-English documents require certified Hungarian translation and may need apostille authentication.
Disclaimer: Hungary Visa is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All legal services are provided by independent, licensed Hungarian immigration attorneys.