Hungary White Card (Digital Nomad Visa)
Support, coordination, and legal facilitation
We help you understand the White Card process and connect you with a licensed Hungarian immigration attorney who handles your application.
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
Critical: 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 if the White Card fits your situation? Start with a free discovery call.
How the Process Works
Free Discovery Call
We’ll help you clarify:
- Whether the White Card is right for your work situation
- If your income documentation meets requirements
- What documents are likely needed
- Which next step (consultation or direct application) fits best
This call is not legal advice — it’s general guidance.
Legal Consultation
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 fees are credited toward full service if you proceed.
Full Application Support
Once you decide to move forward:
- Your attorney prepares and reviews all documentation
- Certifies and authenticates employer/business documents
- Submits your application via the official Enter Hungary system
- Monitors progress through 21-day processing period
- Coordinates biometrics appointment and card delivery
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
- Authorized 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 & Considerations
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 (long-term residency)
- Permit withdrawal: Your White Card will be withdrawn if you work for/acquire shares in a Hungarian company
- After expiry: When your White Card expires after 2 years, you cannot remain in Hungary on any other permit basis
This is a temporary permit with no extension beyond 2 years and no upgrade path.
Indicative Fees
Final prices are confirmed after consultation.
| Service | Indicative Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Legal Consultation | from €150 |
| Full White Card Assistance | from €1,250 |
These figures are indicative only and subject to change. Final pricing will be confirmed after case review.
Processing Timeline
Standard process:
- 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 or permit becomes invalid
- Biometrics appointment → within 15 days of arrival (facial photo, fingerprints)
- White Card delivered → by post to your registered address 2-4 weeks after biometrics
Total timeline: Approximately 1.5-2.5 months from submission to card in hand.
Additional time may apply for: Document authentication, translation, deficiency corrections, authority clarification requests.
Why Work With Us
Clear Next Steps
Tailored guidance for digital nomad situations
Document Authentication Support
Help navigating employer certification and apostille requirements
Full Coordination
We manage all administrative steps from start to finish
Licensed Attorneys
Access to qualified Hungarian immigration lawyers experienced in digital nomad permits
Structured Support
No guesswork, just clear process with defined timelines
Income Verification Help
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
- OR if: You currently hold a “Residence Permit for Seeking a Job or Starting a Business”
- Where: Via Enter Hungary electronic platform or NDGAP regional office
- Note: Extension applications must be submitted via Enter Hungary platform only
Extensions must be submitted at least 40 days before current permit expires.
Document Checklist Summary
You’ll need:
- Valid passport (full copy of all pages)
- 1 recent ID photo (not older than 3 months)
- Accommodation proof (lease, booking, or ownership document)
- 6 months of bank statements showing €3,000+ monthly income
- Current bank balance certificate
- Income certificate from employer/tax authority proving €3,000/month for 6+ months
- Health insurance documentation
- Educational certificate/diploma
- Certified employer statement OR business operation documentation
- Valid passport proof of exit capability
All non-Hungarian/non-English documents require certified Hungarian translation and may need apostille authentication.
Ready to Start?
Let’s determine if the White Card is the right digital nomad solution for you.