Updated 2 December 2025
11 June 2025 • Hungary restricted property purchases by foreigners • Source
14 March 2024 • Hungary updated its immigration law and introduced new types of residence permits for professionals • Source
28 November 2022 • Hungary started issuing a new type of residence permit — for digital nomads • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Garnitsarik Elena Garnitsarik

Hungary White Card

With the White Card, foreigners can live in an EU country, travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, and are exempt from paying tax on income from remote work.

Hungary White Card

€3,000+

Monthly income

3+ months

Obtaining period

1 year

White Card validity

0%

Tax on income earned outside Hungary

Foreigners are eligible for Hungary’s residence permit for digital nomads, called the Hungary White Card, if they work for a company outside the European Economic Area and earn at least €3,000 per month.

The residence status is issued for one year and can be renewed once for the same period. Family members cannot be included in the residence permit application.

A digital nomad must also buy or rent property in Hungary for the entire duration of the residence permit.

To renew the residence card, the holder must reside in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180‑day period.

5 benefits of Hungary White Card

Visa‑free travel across the Schengen Area

Foreigners with a Hungarian residence permit can travel within the Schengen Area without a visa and stay for up to 90 days in any 180–day period.

Low tax rates

Digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax in Hungary if they spend fewer than 183 days a year in the country. For permanent residents, the personal income tax rate is 15%.

International banking services

Hungarian residence permit holders can open accounts and deposits and keep their savings in international banks.

Affordable cost of living

Living in Hungary is on average 15—20% cheaper than in other EU countries. For example, renting a one–bedroom apartment in Budapest costs three times less than in Paris or Berlin.

Work‑life balance opportunities

Hungary offers a comfortable environment for remote work. Budapest provides excellent internet coverage, from large coworking spaces to small cafés. After work, residents can relax at the country’s famous thermal baths.

Visa‑free travel to 29 European countries

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

View all

Requirements to apply for Hungary White Card

Over 18 years old
Not subject to sanctions
No criminal record

Income requirements for applicants for a residence permit in Hungary for digital nomads

Requirement Income — €3,000+ per month
Details

The applicant must confirm income with an employment contract or an income declaration, as well as a bank statement covering the last six months.

The employment contract must specify that the applicant is permitted to work remotely.

Requirement Government fees — €110
Details

The foreigner pays a state fee when submitting the residence permit application.

Requirement Health insurance — €15+
Details

A digital nomad must obtain health insurance valid in Hungary.

Requirement Document translation — €50+
Details

Documents must be translated into English or Hungarian and certified by a notary.

Requirement Property rental or purchase
Details

A digital nomad must register an address in Hungary, which can be confirmed by renting or buying property.

There are no requirements regarding the property value or rental amount. The lease agreement must be valid for at least 12 months.

Requirement Savings — €10,000+
Details

The applicant must provide a bank statement from a non‑sanctioned bank.

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Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Key documents to apply for Hungarian residence permit for digital nomads

  • A copy of a valid passport
  • A bank statement showing a minimum balance of €10,000
  • A detailed bank statement with transactions for the past six months
  • A certificate of no criminal record
  • Two photographs sized 35 × 45 mm 
  • Health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
  • Application for a residence permit
  • An employment contract stating the right to work remotely and the salary amount
  • A purchase or rental agreement for property valid for at least 12 months

How to obtain Hungary residence permit for digital nomads: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

This is a mandatory step in obtaining a residence permit. The applicant undergoes a screening process to identify potential issues and reduce the risk of refusal for the White Card.

The check is carried out by Passportivity’s compliance department.

2.

Document preparation

Passportivity’s lawyers prepare a list of required documents, translate them into Hungarian or English, notarise the translations, and complete government forms.

3.

Submitting the residence application and obtaining a D visa

The residence permit application is submitted in the applicant’s country of residence and reviewed within 21 working days.

4.

Travel to Hungary to receive the residence permit 🔥

The foreigner travels to Hungary with a D visa and collects their residence card in person at the National Directorate‑General for Aliens Policing.

5.

Renewal of the residence permit for digital nomads

After one year, a digital nomad may extend their residence permit for another year if they have lived in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180‑day period. The renewal application must be submitted at least 45 days before the residence card expires.

The residence permit can be renewed only once. After that, the foreigner must leave Hungary and reapply.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates under the provisions of Article 62 of the Aliens Act on the General Rules for the Entry and Stay of Third‑Country Nationals, adopted in 2023.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit — guided by experts

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

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Frequently asked questions

The White Card Hungary is a type of residence permit in Hungary issued for up to one year. Foreigners can obtain this status if they:

  • earn at least €3,000 per month;
  • work remotely for a company outside the European Economic Area;
  • buy or rent property in Hungary for the entire period of their residence permit.

A digital nomad visa is a residence permit in another country for foreigners who work remotely. It is designed for employees of foreign companies, freelancers, self‑employed professionals, and business owners.

The White Card is obtained in person in Hungary. To do so, an applicant must first enter the country with a D‑type visa. This visa is valid for three months and is issued after the residence permit application is approved. The D visa does not replace the residence permit but allows the applicant to travel to Hungary and collect the White Card.

No, unless they spend at least 183 days a year in Hungary. Digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax, but they must declare their income on the Hungarian tax authority’s website.

If a digital nomad resides in Hungary permanently, they become a tax resident and pay personal income tax at a rate of 15%.

The Hungarian immigration authority may refuse a residence permit if the applicant provides false information or conceals a criminal record. The status can also be revoked, for example, if the holder violates Hungarian law or obtains another residence permit on different grounds.

The digital nomad residence permit does not grant eligibility for permanent residence or Hungarian citizenship. Permanent status can be obtained through other residence types, such as the Golden Visa.

An applicant must first live in Hungary for three years with a temporary residence permit, followed by another eight years with permanent residence. After that, they may apply for citizenship.

Applicants must pass a citizenship test that includes Hungarian language, culture, and legal knowledge. Once approved, they are required to take an oath of allegiance.

The Hungarian National Card allows the holder to apply for citizenship: after three years of residence, they may request permanent residence, and after another eight years — citizenship. The main condition for obtaining the National Card is to establish a company and work in it.

Golden Visa holders are also eligible to apply for citizenship. This visa is issued to foreigners who invest at least €250,000 in the Hungarian economy.

Spouses may submit separate applications for the Hungarian White Card. If the applicant has children, they can consider other types of residence permits in Hungary, such as the National Card or the Golden Visa.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Hungary White Card without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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