Executive Summary
We’ve had a lot of people come to us over the past couple of years asking whether Hungary is a legit option for digital nomads. Short answer: yes, but it’s not for everyone. The Hungarian White Card is designed specifically for non-EU remote workers who want to live in Hungary without changing their employer or registering a business there.
It’s not a catch-all visa. It won’t work if you’re hoping to land local clients or start something inside the country. But if your income is steady and coming from abroad, Hungary gives you a legal way to live here, enjoy the Schengen Zone, and keep your job overseas. The cost of living’s relatively low, and the quality of life is underrated.
But fair warning, there are some tight rules and real deal-breakers. Like no family reunification, no path to permanent residency, and zero wiggle room on the income requirement. We’ve seen people try to game the system, and it never works out in the end.
What is the Hungarian White Card?
At its core, this visa is for remote professionals who make their money outside of Hungary but want to live here for a while. Simple in theory, but the rules are stricter than many expect.
We get this question all the time: “Can I freelance for Hungarian companies while on the White Card?” The answer is a hard no. You can’t work for Hungarian clients, can’t register a business in Hungary, and definitely can’t pick up side gigs locally.
Here’s what qualifies you:
- You work remotely for a foreign company
- Or you own a business that’s registered outside Hungary
That’s it. This visa is all about maintaining distance between your income source and the country you’re living in. It’s not a foot in the door to permanent residency or a workaround for working locally. It’s a temporary setup for people who want to live in Hungary without becoming a part of its workforce or tax base, at least officially.
Some people try to get clever, thinking they’ll apply, settle in, and figure things out later. Honestly? That’s risky. Immigration here isn’t the most flexible, and the rules are enforced more than you’d think.
Who is Eligible for the Hungarian White Card?
This is where we always advise clients to read the fine print. The eligibility criteria sound straightforward but are pretty airtight once you’re in the application process.
Non-EU/EEA Citizenship
You need to be a national of a country outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. If you hold an EU passport, congrats, you don’t need this visa in the first place.
Remote Employment or Foreign Business Ownership
Your work must be tied to a company outside Hungary. If you’re self-employed or own a business, that business has to be registered outside the country. And again, freelancers beware, you can’t accept clients from Hungary.
We’ve seen people get rejected because a single invoice showed up from a Hungarian entity. They’ll look at those documents. This isn’t a box-checking exercise, they actually read the details.
Stable Income of at Least €3,000 Per Month
This one trips people up more often than we’d like. You’re required to show at least six months of steady income before applying. That means six months of bank statements or payslips proving you make €3,000 or more per month. Lump-sum transfers don’t count. They’re looking for reliable, consistent cash flow.
We once had a client with €25,000 in savings who got rejected. Why? Because they couldn’t prove the income was recurring. It’s not about having money , it’s about how you’re making it.
If you’re self-employed, include contracts or proof of ongoing client relationships. If you’re employed, submit your contract and pay history. Don’t give them a reason to question it.
How Long is the White Card Valid?
This visa isn’t for setting down roots. It’s more of a pit stop , a way to experience life in Hungary without long-term commitment.
Permit Duration and Renewability
The White Card is initially valid for one year. You can renew it once for a second year, giving you a maximum of two years in the country on this permit.
After that? You need a new plan. There’s no option to extend beyond those two years. No exceptions, no extensions. Either switch to another type of visa or move on.
We’ve worked with clients who assumed they could just keep reapplying… you can’t. The government is clear on that.
Does It Lead to Permanent Residency?
No. And this is a big deal if you’re looking at Hungary as a long-term option. Time spent on the White Card does not count toward permanent residency.
If you’re hoping to build a future here, you’ll need to pivot to a different visa route before your second year runs out.
How to Apply for the Hungarian White Card
The process isn’t hard, but it’s not exactly user-friendly either. Don’t expect a fully digital experience.
Where to Apply
You must apply from outside Hungary. That’s probably the most frustrating part for most applicants. Even if you’re already in the country on a tourist visa, you’ll need to leave and apply at a Hungarian embassy or consulate abroad.
We’ve had people fly to nearby countries just to file paperwork. Budapest doesn’t accept in-country applications for this visa.
Processing Time
Most applications take around 30 to 60 days. It depends on the consulate, how busy they are, and whether your documents are complete.
We’ve seen it drag out longer if you’re missing something or if there’s a hiccup with translations. Don’t wing this part, double-check everything before you submit.
Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid passport (with at least 12 months of validity left)
- Proof of remote work or foreign business ownership (employment contract, business registration docs)
- Bank statements for the last six months
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary (lease or property deed)
- Health insurance that covers you in Hungary
And again, you cannot apply from inside the country. We’ve seen people plan their move, find an apartment, and then realize they have to leave just to file the application. Don’t be that person.
Tax Implications: Do You Pay Taxes in Hungary?
Here’s where things get murky.
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Hungary, you may become a tax resident. That’s the legal threshold. Once you hit that, Hungary can technically tax your worldwide income.
But enforcement varies. We’ve talked to expats who stayed under the radar for two years, and others who got letters from the tax authority after six months. There’s no way to predict it.
Our advice? Talk to a tax advisor. Set it up before you arrive, so you’re not scrambling to sort things out if the Hungarian authorities decide to take a closer look.
Family Reunification: Can Your Family Join You?
This is a tough one.
The White Card doesn’t allow family reunification. That means your spouse and kids cannot be included on your application. They’ll need to apply for their own residence permits , likely through study, work, or general residence.
We’ve worked with families who had to coordinate three or four different visa types just to live together in Hungary. It’s doable, but it’s not easy.
If you’re planning to move with family, we’d recommend looking at a different visa path altogether. The White Card is built for solo travelers.
Schengen Travel Benefits
Here’s the bright spot.
White Card holders can travel throughout the Schengen Zone, which covers 26 European countries. You can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. That makes it perfect for remote workers who like to bounce around.
But don’t confuse that with work rights. You still can’t work in other Schengen countries. It’s for tourism and short stays only.
Switching to Another Residence Permit in Hungary
Yes, you can switch, but the key is to do it before your White Card expires.
Some options:
- Work visa, if you get hired by a Hungarian company
- Entrepreneur visa, if you decide to open a business in Hungary
- Student visa, if you enroll in a local university
The catch? You need to meet all the eligibility criteria for those permits. And again, timing matters. You can’t let your White Card lapse and then try to switch. Start the process at least a few months before the end of your second year.
Key Takeaways: Is the Hungarian White Card Right for You?
The White Card is a great fit if:
- You’re a remote worker or entrepreneur making money from outside Hungary
- You want to live in Hungary temporarily without dealing with work sponsorship
- You’re okay with a two-year cap and no long-term pathway
But it comes with clear limitations:
- No work with Hungarian clients or companies
- No family reunification
- No permanent residency or citizenship track
- Potential tax complications if you overstay the 183-day mark
If you’re still reading and thinking, “Yup, this is exactly what I need,” then you’re probably a good fit. And if you want help with your application, timing, or just figuring out if this is your best option, we’re here.
Drop us a line at Aegir Consulting, and let’s talk through your plan.
