White Card

The White Card (Fehér Kártya) is Hungary's dedicated residence permit for digital nomads. It allows non-EEA citizens to live in Hungary while working remotely for foreign employers or managing businesses registered outside the country. The program is administered by the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) and offers access to the Schengen Area, a competitive cost of living, and a flat personal income tax rate.

• Hold a verified employment relationship with a company outside Hungary and perform work remotely using digital technology, or own shares in a profitable company outside Hungary and manage it remotely
• Demonstrate a net monthly income of at least EUR 3,000 for the 6 months preceding entry
• Maintain valid health insurance for the duration of the stay
• Provide proof of accommodation in Hungary (lease contract, ownership deed, or booking confirmation)
• Hold a valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the permit's expiry date
• Must not pose a threat to public order, public security, or national security
• No specific educational or professional qualifications are required

• Completed residence permit application form with the White Card appendix
• Passport-sized colour photograph (not older than 3 months)
• Valid passport
• Proof of remote employment — authenticated employer statement detailing work scope, remote work authorisation period, and the applicant's duties and position; or proof of foreign business ownership — company registration documents and tax authority certificates proving regular income
• Six months of bank statements or income certificates demonstrating at least EUR 3,000 net monthly income
• Proof of accommodation in Hungary
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance
• Return ticket or sufficient funds for departure

The initial White Card is valid for up to 1 year. It can be extended once for a maximum of 1 additional year, giving a total maximum stay of 2 years. To qualify for an extension, you must have resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period before applying. Extension applications must be submitted no more than 90 days and no fewer than 45 days before the current permit expires, and can only be filed within Hungary via the Enter Hungary platform. After the maximum two-year period, you must leave Hungary. You may reapply, but there is no automatic continuation.

Family reunification is not available to White Card holders. Spouses, children, and other dependants cannot obtain residence permits based on the main applicant's White Card. The sole exception is children born in Hungary to White Card holders during the permit's validity — they may receive a family reunion residence permit upon birth registration. This is one of the more restrictive family policies among European digital nomad programs.

Hungary applies a flat 15% personal income tax rate. If you spend 183 days or more per year in Hungary, you become a tax resident and are liable for personal income tax (15%) and social security contributions (18.5%) on worldwide income. Those spending fewer than 183 days are generally not considered tax residents. Hungary has double taxation treaties with numerous countries. Tax residents must register with the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) and obtain a tax identification number.

From abroad: Submit your application at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in your country of nationality or habitual residence. If approved, you receive a single-entry type D visa valid for 3 months, authorising a stay of up to 30 days, during which you must enter Hungary.

Within Hungary (visa-free nationals only): Apply via the Enter Hungary electronic platform (enterhungary.gov.hu) or in person at the competent OIF regional directorate. Electronic applications are considered received only after the applicant submits a facial photograph and provides fingerprints within 15 days of electronic submission.

Processing time: 21–30 days.

Fees: EUR 110 at a diplomatic mission abroad; HUF 39,000 for in-person applications in Hungary; HUF 26,000 via the Enter Hungary platform; HUF 26,000 for extensions.

Upon entering Hungary, you must appear at the competent OIF regional directorate to complete biometric registration. The residence card is mailed to your Hungarian address within 21 working days.

White Card holders may not pursue any gainful activity in Hungary and may not hold shares in a Hungarian company. The permit is automatically revoked if you engage in Hungarian employment or acquire Hungarian business ownership. You also cannot apply for or switch to other types of residence permits (employment permits, investor visas, the Hungarian Card, etc.) during or after the White Card's validity.

• Register your accommodation with the competent OIF regional directorate
• Report any change of address within 3 days of relocation
• Report loss, theft, or destruction of your travel document or residence card immediately
• If staying in commercial accommodation for more than 30 days, separate registration is required

The White Card is a Schengen residence permit, which allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.