Hungary's White Card: Digital Nomad Residence Permit Guide

The White Card is a specialized residence permit designed for digital nomads, enabling third-country nationals to live in Hungary while working remotely for a foreign company or managing their own foreign-based business. This permit caters to individuals leveraging advanced digital technology to perform their work, offering a unique opportunity to reside in Hungary without engaging in any local employment or business activities. 

The White Card is available to third-country nationals, defined as individuals who are not Hungarian citizens and do not have the right of free movement within the European Economic Area (EEA). Eligible digital nomad applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Remote Employment: The applicant must be employed by a company outside of Hungary, using advanced digital technology to perform their work remotely from Hungary.

• Foreign Business Ownership: The applicant must own a share in a foreign company that is profitable and manage or work for that company from Hungary using digital tools.

Importantly, the White Card is granted only to those who do not hold any shares in Hungarian companies and do not engage in gainful activities within Hungary. Additionally, the permit is not available to those who meet criteria for other specific residence permits in Hungary, such as those for employment, self-employment, or investment.

Application Submission Outside of Hungary:

For those needing to secure entry into Hungary, the initial application process typically involves engaging with relevant Hungarian authorities outside the country. In special cases, there are alternative options available for submitting your application, depending on where you are legally residing

Application Submission Within Hungary:

If you are already present in Hungary under specific conditions, you may have the opportunity to submit your application while in the country. The process can be managed through certain official channels, either online or through direct engagement with designated authorities.

Application for Extension:

The White Card offers the possibility of an extension, subject to specific conditions being met, including continued legal residence in Hungary. The extension process needs to be initiated well in advance of the permit's expiration, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed within the required timeframe to remain a digital nomad in Hungary.

To successfully apply for the White Card, applicants must provide the following mandatory documents: 

Proof of Employment or Business Ownership:

• For Remote Employees: A certified statement from the foreign employer detailing the scope of activities, authorized remote work, and the applicant's role.

• For Business Owners: Documentation proving the company's real and ongoing operations, ownership, and the applicant's role within the company.

Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:

• Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net monthly income of EUR 3,000 for at least six months prior to entry, verified through bank statements or income certificates.

Proof of Accommodation in Hungary:

• Digital nomads must show ownership or right of use of a suitable residence in Hungary, which can be documented through lease contracts, ownership documents, or accommodation reservations.

Health Insurance:

• Proof of comprehensive health insurance that covers all necessary healthcare services in Hungary.

Proof of Exit Conditions:

• A valid passport and either a valid ticket for return or onward travel or sufficient funds to cover travel costs.

Biometric Data:

• A facial photograph and fingerprints (for applicants over six years of age) must be provided as part of the application.

• The White Card is valid for up to one year and can be extended once for another year.

• The permit is automatically invalidated if the holder cease to be a digital nomad: engages in local employment, acquires a share in a Hungarian company, or applies for another type of residence permit during the validity of the White Card.

• Family reunification under the White Card is generally not permitted, except in cases where a child is born to a White Card holder in Hungary.

•  Applicants must enter Hungary within three months of permit approval; otherwise, the permit becomes invalid.