Hungary · digital nomad
White Card (digital nomad residence permit)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Hungary's residence permit for digital nomads who work remotely for foreign companies and pursue no gainful activity in Hungary.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing publishes timelines; confirm current processing via Enter Hungary.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government procedure fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Up to one year, extendable once for a further year - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The White Card is a residence permit for third-country nationals who work remotely using IT for an employer or their own company outside Hungary, and who pursue no gainful activity in Hungary and hold no stake in a Hungarian company. It is granted for up to a year, extendable once. It is deliberately limited: it cannot be converted into a national residence card and generally does not support family reunification.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant works remotely using IT for an employer or own company based outside Hungary.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ✓The applicant pursues no gainful activity in Hungary and holds no stake in a Hungarian company.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ✓Proof of sufficient legal income at the level Hungary requires, which is indexed.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ✓The applicant meets the general conditions of entry and stay and holds a valid passport.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
Common blockers
- !Any gainful activity in Hungary or a stake in a Hungarian company.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- !Income below the required indexed level or that cannot be evidenced.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- !Expecting to convert to a national residence card or to reunite family, which the White Card generally does not allow.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent photograph.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ·Proof of remote work for a foreign employer or own non-Hungarian company.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ·Bank statements or tax certificate showing the required income.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
- ·Proof of accommodation and health insurance.National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you work remotely for non-Hungarian companies, take no gainful activity in Hungary, and meet the income level.
Build the evidence pack
Gather proof of remote work, income evidence, accommodation, insurance, passport and photograph.
Submit through the official channel
Apply via the Enter Hungary platform or the relevant Hungarian mission and pay the fees.
After approval
Collect the residence permit, extend once if needed, and plan a different route if you want to settle or bring family.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official White Card (digital nomad residence permit) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for White Card (digital nomad residence permit).
National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (Hungary) · verified
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Hungary's investor residence route, live since 1 July 2024, granting a long-validity residence permit for a qualifying investment in the national economic interest.
Frequently asked questions
Can the White Card lead to permanent residence?+
No. It cannot be converted into a national residence card and generally does not build toward settlement. Confirm the current rule on the official OIF page.
Can I bring my family on a White Card?+
The White Card generally does not support family reunification. Confirm the current rule on the official OIF page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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