Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
In this article
Hungary is one of the most exciting places in Europe. It has an interesting social life with
amazing sites, diverse culture, and a low cost of living. This is why several digital nomads
settle in the country with the Hungary digital nomad visa.
Hungary offers digital nomad visas to third-country nationals who want to work remotely for a
long time. While this visa is relatively easy to get, there are requirements and steps you must
follow to get it successfully. In our guide, we’ll cover all the details you need to know. Keep
reading to learn how you can get this type of visa.
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa at a Glance
The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the White Card, is a specific type of visa that
allows digital nomads to work and stay in Hungary for an extended period. The visa is valid for
one year and can be renewed for another year. It allows the holder to enter and exit Hungary
multiple times during the validity period. More interestingly, you do not need to have a specific
employer or to be tied to a particular location while working in Hungary.
While applying, you would need to provide proof of health insurance and show that you are financially
self-sufficient and can support yourself while in Hungary. Additionally, you would have to show that
you are engaged in a digital nomad lifestyle, defined as "performing work in the field of information
technology, programming, design, content creation, or another similar activity remotely."
Why Hungary? The Advantages of the White Card
See the benefits of having the White Card in Hungary:
- Favorable tax system
- Free movement within the Schengen zone
- Swift, reliable, and easy access to the internet
- Mouth-watering food variety
- Low cost of living
- Favorable weather conditions
- Safety of life and property
- Fantastic scenery and relaxation centers
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Hungary Digital Nomad Visa (White Card)?
You can apply for the Hungary digital nomad visa (White Card) if you meet the following criteria:
- You own shares in a company outside Hungary.
- You are a third-country national.
- You own a firm or company.
- You have a valid job contract outside the country.
- You are not engaging in any profit-making activity within the country.
- You have no shares in any Hungary-based profitable company.
- You can work using smartphones, PCs, and other internet-associated devices.
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
You need to meet these requirements to obtain a Hungary digital nomad visa:
- You should earn at least €2,000 monthly ($2045.16).
- You do not hold an EU or EEA passport.
- Your work tools are telecommunications devices.
- You work for a business or foreign employer registered outside Malta.
- You own shares or are a partner in a firm that is not registered in Hungary.
Hungary White Card Application: Step-by-Step Guide
The Hungary digital nomad visa application has two parts in its application process.
The first part is to apply for the Hungary digital nomad visa in your country, and the
second is to apply for a White card in Hungary. They are adequately explained below:
Part 1: How to Apply for a Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa
- Set up your list: Check the "Requirements for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa" section and create a list of the documents you need.
- Set up an appointment with the Hungarian Embassy close to you. This embassy will take care of your visa application.
- Download the application forms and fill them out correctly. You will have to fill out the residence permit and Appendix 27 forms. For your application to be treated as a digital nomad application, you should select "other" under "purpose of stay" and input "remote work".
- Go to the appointment and pay the White Card application fee. The appointment is vital as you will undergo a brief interview while you tender your application form and necessary documents. Also, you will have to pay the White Card fee of 125.5 USD in your country.
- Be patient till you get your approval and receive your entry visa. The visa approval often takes one month, after which you will receive your entry visa by mail.
- Travel to Hungary. Now that you have received your entry visa, you can go to Hungary and begin your White Card application. Note that you must travel within 30 days.
Part 2: How to Apply for a White Card in Hungary
- Apply for the White Card at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. You should apply at the closest NDGAP with every necessary document.
- Pay the White Card service charge. The White Card service fee at the physical office is 125.55 USD. However, if you submit through their web platform, you will pay 77.26 USD.
- Wait for your White Card. Once your application goes through, you will receive your DNV through a mail post.
Required Documents to Apply for the Visa
These are the documents you need to submit to get a Hungary digital nomad visa:
- Two passport photographs with sizes 51 by 51 millimeters (2 by 2 inches).
- Valid health insurance.
- A completed Hungary visa application form.
- Proof of your monthly earnings of at least €2,000 (2045.16 USD). This proof can be your tax certificate, an employment contract that includes your monthly earnings, bank statements, etc.
- A valid return flight ticket that states your return date.
- A passport that will remain valid for the next six months.
- Proof of accommodation. It can be your hotel booking, rental agreement, or any document that proves your accommodation.
If you are employed, you will have to provide documents
that have the following information:
- The nature of your job.
- An overview of your job description.
- A contract that shows that you are a remote worker and your work hours.
If you own a firm or have shares in a company, you would have to provide
documents that have the following information:
- An overview of the company's activities.
- Details on the business' modus operandi.
- Your role in the company.
- The ownership of your shares in the company.
Note that if your application is not successful, you will have to declare that you
will leave the European Union for your home country as quickly as possible.
How Long Is The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?The Hungary digital nomad visa remains valid for the next 12 months, and you
can extend it for another 12 months if you are eligible for an extension.
How Much Does the White Card/Digital Nomad Visa for Hungary Cost?
See the fees you'll have to pay to process the Hungary digital nomad visa:
- Applying through the NDGAP's online incurs a service fee of 77.26 USD
- Applying for the Digital nomad visa in your country costs 125.25 USD
- If you are extending your visa through NDGAP's online portal, you will pay a service fee of 75.05 USD
- If you're applying for a Digital nomad visa in Hungary, you will pay a service fee of 125.55 USD
- If you are extending your visa at an NDGAP office by yourself, you will pay a service fee of 112.68 USD
What Is the Processing Time for the White Card?
The average processing time for the White card is 30 days. Once it's ready,
you will receive it through a post.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Hungary
Every digital nomad who has stayed in Hungary for more than 183 days is referred to as a tax
resident. This means that you start paying taxes in Hungary from your 184th day. As a digital
nomad, Hungary would require you to pay personal income tax, value-added tax, social security
contributions (as a Hungarian employee), etc.
It is interesting to note that Hungary has low tax rates. Its social security tax rate is at
18.5%, its corporate income tax rate is at 9%, its property tax rate is at 4%, its personal tax
rate is at 15%, its social contribution tax rate is at 13%, and its value-added tax rate is at 27%.
Life in Hungary: Digital Nomad Essentials
Hungary is often one of the best countries for remote nomadic workers because of its favorable
working conditions. Check some of its living conditions below.
Living Costs
Hungary is relatively cheap compared to other European countries. Rent in Hungary varies
widely on the location and type of housing. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center
can cost around 100,000-150,000 HUF (320-480 USD) per month, while a similar apartment
outside the city center can cost approximately 70,000-100,000 HUF (225-320 USD) per month.
Groceries in Hungary are generally affordable, with a basic grocery basket costing around
20,000-30,000 HUF (64-96 USD) per month. Eating out is also affordable, with a meal at a local
restaurant costing about 2,500-4,000 HUF (8-13 USD) per person.
Transportation in Hungary is cheap, compared to other countries in Western Europe. Its monthly
public transportation pass costs around 5,000-7,000 HUF (16-23 USD), and a one-way ticket costs
around 350-450 HUF (1.1-1.5 USD).
Entertainment and nightlife in Hungary are affordable. You can get a drink at a bar or club for
600-800 HUF (2-3 USD) and a movie ticket for 1,500-2,500 HUF (5-8 USD). You can also visit the
museum or an attraction site for 1,500-3,000 HUF (5-10 USD).
The Quality of the Internet
Hungary has quality internet, as it ranks in the top 30 countries in the world for internet speed
and availability. You can get internet speeds in Hungary for up to 179 Mbps. You can also get
affordable plans for your home and mobile. You can purchase internet of up to 60 Mbps for
4,955.93 Ft (13.53 USD) in Hungary and 300 Mbps for 6,159 Ft (16.82 USD).
The Best Digital Nomad Destinations
These are the best Hungarian cities in Hungary that have lots of digital nomads:
- 1. Budapest: The capital and largest city in Hungary. Budapest is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and excellent public transportation system. It also has a large expat community and a thriving startup scene.
- 2. Debrecen: Debrecen is a university town with a strong IT sector. While it is the second-largest city in Hungary, it's considered one of the most affordable cities for digital nomads in Hungary.
- 3. Szeged: Szeged is another popular destination for digital nomads in Hungary. It is known for its picturesque old town and lively cultural scene. It is also great for finding co-working spaces and other resources for digital entrepreneurs.
- 4. Pécs: Pécs is a city located in the southwest of Hungary. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city also has a lively student population and a variety of fine co-working spaces.
- 5. Eger: Eger is a charming small city in northern Hungary, known for its wine region and baroque architecture. It's a great spot for digital nomads looking for a quieter and more relaxed pace of life.
These cities have an excellent quality of life. This is why digital nomads love to settle in them.
Popular Co-working Spaces
Here are some of the most notable co-working communities in Hungary:
- 1. Impact Hub Budapest: It is located in the heart of Budapest and promotes social and environmental impact through entrepreneurship and innovation.
- 2. Syma Co-working: Syma Co-working is a large, modern co-working space with various private and shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
- 3. The Mill: The Mill offers a range of flexible workspaces and services and hosts regular events and workshops to connect and support their community members.
- 4. Co-Working Pécs: This co-working space is located in Pécs and offers flexible workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms, as well as a variety of events and programs for its members.
- 5. Mindspace: Mindspace has a range of services and amenities designed to support entrepreneurs and freelancers.
- 6. The Co: The Co is located in Szeged and offers a variety of workspaces, including private offices, hot desks, and dedicated desks. They also provide meeting rooms, event spaces, and other resources to support the local startup and freelancer community.
Hungarian Entry Requirements
Until you get your Hungary White card, you will need to provide either an
ETIAS visa waiver for Hungary or a
Schengen visa to enter the country and settle
everything. The European Travel Information and Authorization System, a new online system for
visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area, aims to enhance security and protect the
European Union against terrorist threats.
However, note that ETIAS will only be available for eligible citizens from
non-European countries with a visa liberalization agreement with the European Union. Also,
starting from November 2023, this travel authorization will become mandatory.
If applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to have a valid passport with at least six months
remaining before expiration at your time of entry. You may also need to provide proof of sufficient
funds for your stay period, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation or a letter of
invitation. On the other hand, obtaining ETIAS will be much easier and carried out online.
FAQs
1. Does Hungary have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Hungary has a digital nomad visa. It has been in effect since November 2021.2. How long does the Hungarian type D visa take?
The Hungarian type D visa often takes up to one month to process. However, it can scale for more extended periods if circumstances arise.3. Can I stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days?
You can stay in Hungary for more than 90 days. However, you will need a Hungary D visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year.4. What is a Type C visa for Hungary?
A Type C visa for Hungary is a short-term visa that allows an individual to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This type of visa is intended for people traveling to Hungary for tourism, business, or other non-long-term activities.5. Can I extend My Hungary digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can extend your Hungary digital nomad visa for one year.6. Can I bring my family members?
Yes, you can bring your family members to Hungary if you have a valid visa or residence permit and if your family members meet the requirements for obtaining a visa or residence permit.
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