Hungary•EuropeWhite Card - Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Fehér Kártya)
At a Glance
3 weeks – 1 month
From EUR €110
Other charges may apply
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Hungarian residence permit for non-EEA remote workers earning EUR 3,000+ net per month from foreign employers; 1 year, extendable once, no family.
Hungary's White Card (Fehér Kártya), launched in 2022, is a residence permit for non-EEA remote workers with foreign-sourced income. qualification requires either a verified foreign employment relationship or ownership of a profitable foreign company, net monthly income of at least EUR 3,000 sustained over the prior six months, health insurance, and accommodation in Hungary.
The permit is valid for one year, extendable once for another year (two-year cap). Fees are EUR 110 at consulates or HUF 26,000 via Enter Hungary, with a 21-day admin window and a 30-day statutory decision deadline. Holders cannot work for Hungarian entities or hold shares in Hungarian companies.
This visa is ideal for established remote workers and foreign-company owners who want a low-cost Schengen base in Budapest for one to two years without seeking permanent residency, Hungarian employment, or family reunification.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a third-country national (non-EEA, not an EEA family member, or stateless).
Must have a verified foreign employment relationship OR own a share in a profitable company outside Hungary.
Must perform work from Hungary using an advanced digital technology solution.
Must NOT pursue any gainful activity in Hungary and must NOT hold a share in a Hungarian company.
Must have monthly net income of at least EUR 3,000 sustained for the 6 months prior to entry, maintained throughout the stay.
Must hold valid health insurance and a valid passport.
Must have accommodation in Hungary.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
36,000 EUR/yr
Min. Savings
10,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond intended residence)
Proof of foreign employment relationship OR proof of share/profit in foreign-registered company
Authentic instrument or tax-authority certificate proving regular income or profit
Bank statements covering the previous 6 months showing EUR 3,000+ net monthly
Proof of accommodation in Hungary
Valid health insurance
Valid travel ticket or proof of funds to cover travel costs
Completed application form (paper or Enter Hungary electronic form)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Schengen-area residence based on remote work, no Hungarian sponsor required.
- Low EUR 110 consular fee or HUF 26,000 via Enter Hungary.
- Fast: 21-day procedural admin / 30-day statutory decision deadline.
- Recognises both foreign employees and owners of foreign companies.
- No language test, no minimum education, no minimum experience.
- Renewable once for a second year (up to 2 years total).
Worth Knowing
- Capped at 2 years total; not a route to permanent residency or citizenship.
- Cannot be converted to any other Hungarian residence permit during or after validity.
- Requires sustained EUR 3,000+ net monthly income, evidenced for the prior 6 months.
- Type D entry visa is single-entry and only valid for 3 months to collect the permit.
- Must continue to reside at least 90 days in any 180-day period to qualify for renewal.
- Family members cannot join under the White Card (no family reunification permit).
- Holder cannot work for Hungarian companies or hold shares in any Hungarian company.
- Not open to EEA nationals or family members of EEA nationals.
Application Process
Gather proof of foreign employment or foreign company ownership, 6 months of bank statements showing EUR 3,000+ net monthly income, valid passport, health insurance, and accommodation in Hungary.
If abroad
submit the residence permit application at a Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission in your country of nationality or habitual residence.
If in Hungary on a visa-exempt basis
submit via the Enter Hungary online platform or in person at the competent NDGAP regional directorate.
Provide biometric data (facial photograph and fingerprints) and signature specimen within 15 days of submission (Enter Hungary route).
Pay the administrative service fee (EUR 110 abroad / HUF 26,000 Enter Hungary / HUF 39,000 in person).
Await decision
21 days procedural admin / up to 30 days statutory deadline.
If approved abroad
collect the type D entry visa (valid 3 months, single entry, max 30 days stay) and travel to Hungary within 3 months to activate the residence permit.
To renew
apply via Enter Hungary no more than 90 days and no later than 30 days before expiry; renewal allowed only once for the same purpose.
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Residence permit application form (White Card) | — |
| Enter Hungary online applicationOptional | — |
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