Table of Contents
What is the White card?
It is a type of residence permit, available specifically for digital nomads. It allows the holder to work from Hungary for his employer or company based abroad.
Who can apply for a White Card?
Non-EEA nationals who:
- have in a country other than Hungary a certified employment relationship, or have an ownership interest in a company with a certified profit, and carry out their work or manage their business online from Hungary (self-employed status abroad is also acceptable);
- They are not employed in Hungary and do not have an ownership interest in a Hungarian company; nor have any ties to a Hungarian company
What does the White Card entitle to?
The White Card entitles its holder to reside in Hungary and to work remotely for a foreign company.
How long is the White Card valid?
The validity of the White card is maximum 1 year, renewable once for the same purpose only, for a maximum of 1 more year.
Situation of family members
The White Card holder cannot be joined by his family members in Hungary.
Special requirements for applying for a White Card
- Proof of employment abroad or, in the case of a business, ownership interest must be provided
- Proof of income of at least EUR 3,000 per month in the six months prior to entry to Hungary, must be provided throughout the stay in Hungary
- The existence of accommodation and health insurance must be proven.
Application process
The first application shall be made in person for a national of a country subject to visa requirements at a Hungarian consulate in his country of origin or residence.
If you are a citizen of a non-visa country and entered Hungary as a tourist, you can apply for your first application online, through the EnterHungary website of the immigration office.
If the applicant is already in Hungary and renews his/her permit, he/she must submit his/her application for extension online. Applications for renewal of permits shall be submitted not later than 30 days before expiry of the period of validity.
The processing period for a White Card application is 21 days.
Possibility of permanent residence
The possibility of permanent residence (long term residence) is excluded by law in the case of a White Card.
If you need help applying for a White Card, please contact our office using the contact details on the website.
Official information about the application process and the necessary forms can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
Information on the processing fees for licence applications can be found here.
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