It’s late August, and while Andrew is still clinging to shorts, I’m staring at the calendar and admitting that autumn is sneaking up fast. This week will bring not just the return of school bells and Budapest traffic but also a new routine for many digital nomads arriving in Hungary under the Hungary digital nomad visa  – officially called the White Card.

This visa has been on my radar all summer, partly because so many of you ask about it in expat groups, and partly because it marks Hungary’s attempt to join the global remote-work bandwagon. So let’s cut through the legal jargon and look at what the White Card really offers and what it doesn’t.

What is the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?

The White Card is Hungary’s residency permit for third-country nationals (non-EEA citizens) who work remotely for a foreign employer or run their own company abroad. It’s valid for one year and can be renewed once, giving you a maximum stay of two years.

Unlike a work permit, it doesn’t tie you to a Hungarian employer. And unlike long-term visas in other EU countries, it’s fairly streamlined: the expectation is that you earn your living elsewhere, spend it here, and don’t compete with local workers.

Who Qualifies for the White Card?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a non-EEA national (not an EU/EEA citizen, nor their family member).
• Are employed by a foreign company or run a business abroad.
• Can prove remote work without Hungarian clients or contracts.

You will not qualify if you:

• Hold another Hungarian residence permit (study, guest worker, investor, etc.).
• Intend to work for a Hungarian company.
• Have applied for or hold refugee or subsidiary protection.
• Already have an EU residence card, EC permit, or intra-company transfer.

In short: this visa is for remote freelancers and entrepreneurs who earn abroad and spend locally.

The €3,000 Monthly Income Requirement

This is the make-or-break detail:

• A third-country national is considered to have sufficient resources if their net monthly legal income equals or exceeds €3,000.
• This must be proven for at least six months prior to entry into Hungary.
• Evidence usually includes bank statements and/or employment contracts.

In addition, applicants must:

• Show proof of accommodation in Hungary (rental agreement or property deed).
• Hold comprehensive health insurance valid in Hungary.

These requirements ensure applicants can support themselves without burdening the state.

How to Apply for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa

Applications must be submitted outside of Hungary if you don’t already have a residence permit. If you are visa-exempt, you may enter and apply inside Hungary, but timing is critical.

Steps include:

1. Prepare documents:
   • Proof of foreign employment or self-employment.
   • Bank statements showing €3,000 net/month for six months.
   • Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
   • Comprehensive health insurance.
2. Submit application:
   • At a Hungarian consulate in your home country, or
   • At the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) if eligible.
   • Wait for processing: Hungarian bureaucracy rarely moves quickly — expect weeks.
3. Collect your White Card once approved. This serves as your residence permit for one year.

Full details are on the official OIF factsheet.

Pitfalls and Practical Realities

Don’t assume the White Card is a golden ticket. Here’s what often trips people up:

• Tax residence: Spending more than 183 days in Hungary usually makes you tax-resident here, even if income is earned abroad. Get professional advice before moving.
• Short shelf life: The White Card is renewable only once. After two years, you’ll need to switch to another residency type if you want to stay.
• Paperwork precision: Even minor inconsistencies between your employer letter, income proof, and accommodation contract can cause delays. (See also my piece on Hungary’s National Residence Card rejections for a taste of bureaucracy at its finest.)
• Healthcare access: You won’t automatically get into Hungary’s public healthcare system. Expect to rely on private insurance during your stay.

Helpful Resources & Links

• Official guidance: OIF White Card factsheet (always check here for the latest).
• HOW TO HUNGARY : Hungary’s National Residence Card Rejections.
• Community input: Expat groups for peer experiences (with the usual caution).

FAQ: Hungary Digital Nomad Visa

Can EU or EEA citizens apply for the White Card?
No. It’s strictly for third-country nationals. EU/EEA citizens don’t need this visa to live and work in Hungary.

What income do I need for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
You must prove a net monthly income of €3,000 for at least six months before entry.

Can I work for Hungarian clients while on a White Card?
No. All income must come from outside Hungary.

Does the White Card give me permanent residency?
No. It’s temporary and valid for a maximum of two years.

As we head into September

Writing this as the last of the summer peaches hit the market stalls, I can’t help but notice how Hungary is positioning itself for a new wave of remote workers. The Hungary digital nomad visa may not be perfect, but it’s a clear signal: if you bring your laptop, your income, and a bit of patience for paperwork, Hungary is open to you.

Most schools don’t start until the 8th this year, so Budapest still has that slightly slower, late-summer feel. But a new season is coming, and with it, new conversations. I’ll be hosting a live event at Kluster on September 17th all about immigration and visas – standby for more official details soon. In the meantime, I’ll be watching as digital nomads swap home offices for cafés and co-working spaces across Budapest. It feels like the right kind of migration to welcome this autumn.

And if you’re planning a move of your own, my ebook HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond goes far beyond visas, with 350+ pages of practical advice, verified links, and stories from my own journey.