Hungary Digital Nomad Visa 2026: The Budget-Friendly "White Card" Guide
Looking for an affordable base in Europe without sacrificing quality of life? Hungary's digital nomad visa - commonly known as the "White Card" - might be exactly what you're looking for.
While digital nomads flock to Portugal and Spain, Hungary remains one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Budapest consistently ranks among the top cities for remote workers, combining stunning architecture, fast internet, and a cost of living that won't drain your savings.
Here's everything you need to know about getting Hungary's digital nomad visa in 2026.
What is Hungary's White Card?
Hungary introduced its digital nomad visa in 2022, officially called the "Residence Permit for the Purpose of Gainful Activity Performed Remotely." Most people simply call it the White Card.
The visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Hungary while working remotely for companies or clients based outside the country. You can't work for Hungarian employers or take on Hungarian clients - the income must come from abroad.
Key details:
Duration: 1 year initially
Renewable: Yes, can be extended
Work restriction: Remote work for foreign employers/clients only
Location: Valid throughout Hungary, with Schengen travel benefits
Income Requirements 2026
To qualify for Hungary's White Card, you need to prove you can support yourself financially. The income requirement is tied to Hungary's minimum wage and adjusts annually.
For 2026, you'll need to demonstrate:
Minimum monthly income: Approximately €2,000-2,500 (verify current figure at time of application)
Or equivalent savings to cover your intended stay
How to prove your income:
Employment contract showing remote work arrangement and salary
Bank statements (3-6 months) showing regular income
For freelancers: client contracts, invoices, and tax returns
Proof the work is performed remotely for non-Hungarian entities
The key point immigration officials look for is consistency. Your bank statements should match what your contracts say you earn.
Required Documents
Gather these documents before applying:
Identity & Travel:
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
Passport-sized photos (check current specifications)
Proof of Remote Work:
Employment contract OR
Freelance contracts with foreign clients
Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement
Evidence the company/clients are based outside Hungary
Financial Evidence:
Bank statements (3-6 months)
Employment contract showing salary
Tax returns if self-employed
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Hungary
Must cover the duration of your stay
Should include emergency medical treatment and repatriation
Accommodation:
Proof of address in Hungary (rental contract, hotel booking for initial period, or letter from host)
Background Check:
Clean criminal record certificate from your home country
May need apostille depending on your nationality
Application Materials:
Completed application form
Application fee payment
Application Process
You can apply for Hungary's White Card either from your home country or from within Hungary (if you're already there on a tourist visa).
Applying from Abroad
Contact your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate to confirm current requirements and book an appointment
Gather all documents - allow time for apostilles and translations if needed
Submit your application at the embassy/consulate
Attend biometrics appointment if required
Wait for decision - typically 2-4 weeks, but can vary
Collect your visa and travel to Hungary
Applying from Within Hungary
If you're already in Hungary on a tourist stay (90 days visa-free for many nationalities):
Visit the local immigration office (Budapest: Office of Immigration and Asylum)
Submit your application with all required documents
Provide biometrics
Wait for decision
Collect your residence permit
Processing times can vary, so don't leave it until the last days of your tourist visa.
Costs
Budget for these expenses:
Total initial costs: approximately €400-800 depending on your situation.
Why Budapest is Perfect for Remote Workers
Hungary's appeal goes far beyond the visa process. Here's why Budapest keeps appearing on "best cities for digital nomads" lists:
Affordability
Budapest is one of Europe's last affordable capital cities. You can live well on €1,500-2,000 per month - a fraction of what you'd spend in Lisbon, Barcelona, or Amsterdam. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment runs €500-800, and a good meal out costs €8-15.
World-Class Internet
Hungary ranks in the top 10 globally for internet speeds. You'll find reliable, fast connections throughout Budapest - in apartments, coworking spaces, and most cafes. Remote work infrastructure is solid.
Quality of Life
Thermal baths, ruin bars, stunning architecture, excellent public transport, and a thriving cultural scene. Budapest offers big-city amenities with a cost of living that lets you actually enjoy them.
Central Location
Budapest is a natural hub for exploring Central Europe. Vienna is 2.5 hours by train, Prague is 7 hours, and budget flights connect you to anywhere in Europe.
Schengen Access
With your Hungarian residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area - useful for exploring Europe without visa complications.
Tax Implications
Understanding your tax position is important:
Hungarian Tax Residency:
If you spend more than 183 days in Hungary, you may become a Hungarian tax resident. This could mean:
Hungarian income tax on worldwide income
Social security contributions
Your Home Country:
You may still have tax obligations in your home country, depending on their rules. Many countries tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence.
Double Taxation Agreements:
Hungary has tax treaties with many countries to prevent being taxed twice on the same income. Check whether your home country has an agreement with Hungary.
Professional Advice:
Tax situations vary enormously based on your nationality, income sources, and circumstances. Get professional advice for your specific situation before making assumptions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable: One of Europe's cheapest capitals for quality living
Fast internet: Top-tier connectivity for remote work
EU/Schengen access: Travel freely across Europe
Quality of life: Culture, food, thermal baths, nightlife
Straightforward visa: Less bureaucracy than some alternatives
Central location: Easy hub for European travel
Cons
Language barrier: Hungarian is notoriously difficult; English is common in Budapest but limited elsewhere
Cold winters: November to March can be grey and cold
Rising prices: Budapest is getting more expensive, especially in trendy areas
Not renewable indefinitely: Check current rules on maximum stays
Landlocked: No beaches if that matters to you
Comparing to Other EU Options
How does Hungary stack up against other popular digital nomad destinations?
Hungary wins on affordability and has lower income requirements than most alternatives. The trade-off is colder weather and a more challenging language.
Applying from the UK
For UK citizens post-Brexit:
Contact the Hungarian Embassy in London to confirm current requirements
Book an appointment - these can fill up, so plan ahead
Prepare UK-specific documents:
UK criminal record check (DBS or ACRO)
Apostilled documents as required
Allow processing time before your intended travel date
The process is straightforward, but give yourself plenty of time for document preparation and embassy appointments.
Next Steps
Check the current income requirement - it adjusts annually
Gather your documents - start with the criminal background check as it can take longest
Arrange health insurance that covers Hungary
Contact the Hungarian embassy in your country to confirm requirements and book an appointment
Consider a scouting trip to Budapest first if you haven't visited
Hungary might not have the beaches of Portugal or the weather of Spain, but for digital nomads who prioritise affordability, quality of life, and a genuine European city experience, Budapest is hard to beat.
Planning your move to Hungary? Join the Remote Work Europe community to connect with others who've made the leap.
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