Hungary White Card explained: how to get a residence permit for digital nomads in 2025 — requirements, benefits, and application process
Published on January 17, 2025
What is a White Card in Hungary and how to apply for it: Residence permit for digital nomads
Advantages of the program, conditions and stages of obtaining a residence permit in Hungary
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Hungary's White Card is a type of residence permit in the EU specifically created for digital nomads and remote professionals. The program was launched to attract highly qualified foreigners working online and earning income outside of Hungary. It's a perfect solution for freelancers, IT experts, consultants, online business owners, marketers, and other professionals whose activity is not location-dependent.
Unlike traditional visas or investor residence permits, the White Card does not require opening a business or investing in real estate. The main condition is a stable remote income from foreign sources and the absence of EU citizenship. The permit allows you to live legally in Hungary, access infrastructure, travel within the Schengen area, and avoid paying taxes on foreign income (with proper tax structuring).
Unlike traditional visas or investor residence permits, the White Card does not require opening a business or investing in real estate. The main condition is a stable remote income from foreign sources and the absence of EU citizenship. The permit allows you to live legally in Hungary, access infrastructure, travel within the Schengen area, and avoid paying taxes on foreign income (with proper tax structuring).
Requirements for obtaining the white card
To apply for Hungary's White Card in 2025, you must meet several basic criteria:
- A confirmed monthly income of at least €3,000 from foreign sources;
- A valid contract with a foreign company or proof of self-employment;
- No employment or income from Hungarian clients;
- Valid health insurance that covers Hungary;
- A rental agreement or proof of accommodation in Hungary;
- A valid passport and clean immigration history.
Benefits of the white card residency
The White Card offers a legal way to live in Europe without having to change your tax residency or start a business in the EU. Key benefits include:
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area;
- Simple and transparent application process;
- No need to invest or register a company;
- Low cost of living in Hungary;
- Access to personal bank accounts in Hungary;
- Central location in Europe, ideal for travel and remote work.
Application procedure and residence card issuance
The White Card application process involves several steps:
- Document preparation: income confirmation, contracts, insurance, rental agreement;
- Submitting the application online or via the Hungarian consulate;
- Receiving a D-type visa and entering Hungary;
- Registering with the Hungarian immigration office and obtaining the residence card.
- Important: a personal appearance is required when submitting documents inside Hungary. Processing times depend on the workload of immigration authorities, typically ranging from 4 to 8 weeks.
Expert Assistance from Finextwin
While the White Card process appears simple, in practice, most rejections occur due to document errors, unverified income, or hidden migration requirements. Finextwin provides:
- Verification and collection of all documents;
- Structuring the optimal case based on your profession and income model;
- Tax and residency consultations;
- Full support until your residency card is issued.
Do you want to get a White Card in Hungary? We will help you to prepare a full package of documents, apply and accompany you to receive the card
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
before applying
White Card Hungary
before applying
White Card Hungary
The White Card is a special type of residence permit in Hungary designed for remote professionals and digital nomads. It allows non-EU citizens to legally reside in Hungary while earning income from foreign sources.
As of 2025, the minimum monthly income required to apply for the White Card is €3,000. The income must be stable, regular, and provable through documents such as contracts, reports, or bank statements.
If you do not earn income from Hungarian sources and do not become a tax resident (i.e., you stay in Hungary for less than 183 days per year), you are not subject to Hungarian taxation. However, it is highly recommended to seek individual tax consultation based on your circumstances.
No. The White Card program does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It is a temporary status created specifically for digital nomads and remote workers.
Yes. Holding a White Card residence permit allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Other citizenship programs
Investment requirement: from $250,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 150 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 3 to 4 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 150 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 3 to 4 months
Investment requirement: from $235,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 148 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 6 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 148 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 6 months
Investment requirement: from $230,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 150 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 3 to 6 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 150 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 3 to 6 months
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