Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa (White Card): What You Need to Know Before You Apply

The digital nomad visas (such as the Hungarian White Card) are typically marketed as an easy-entry visa for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads from outside the EU. But if you're considering applying in Hungary, proceed with caution: the process might not be as simple or as easy as it sounds.

Quick Facts

• Official Name: White Card
• Valid For: Non-EU/EEA citizens only
• Minimum Income Requirement: €3,200+ per month (proven for the 6 months prior)
• Duration: 1 year, renewable once (max 2 years total)
• Work Restrictions: Must work for clients or companies *outside* of Hungary
• Application Location: Must apply from outside Hungary or during legal short stay
• Bank Account Requirement: Proof of income and local setup often expected

Is it Worth Applying? And Why Some Applicants Get Rejected!

While the concept sounds appealing, and Hungary could be a great place for this 1 year visa, we personally know several applicants who met the income requirements and still got rejected! 

Don't expect to breeze into this Visa. Why?

• The consulates are notoriously picky about paperwork—even minor documentation, dimensions of the rooms you are staying in (if shared), type of work may also be an issue, and just general submission errors can derail your application.
• The application process is wackily confusing and there is no real set info or guide easily to be found unless you know where to look for it or already speak Hungarian and know how their government systems of alien policing works! 
• You must prove remote work income for the last 6 months, not just offer letters or projections. Being self-employed is generally not in your favor with the white card. 
• If your income isn’t clearly from a foreign company (e.g., a personal business or freelancer invoices), it gets flagged.
• There’s no appeal process if your visa is rejected and it's very difficult to do.

Red Tape Warning

Unlike digital nomad programs in countries like Portugal, Croatia, or even Mexico, Hungary’s White Card is stuffed with bureaucratic friction. You're expected to navigate:

• Multiple notarized translations
• Hungarian-language forms at governmental office visits
• Bank documents that meet obscure formatting expectations
• In-person appointments with little flexibility

All of this can be discouraging—even for those who qualify on paper.

So, is the Hungarian White Card Worth It?

That depends. If you’re extremely determined to live in Hungary and already have strong documentation and foreign employer, it may be worth trying. But if you’re seeking an easy “digital nomad lifestyle” in Europe, there are other countries with far simpler, more welcoming visa programs.

Bottom line: This isn’t the breezy, one-click remote work visa some sites make it out to be. Do your research. Double-check your paperwork. And expect delays. And having to reapply twice. 

Want Help Navigating Hungarian Bureaucracy?

We’ve helped dozens of applicants—both successful and rejected—make sense of the Hungarian system. If you want a second passport or even set of eyes on your case or need help learning the basics of Hungarian to survive the consulate process and potential better options for long term residency in Hungary, including learning Hungarian for any reason, get in touch with our team.