Hungary Digital Nomad Visa: The Ultimate Guide

The Hungarian government issues a temporary residence permit known as the White Card to qualified individuals, including digital nomads, making it the official digital nomad visa in Hungary.

The White Card is specifically intended for non-EEA citizens, where the EEA comprises countries within the European Union like Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

This visa permits digital nomads, such as remote workers, entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, and others, to live and work remotely in Hungary for up to two years using digital technology.

It is crucial to note that while holding the Hungary digital nomad visa, one must not engage in any profit-making activities.

Therefore, if one intends to work for a company in Hungary, they must acquire the right work visa.

Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the White Card, applicants must meet certain requirements:

1. Remote Work Engagement: Applicants must be engaged in remote work, including freelancing, self-employment, or being employed by a company outside Hungary, while working remotely in Hungary.
2. Financial Stability: Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses while residing in Hungary. They must prove they can support themselves financially without relying on public funds.
3. Valid Health Insurance: Applicants must have a valid health insurance policy that covers their entire stay in Hungary.
4. Criminal Record: Applicants must not have any criminal records, including both Hungarian and foreign criminal records.
5. Valid Passport: Applicants must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Hungary.

It is also essential to note that applicants must not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health in Hungary.

In summary, to be eligible for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must be remote workers who can financially support themselves during their stay in Hungary, have valid health insurance, no criminal record, and possess a valid passport.

Application Processes

To apply for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, also known as the White Card, applicants must follow these steps:

1. Collect and Prepare Required Documents: Applicants must gather and prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, a proof of remote work engagement, proof of financial stability, a valid health insurance policy, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Download the required application forms online for the White Card. These forms include the residence permit application form and the Appendix 17 form. Once downloaded, ensure to complete both forms accurately and thoroughly.
3. Schedule an Appointment: Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy in their country of residence to submit their application and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Applicants must pay the non-refundable application fee, which varies depending on the country and the type of visa being applied for.
5. Wait for Processing: After submitting the application, the Hungarian government will review the documents and process the application. The processing time may vary, but it typically takes 30-60 days.
6. Collect the White Card: If the application is approved, applicants will receive their White Card, which serves as a temporary residence permit. The card will be available for collection at the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy in the applicant's country of residence.

In summary, to apply for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must prepare the required documents, complete the application form, schedule an appointment with the Hungarian Consulate or Embassy, pay the application fee, wait for processing, and collect the White Card if approved.

Tax Requirement

In Hungary, digital nomads are not exempted from paying taxes indefinitely. After the initial 183 days of staying in the country, they become liable to pay taxes on their income.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Taxation Residency: If you reside in Hungary for more than 183 days in a tax year, you are considered a tax resident and subject to taxation on your worldwide income.
2. Income Tax: In Hungary, income tax rates range from 15% to 45% depending on the income level. As a digital nomad, you must declare your income and pay income tax accordingly.
3. Social Security Contributions: Digital nomads who are self-employed may also be required to make social security contributions. The rate is currently set at 17.5% of the taxable income.
4. Tax Deductions: There are several tax deductions available to digital nomads in Hungary, including deductions for home office expenses, health insurance premiums, and pension contributions.
5. Tax Reporting: Taxpayers in Hungary are required to submit annual tax returns, which are due by May 31st of the following year.
6. Tax Advisors: To ensure compliance with Hungarian tax laws, it is recommended that digital nomads seek the services of a qualified tax advisor who can provide guidance on tax obligations and deductions.

In summary, as a digital nomad living and working remotely in Hungary, you are required to pay taxes on your income.

This includes income tax, social security contributions, and potentially other taxes. It is crucial to understand your tax obligations and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with Hungarian tax laws.

Living in Hungary as a Digital Nomad

Hungary is a popular destination for digital nomads looking for a place to live and work remotely. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering Hungary as your digital nomad base:

1. Cost of Living: Hungary offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. The cost of housing, food, and transportation is generally lower than in Western European countries.
2. Internet Connectivity: Hungary has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and the internet connectivity is generally reliable and fast. There are also plenty of coworking spaces and coffee shops with free Wi-Fi available.
3. Culture and Lifestyle: Hungary has a rich cultural heritage and offers a variety of activities and events, including festivals, concerts, and museums. Budapest, the capital city, is known for its thermal baths, historic architecture, and nightlife.
4. Language: Hungarian is the official language of Hungary, but English is widely spoken, especially among the younger generation. It is still recommended to learn some basic Hungarian phrases to navigate daily life.
5. Visa Requirements: As a digital nomad, you may be eligible for the White Card, a temporary residence permit that allows you to live and work in Hungary remotely for up to two years.
6. Safety: Hungary is generally a safe country, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, as with any destination, it is always wise to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

In summary, Hungary offers an affordable cost of living, reliable internet connectivity, rich cultural heritage, and various activities for digital nomads to enjoy.

Learning some basic Hungarian phrases and taking safety precautions is recommended. Obtaining a White Card can also make living in Hungary as a digital nomad more accessible.

Conclusion

The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa offers an excellent opportunity for location-independent professionals to experience the beauty and culture of Hungary while working remotely.

With a straightforward application process and a range of benefits, it's no wonder that Hungary is becoming a popular destination for digital nomads.

So, if you're looking for a new adventure and the chance to work from anywhere in the world, consider applying for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa.