White Card: a residence permit introduced by Hungary for digital nomads.

This program allows citizens of countries outside the European Union to live in Hungary while working remotely using digital technologies.

In recent years, remote work has become increasingly common, and many countries have created similar programs to attract international professionals. The White Card is Hungary’s response to this new trend.

Who can obtain the White Card

The White Card is intended for third-country nationals, meaning people who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area.

To obtain this permit, the applicant must meet some important conditions:

• they must work for a company based outside Hungary, or

• they must own a share in a company registered in another country and manage their business remotely.

In both cases, the work must be carried out online or using digital tools while the person lives in Hungary.

It is important to note that a White Card holder cannot work for a Hungarian company and cannot hold shares in a Hungarian company.

Main requirements

To obtain the White Card, certain financial and personal conditions must be demonstrated.

The most important requirement is income. The applicant must have a net monthly income of at least €3,000 for at least six months prior to the application.

Additionally, the applicant must provide proof of:

• accommodation in Hungary (for example, a rental contract)

• valid health insurance covering medical expenses

• a valid passport and the necessary documents to enter and leave the country

These documents demonstrate that the person can live in Hungary without relying on the local economic system.

How to apply

The application for the White Card can be submitted in two ways.

The first way is from abroad, at a Hungarian embassy or consulate in the country of citizenship or residence.

The second way is directly in Hungary, if the person comes from a country that does not require a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

In many cases, the application can be submitted online through the digital platform called Enter Hungary.

During the process, biometric data such as a photograph and fingerprints are also collected.

The average processing time is about 30 days.

Duration of the permit

The White Card is valid for one year.

It can be renewed only once, so the maximum total duration is two years.

After this period, the holder must leave the country or apply for a different type of residence permit, if eligible.

Limitations of the program

Despite its advantages, the White Card also has some limitations. For example:

• it is not possible to apply for family reunification

• the holder cannot work for Hungarian companies

• it is not possible to obtain permanent residence through this permit

If the holder starts working for a Hungarian company, the permit may be revoked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the White Card represents an interesting opportunity for digital nomads who want to live in Hungary while working remotely for foreign companies. The program allows a stay of up to two years, but it requires certain financial conditions and imposes several limitations. Nevertheless, it is an example of how European countries are adapting their migration policies to new forms of digital work.