Hungary digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

The 'White Card' is a specific residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals employed by, or holding a share in, a company registered outside Hungary, who perform their work remotely using digital technology from within Hungary. Holders may not work for Hungarian companies or hold shares in any Hungarian firm.

Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net income of €3,000/month (supported by six months of bank statements) and supply an employment contract or proof of company ownership confirming the right to work remotely. The permit is exclusive to third-country nationals; EU/EEA citizens hold unrestricted free-movement rights under EU law.

The White Card is issued for 12 months and may be renewed once for a further 12 months, giving a maximum stay of two years under this permit type. A new application is required after the two-year ceiling is reached.

Hungary's Decree 88/2025 requires White Card applicants to register a valid Hungarian residential address before or at the time of application (effective July 15, 2025). The same decree strengthened employer-accountability obligations and deportation-cost rules for other permit categories, with most provisions taking effect April 25, 2025.

A parallel 10-year residence permit (renewable once for 10 more years) is available via the Guest Investor programme: either a €250,000 investment in a Hungarian National Bank-registered real estate investment fund (held for a minimum of five years, with ≥40% of net assets in Hungarian residential real estate) or a €1,000,000 donation to a qualifying public-mission Hungarian university. The former direct real estate purchase pathway (€500,000) was abolished in January 2025.

Hungary applies a flat personal income tax rate of 15%, among the lowest in the EU. White Card holders who spend ≥183 days per year in Hungary, or whose sole registered residence is in Hungary, become Hungarian tax residents subject to Hungarian income tax on worldwide income.