At a glance
E-visa available
No
Visa-free countries
7 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
Hungary's White Card (Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa) launched September 2022 for high-earning remote workers. EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 (EUR 7). Schengen visa fee increased to EUR 90 in June 2024. Hungary tightened the residence-permit application requirements in 2024 with stricter documentation.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa-Free Entry | 90 days within 180-day period | Free | Valid passport | On arrival |
| ETIAS Authorization (Q4 2026) | 3 years | EUR 7 | Online application | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Up to 90 days | EUR 90 | Application, passport, photo, financial proof, insurance | 15-30 business days |
| White Card (Digital Nomad) | 1 year, renewable to 2 years | EUR 110 | EUR 3,000/month income, foreign employer, no Hungarian income | 20-30 business days |
Visa-free countries (7)
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, 60+ other countries.
Hungary Visa Overview 2026
Hungary operates under the Schengen Area visa policy. The White Card launched September 2022 has become the standard digital nomad visa for non-EU remote workers wanting Hungarian residency. Budapest is the primary destination for White Card holders.
The Schengen 90/180 Rule
Citizens of 60+ visa-free countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and 50+ others) can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Free.
ETIAS Coming Q4 2026
EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 rollout. EUR 7. Valid for 3 years. Apply online before travel at travel-europe.europa.eu. Mandatory for Schengen entry once active.
White Card (Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa)
Launched September 2022. EUR 3,000/month income (around USD 3,200) from a foreign employer or remote-work contract. The work cannot be for a Hungarian employer; no Hungarian-source income allowed. EUR 110 application. Initial 1-year visa, renewable for one more year (2 years maximum total).
Apply at any Hungarian embassy. Processing 20-30 business days. Required documents: passport with 6+ months validity, application form, recent photo, financial proof (3 months of bank statements showing EUR 3,000+/month income), employment contract or proof of remote-work arrangement, criminal background check, private health insurance covering Hungary.
The White Card includes spouse and minor children as accompanying visa holders. After 2 years, holders must exit Hungary or transition to a different visa class. The 2-year cap is firm; Hungary explicitly designed the White Card as a short-term residency option, not a path to long-term Hungarian residency or citizenship.
Schengen Visa for Non-Exempt Nationalities
EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children 6-12. Apply at the Hungarian embassy in your country of residence. Processing 15-30 business days. Requirements: completed application, passport, photo, financial proof, travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage), accommodation booking, return ticket.
Budapest Expat Community
Budapest concentrates the largest digital-nomad and expat community in Hungary. The city is significantly cheaper than Berlin, Prague, or Vienna while offering comparable quality of life: a 1-bedroom apartment in District V or VI runs EUR 600-1,200/month vs Berlin's EUR 900-1,800. Restaurants, public transport, and groceries run 30-40 percent cheaper than Central European peers.
The White Card community is growing; around 5,000-10,000 active holders as of 2026. The Hungarian government's English-language immigration services have improved since 2022; most Budapest expat services (immigration assistance, tax filing, banking) now operate in English.
Practical Notes
The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu. The Hungarian Immigration Office (Bevandorlasi es Allampolgarsagi Hivatal) site is bmbah.hu. The White Card portal is part of the Hungarian Immigration Office's online services.
Hungary tax-residency rules apply to anyone in Hungary 183+ days per year, though the White Card's 2-year cap typically keeps holders under this threshold. The Hungarian tax rate is 15 percent flat for personal income, one of the lowest in the EU. Most Budapest digital nomads use local accounting services (around EUR 40-80/month) for tax compliance.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG Hungary country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.