Hungary is a country in Europe that almost everyone knows. The place needs no introduction as it is one of the top tourist destinations, particularly amongst travelers visiting Budapest, filled with picturesque places and delicious food spots.
For the digital nomads, here’s some good news. Hungary launched the Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, and it’s actually beneficial for those who would like to work from Hungary, take time and explore what the country has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Wondering if you need a visa for Hungary? Check on iVisa.
What Is The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa, otherwise known as the White Card, now allows people to work and live in Hungary for up to one year.
So basically, if you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, self-employed, or a remote worker, you can move to Hungary and work from there.
The Digital Nomad Visa was made a reality by the Hungarian government in expectation of permanent investors and expats in Hungary, thus aiming to give a significant boost to the country’s GDP.
Launched in 2021, the visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for one year. To apply, you will have to fill out the application, before entering Hungary and submit the required document for the White Card.
Don’t worry; everything is explained in detail below.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
For you to apply and get a successful response for the Digital Nomad Visa that Hungary offers, you will have to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a citizen of a non-EU / EEA country
- You must earn at least €2,000 per month
- You can do your work using advanced technological solutions aka using a laptop, phone, wifi.
- You are employed by a company outside of Hungary or you are self-employed and your company and clients are based outside of Hungary.
Even if you meet all of the requirements above, you are not guaranteed to receive your visa.
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Here’s an overview of the digital nomad visa application process.
Documents
The following documents are mandatory:
Financial Proof
This proof shows that you are financially independent. You are required to provide a bank statement to prove that you have the EUR 2,000 required to receive this visa.
Proof Of Onward Travel
In order to successfully enter the country on the White Card, a traveler must show proof of onward travel from Hungary. This can be in the form of a return flight, or a flight booked to another destination at the end of the visa duration.
Proof Of Accommodation
In order to enter the country using the Hungarian White Card visa, you must also have proof of accommodation in Hungary. Either a rental agreement or a hotel / Airbnb booking will suffice.
Other Documents
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- 2 color passport photos
- Health Insurance
How Long Can You Stay In Hungary With The Digital Nomad Visa
The White Card visa allows applicants to stay for one year in Hungary.
How To Apply For The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is straightforward and has two parts to it.
Part 1 will require you to submit your completed application to your nearest Hungarian consulate or embassy.
Part 2 will require you to enter Hungary on a tourist visa and then visit the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. This will be the place that issues your White Card.
The visa cost is EUR 110. (This may vary from country to country) The fee is essential for the processing of the paperwork you have submitted. So, in case your application is rejected or results in a failure, you won’t be getting a refund.
If you want to apply again, you will have to pay EUR 110 again.
And that’s detailed and crisp info on how to get your hands on your Digital Nomad Visa. Count at least 4 weeks to get your visa, and then keep this in your mind and plan the rest of your trip.
This way, even if it takes a month, you can comfortably pack for Hungary without any stress.
Best Places To Live In Hungary For Digital Nomads
Hungary is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places in Hungary for Digital Nomads.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary and a great option for expats as English is so widely spoken here, making it very easy to settle into life here.
It is a vibrant and fun city with so much to do and a thriving expat community. It also has so much history and is much cheaper than other major European cities. The weather in Budapest during the Summer is hot and sunny and pavement cafés cover the city to enjoy those long summer evenings.
This will probably be the most expensive place to live in the country as it is the capital, but there is a huge variety of prices within the city.
Szeged
Szeged is the 3rd largest city in Hungary and has a much lower cost of living than other cities across Europe. For example, renting an apartment in the is possible for less than EUR 200.
If you’re looking for a laid-back way of life, with a very low crime rate, Szeged could be the place for you.
Szeged also has its own airport which has both domestic and international flights, so it is a great base to choose for exploring Hungary and Europe.
Gyor
Gyor is a great option to live in for someone who would like to be close to both Budapest and Vienna, as it is located halfway between both. There is an extremely good train system that runs through Gyor, meaning you can easily visit either Budapest or Vienne by rail.
Gyor is regarded as a very safe place to live since it also has an extremely low crime rate and is a great place for a family to move in particular.
Pecs
Pecs is a big university city in Hungary and is located in the mountains close to the border with Croatia. It is home to the oldest university in the country.
This is a small, but absolutely stunning city bursting with history and has even been recognized for its cultural heritage by being named one of the European Capital of Culture cities.
This city is a bit of a melting pot of people which makes it appealing to expats as English is widely spoken here.
Debrecen
This is the second-largest city in Hungary and is home to the largest university in the country. Debrecen has a youthful vibe, mainly based on the fact that it is full of students and the city is full of cultural sites and museums to visit.
Debrecen is known to be quite easy when it comes to finding suitable accommodation and has a really cheap cost of living for such a big city.
Cost Of Living In Hungary
Living in Hungary is definitely cheap in comparison to other hot spots in Europe. You can live a great comfortable life in Hungary without spending too much.
While you could easily live in Hungary for about EUR 200 per month if you live in a hostel, you can have your own place for about EUR 300 – 500 per month. It depends on the destination chosen and your lifestyle.
Hungary is the kind of place where you can live well without spending too much, but it can also be expensive if you’re tempted by expensive restaurants or bars.
Many expats living in Hungary love it because you can live here on a tight budget or forget about the money factor and simply enjoy your life without overthinking too much.
You can find cheap monthly rent or stay in a hostel. It’s entirely up to you!
Same regarding the food, you could either cook your own food or eat local food to save money – or you could also appreciate great meals in one of those Western restaurants. The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is around EUR 5 – 10.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Hungary
Hungary is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture.
And, it’s much cheaper to live here than in other European countries.
If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Hungary is definitely a place you should consider.
Not sure if Hungary is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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