Photo by Ervin Lukacs on Unsplash
🇭🇺 White Card
Hungary digital nomad visa for Americans
The White Card lets you live in Hungary while you keep working for clients or an employer outside the country. Income needed: €3,000/mo (last 6 months) (about $3,447 a month). Length: 1 yr.
🛂 Open to applications 🧾 Moderate tax Europe (Schengen)
The visa in numbers
📊 At about $3,447 a month, Hungary's bar is higher than 27 and lower than 14 of the 42 open nomad visas with a set income minimum. Compare all nomad visas →
Requirements and details
| 🛂 Visa | White Card |
| 💵 Income needed | €3,000/mo (last 6 months) ≈ $3,447 a month in US dollars at current rates |
| 💳 Fees | ~€110 |
| ⏳ How long it lasts | 1 yr |
| 🔁 Renewal | Yes → +1 yr (2 yrs max) |
| 📍 Where you apply | Consulate abroad (or in-country at immigration if legally present → varies) |
| 📆 Time you must spend there | Lose it if outside Hungary 90+ consecutive days |
| 🏠 Path to permanent residency | No → White Card years don't count toward PR |
| 🧾 Tax | 183 days → tax resident (flat 15% PIT → one of EU's lowest) 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide income · top rate 15% |
| 📝 Good to know | Solo only → no spouse/children can be added |
| 📄 Documents |
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Can the income bar cover life in Hungary?
All-in monthly cost for one person (everyday living costs plus a 1-bedroom city-centre rent), from the cities we cover.
| City | All-in / month | Income bar covers it |
|---|---|---|
| 🇭🇺 Budapest | $1,770 | 1.9× |
Data last updated · Source: Curated immigration research (confidence: medium)
Hungary nomad visa: common questions
How much income do I need for Hungary's digital nomad visa?
€3,000/mo (last 6 months). That's about $3,447 a month in US dollars at current exchange rates.
How long does the White Card last, and can I renew it?
1 yr. Renewal: Yes → +1 yr (2 yrs max).
Where do I apply?
Consulate abroad (or in-country at immigration if legally present → varies).
What documents do I need?
Passport, €3k/mo income for 6 months, foreign employment contract, accommodation in Hungary, insurance. Requirements vary by consulate, so check the current list before you book an appointment.
Can it lead to permanent residency in Hungary?
No → White Card years don't count toward PR.
Will I pay tax in Hungary as a digital nomad?
183 days → tax resident (flat 15% PIT → one of EU's lowest). As an American you also stay taxable by the IRS on your worldwide income wherever you live; the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits usually stop you paying twice. Compare taxes abroad for Americans.