As remote work gains popularity, many Nigerians are looking to combine work and travel, and Hungary offers an attractive option with its Digital Nomad Visa. This visa allows digital nomads to live in Hungary while working for foreign employers, providing a chance to experience the country’s rich culture and vibrant lifestyle. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility criteria, and required documentation, helping you navigate the steps to embark on your exciting digital nomad journey in Hungary with confidence.
The White Card for Digital Nomads
Hungary offers a Digital Nomad Visa, commonly referred to as the White Card, which allows non-EU citizens, including Nigerians, to live and work remotely in Hungary for up to one year, with the possibility of extension. This visa is particularly appealing due to Hungary’s rich culture, affordable living costs, and central location in Europe, making it an attractive base for digital nomads.
Who Can Apply?
The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- The EU/EA citizens who are not an EU citizen.
- An employment contract is provided by a foreign employer who is not enrolled in Hungary.
- Remote work through telecommunication technology is one of the ways used.
- Take a share in a limited company or think about a partnership with a foreign entity.
- Require the absence of a minimum monthly income of €2,000 as a pre-requisite.
- Assembling Your Application: Documentation is an important one.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: A minimum monthly income of €3,000 (approximately 1,200,000 HUF) must be demonstrated through bank statements or employment contracts for the previous six months.
- Employment: Applicants must be self-employed or employed by a foreign company not based in Hungary. The work should involve telecommunications technology.
- Non-EU Citizenship: Only citizens from countries outside the EU/EEA are eligible to apply.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance covering at least €30,000 during the stay in Hungary is required.
Essential Documents for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
To embark on your Hungary digital nomad journey, gather the following documents:
- An offer that includes a valid passport with an expiry date that is at least 6 months after the validity of the visa.
- The visa application form has to be filled and submitted in its native form.
- Two standard-size crop photos matching the Schengen standards.
- A letter of physical presence or proof of the remote work arrangements, which shows that the employee has an employer that is in a foreign country.
- Evidence of financial funds to support the living expenses, a monthly income of 2,000 euros in minimum.
- All-inclusive health insurance packages shall be available for the duration of your stay.
Please provide the details of the hotel’s address where you are going to live as well as the confirmation in case it is in the form of a rental agreement or booking details.
Application Process
The application process consists of several steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Essential documents include:
- A valid passport (minimum six months validity).
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of remote work (employment contract or freelance agreements).
- Bank statements confirming income.
- Proof of accommodation in Hungary.
- Health insurance documentation.
- Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Hungarian consulate or embassy in Nigeria.
- Submit Application: Attend the appointment with all required documents and pay the application fee.
- Processing Time: The processing time typically ranges from 30 days to 1.5 months. Applicants will receive an entry visa valid for 30 days, which allows them to enter Hungary and apply for the White Card within that period.
- Obtain a White Card: After arriving in Hungary, apply for the official residence permit (White Card) at the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
Step by Step for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
- Make a start on the visa application process by creating an appointment for a Hungarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Hand your application to the reception desk on your scheduled date
- After visa approval, make your way to Hungary and file the application for the White Card at the Border Guard Authority within one month.
Benefits of the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
Embracing the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa bestows upon you a plethora of advantages:
- As an agreement not to pay the local tax for hotel occupancies of under 183 days.
- Affordable life gives psychological comfort bringing meaning to people’s financial lives.
- Fast internet connection, e.g. remote working, equipped the team for seamless operation.
- Various weather starts with the sunny summer and goes to the snowy winter.
- Gorgeous destinations like the Basilica in Esztergom and Lake Balaton play roles of cinematic backgrounds in this sculptural movie.
- The Schengen zone is the zone where the border controls are relaxed and it is the area where one could travel freely.
- Great assurance of safety with zero crime indexed.
Visa Fees for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
The costs associated with applying for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa include:
- Visa Application Fee: €110
- Residence Permit Fee: €110
- Additional fees may apply depending on how and where you apply (e.g., online applications may have different fees)124.
Processing Time for Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
In general, the Hungarian Digital Nomad Visa tends to get approval within one month. Once it is endorsed by the agency, it will be sent to you via regular mail.
Visa Validity and Extensions
The Hungarian digital nomad visa has the effect of extending the validity period up to one year. If at any time you still meet the requirements, you can apply for subsequent visas of one year duration.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Cities
Hungary offers a range of welcoming cities for digital nomads:
- Budapest: The capital city, abounding in co-working spaces and people talking, and buzzing with cultures of all types.
- Pecs: A sedate place having an old town and some beautiful sites as well.
- Debrecen: The crossroads of culture, politics, and religion with it is not only a place of work but also a place of leisure.
- Sopron: It is a city admired for the history it has had, with old-town avenues and architecture being strange landmarks.
Remote Work Hubs
Hungary boasts a variety of coworking spaces to elevate your work environment:
- Office
- Muse Coworking
- KAPTAR Coworking
- Impact Hub Budapest
- The other WorkSpace
- HUB 55
- Collabor8
- Urban Lobby
- Kubik
- UP center
- Xponential Coworking Office
Embrace the allure of Hungary as a digital nomad. With its innovative visa program, rich cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes, Hungary beckons remote workers to explore its beauty while staying connected with the world. The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa is your gateway to a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle in the heart of Europe.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your application for a Hungary Digital Nomad Visa straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Residence Permit for an Entrepreneur or Self-Employment Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas they need for a Hungary Digital Nomad Visa. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
