Русский
English
At the legislative level, the Nomad visa was approved in November 2021. Local officials wanted to attract additional investments to the country, so they provided a minimum list of requirements for digital nomads. The so-called "White Card" was issued to the participants of the relocation program. Who exactly could claim it?
The first category is those who cooperate with foreign employers in a remote format. The second category includes owners of companies that provide services for foreign customers (a legal entity must be registered outside the Hungarian state).
It is not so difficult to understand the legislation regulating the procedure for issuing a Nomad visa. In fact, the authorities of the country impose two main requirements on a freelancer. So that he has a stable source of income and has a place to live in Hungary. The details of obtaining a visa are described below.
Features of Digital Nomad Visa in Hungary
This format of the visa permit belongs to the category "D". A "white card" confirming the status of a temporary resident of Hungary is issued to a freelancer for 1 year. At the end of the residence permit, it can be extended for the same period.
As for the further prospects of obtaining permanent resident status (permanent residence) and obtaining a passport of a European country using a "White Card", such a preference is not provided. After 2 years of residence, the status cannot be extended, and the freelancer must leave the country.
In other words, if digital nomad still plans to obtain Hungarian citizenship, then he will have to look for alternative opportunities.
Information on the procedure for providing a "White Card" is available on the website of the Hungarian Migration Agency.
What is the difference from a regular residence permit
Hungarian migration legislation prohibits a freelancer from forming employment relationships with local employers. You also cannot be a co-owner of a company that makes a profit in the domestic market. The taboo applies to any format of income extraction when the remoter is located on the territory of the Hungarian state.
Also, holders of a Digital Nomad visa do not have access to free medicine in Hungary, since they do not pay social insurance contributions. But no one forbids freelancers to use the services of private clinics.
To maintain the status of a temporary resident, a digital nomad must stay in a European country for at least 3 months for six months (the total number of days is taken into account).
Taxes
The self-employed do not pay fiscal fees in Hungary until they become tax residents. If a freelancer spends more than 6 months a year on the territory of a European state, then he will have to declare income and contribute personal income tax to the budget at a rate of 15 %.
Conditions for obtaining a freelancer visa
Anyone who meets the following criteria can count on receiving a "White Card":
- age – from 18 years old;
- citizenship – outside the EU and the EEC;
- personal savings in a bank account (deposit – at least 10,000 € );
- minimum monthly income – 3,000 € (excluding passive sources – rental housing, dividends, etc.).
The freelancer must prove the amount of earnings by documenting the contract with the employer (income statement). The employment agreement must contain a clause stating that the employee performs official duties in a remote format. The availability of personal funds on the card is confirmed by a corresponding statement. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the financial structure of which digital nomad is a client should not appear on the sanctions list of banks.
A mandatory requirement for an applicant for a Nomad visa is the availability of their own or rented housing in Hungary. This fact is confirmed by the lease or sale agreement.
First, you can rent an apartment for a short period of time and draw up a letter of guarantee of intention to rent a house for a long time after obtaining a residence permit.
Moving with family
Hungarian migration legislation does not allow a digital nomad to relocate with family members. But his relatives can request a visa for other reasons (study, work, rest).
Required documents
To obtain a visa, the applicant submits to the consular office:
- passport;
- visa application form;
- diploma;
- digital photos (2 copies);
- contract with the employer;
- bank statement;
- certificate from the place of work;
- extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (for individual entrepreneurs);
- income declaration (for sole proprietors);
- motivation letter on the reasons for moving to Hungary;
- medical insurance policy;
- rental agreement;
- payment state duties.
All certificates and contracts must be provided in Russian and English. The translation into "English" is notarized.
Step-by-step action plan
There are several ways to relocate to the Hungarian state. You can request an entry permit through the consulate. After crossing the border, the freelancer is given 30 days to apply for the status.
Removalists who are already in Hungary for other reasons (for example, for tourist purposes) also have the right to request a "White Card" by contacting the migration service.
For your information! In recent years, when using the second method of legalization, digital nomads have increasingly received refusals. Regulatory authorities almost always require motivation letters from them explaining why they are relocating within a European country.
Let's look at the standard visa application format. The algorithm of actions boils down to the following:
At the initial stage, all certificates, contracts and statements should be collected. They must necessarily be translated into English (the translation is certified by a notary).
You can submit documents for a visa to the Hungarian Consulate General or through the VC. It should be borne in mind that there may not be any free appointment windows, so the waiting period is sometimes delayed for months.
At the appointed time, the freelancer comes to the consulate, fills out a questionnaire, attaches previously collected certificates and certificates to it. Then he will have to go through the interview procedure. The consul asks standard questions in English, for example: "Why are you requesting such a visa permit format" or "Do you have enough funds to stay in the country for a long time". The answers to them must be prepared in advance in "English".
If there are no errors in the submitted dossier, as well as successful completion of the interview, the applicant receives an entry permit. Usually, the duration of consideration of a visa application does not exceed 1 month. But if it is necessary to request additional information or correct inaccuracies in the documentation, it can increase up to 2-3 months.
A state fee of 110 € is charged for issuing a visa (payment is made at the cash desk of the diplomatic mission).
In a situation where a remote employee has been refused a visa and considers the consul's decision unlawful, an appeal can be filed. The complaint must be registered no later than 8 calendar days from the date of rejection of the application. It is being considered by representatives of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry. A state fee of 160 € is provided for the appeal procedure. The appeal is considered within 15 days. If the complaint is left without satisfaction, then the applicant has the right to appeal this decision, but already in court.
What should I do after getting a visa?
The entry visa is valid for 30 days, so during this period the freelancer needs to get a status. First, you need to submit a certain set of documents to the Hungarian Migration Office ("Bevándorlásiés Menekültügyi Hivatal"), then undergo a fingerprinting procedure. You can make an appointment online. Due to the large influx of foreigners, the period for issuing a "White Card" may last for 3-4 months. During the waiting period, employees of the migration department issue a temporary certificate that certifies a residence permit in the Hungarian state.
Additionally, you will need to obtain an identification number from the tax service and register with the municipality ("Kormányhivatal").
Advantages and disadvantages of the program
Digital nomads choose Hungary as a relocation country for the following reasons:
- the right to visa-free entry to the Schengen countries;
- access to banking services of Hungarian banks;
- no need to pay taxes if you are in Hungary for less than 6 months a year;
- developed infrastructure for working remotely (coworking spaces, high-speed Internet);
- low crime rate.
But when planning a move to the Hungarian state, a freelancer needs to take into account certain disadvantages. In particular, one of them boils down to the fact that an expat cannot relocate to a European state with his family. Another drawback of the program is the limited validity period of the "White Card". Also, the fact that the holder of the "White Card" cannot count on permanent residence and citizenship in a European country in the future cannot be considered a plus.
Compared to the program that operates in Portugal, the "Hungarian" loses by not allowing family members to be included in the application.
If, for example, we compare programs in Hungary and Turkey, then they have almost the same set of requirements for the applicant. Except that a freelancer is given permission to enter the Islamic State from the age of 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the White Card in Hungary can be extended without leaving the country. To do this, you need to have lived in the country for at least 3 months in the last 180 days before the application is submitted. The application must be submitted no later than 1 month before the expiration of the current visa. To make an application, you can use the platform Enter Hungary.
It is important to keep in mind that the White Card can be renewed only once for no more than 12 months. After living for 2 years on a digital nomad visa, you should leave the country and, if necessary, re-enter, submit a new application for other reasons.
Yes, there is a tax on dividend payments in Hungary, which is taxed at the following rates.
- Income tax. Dividends received by individuals – 15%.
- Taxes for non-residents. Dividends paid to non-residents may be taxed at a rate of 15%, but this rate may be reduced in accordance with agreements on the avoidance of double taxation.
It is also important to take into account that if a number of conditions are not met, a social tax of 13% may be applied in addition to income tax. Thus, the total tax burden on income from dividends received is quite high.
Yes, retail is subject to licensing, but the need depends on the specific type of goods or services. In general, a license is not required for most types of retail trade. The exceptions are alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and petroleum products.
Obtaining a license requires the provision of a certain set of documents and compliance with legal requirements, including sanitary and environmental standards.
More than 70,000 immigrants move to Italy every year. This fact clearly indicates the attractiveness of the country.
In which countries the child automatically receives citizenship upon birth. Conditions for registration and registration of a newborn abroad.
By submitting this form, you accept our privacy policy and agree that your personal information will be kept secure and not shared with third parties.
I am planning to move to Budapest on a nomad visa. I love working in cafes, share good options in the city))
Monita Vega, In a comfortable environment, you can stay in the following cafes, which are loved by digital nomads.
1. Madal Cafe. Address: Hollán Ernő u. 3, 1136.
2. Mantra Specialty Coffee Minibar. Address: Veres Pálné u. 17, 1053.
3. Ohana - the coffee family. Address: Balassi Bálint utca 25 Alagsor 3, 1055.
4. 9BAR. Address: Lázár u. 5, 1065.
5. MűTerem Kávézó. Address: Tavaszmező u. 19, 1084.
In each of the establishments you will find excellent food and coffee, stable Wi-Fi and cozy working conditions.
Hello) Everything is clear with the minimum income requirements. And how much will you have to spend on living? After all, Europe
Narin Sari, In comparison with Western Europe, the cost of living in Hungary is lower. You can start from the following data:
1. Apartment rental: from 800€ per month for a studio apartment in Budapest. It is cheaper in the regions. Also, as a rule, landlords take a deposit equal to the amount of the monthly rent.
2. Payment for utilities: about 100-150€ per month.
3. Meals: an average of 200-300€ per month per person.
4. Transportation: the public transport pass is about 30€ per month. Taxis average 1.5€ plus 0.5€ per kilometer.
5. Health insurance: from € 15 per month.
The amount of spending on entertainment and leisure depends on personal preferences. Thus, the total costs can be about 650-900€ per person per month, but excluding rental housing. It is important to understand that these figures are presented for general information and may vary individually.
Nomads, share your experience, is it really possible to apply for a Hungarian nomad visa yourself without being in Hungary? How do I apply online from abroad?
Badreddine Pinto, Yes, you can apply yourself, but it is worth paying attention to the fact that the procedure has many nuances. If you are ready to figure it out on your own, then following the step-by-step recommendations given in the article, submit an application via <a href="https://oif.gov.hu/index.php ">website</a>of the Hungarian National General Directorate of Immigration, download the personal dossier and wait for a response to review the request. The period is usually 30-60 days.
If you want to avoid problems and shorten the registration period, then contact our company for advice. We will help you make an application and get permission with a guarantee of results.