Hungary issues the digital nomad visa exclusively to citizens of third countries. It is sought by company employees who wish to work remotely, as well as sole proprietors registered in Russia or another country. It is obtained by businessmen managing affairs remotely and earning income from business/assets outside the country.
Budapest attracts IT developers and specialists related to digital technologies. Marketers, designers, and engineers with an income of €2,000 per month come here. The main requirements for employees are having an employment contract and proof of high income for the last six months.
Digital nomads can:
- Live and work in an inexpensive European Union country;
- Cross the borders of Schengen states;
- Open bank accounts based on a rental agreement, work contract with different service rates;
- Pay a relatively low income tax by EU standards.
However, for the self-employed and freelancers, there are restrictions. The Digital Nomad Visa does not grant the right to work in a local company or the chance to become a permanent resident. Obtaining permanent residency is possible under the condition of applying for a national type of visa on another basis. Moreover, two years lived under a White Card do not count towards migration experience.
How much does a White Card cost?
Processing involves expenses for administrative fees. When submitting an application form in the country of residence, the service cost in 2024 is €126. In Hungary, it is renewed for €112. When processed through the NDGAP online portal, the price does not exceed €77. When obtaining a residence permit at the immigration police, a fee of €110 is charged.
Additionally, “nomads” pay €50 for document translation into English and at least €15 for medical insurance. In case of a visa refusal, applicants file an appeal at the immigration office or the Hungarian consulate, paying €160. Consular payments by Russians are made exclusively through a bank card.
For convenience, the cost of each spending section is shown in the table below.
| Fees, duties and other expenses for obtaining a visa | Cost |
| State duty | 126 € |
| Medical insurance | from 15 € per month |
| Rental of real estate for the entire period of residence permit | from 800 € per month |
| A one-time deposit for the property at the beginning of the lease | the amount of the monthly payment |
| Document translations | from 50 € |
| Full support when applying for a visa | from 1900 € |
| Hungarian residence permit through business registration | from 3500 € |
Additionally, you need to take into account the cost of air travel to Hungary from your place of stay.
What taxes do freelancers pay?
After 183 days, nomads residing in the country continuously receive identification numbers and become tax residents. The tax rate for all individuals is 15%. Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors pay percentages of their profits into the insurance fund and contribute 2% towards social and municipal taxes and business.
They choose their tax regime from fixed rates:
- Basic – 57.5% of profits;
- Simplified – 4.85% to 29% of revenue;
- Simplified KATA with a fixed amount – €130.59.
The latter regime is designed for people engaged only in entrepreneurship, earning annually €47,011.68, selling goods and services to people. You can find out more about taxation, register as a taxpayer and receive other services on the website of the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration.
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Required Documents and Requirements
The list is published on the embassy’s website. It includes:
- Application and Appendix 16 in English;
- International passport valid for one year;
- Biometric photos 3.5 × 4.5 cm;
- Permission to work specifying the position, experience, salary;
- Certificate of the actual activity of the company;
- Proof of income of €2,000 over six months from an account statement.
- Businessmen and shareholders indicate the registration numbers of companies, shares, and present certificates from the tax office. Candidates must also attach medical insurance. Freelancers can buy a full service package or a reduced package for €100 for emergencies at Generali or Teladoc.
After application approval, the candidate receives a visa for single entry and obtains a White Card within a month at the local immigration department. The process of reviewing and obtaining a freelancer’s residence permit from the moment of document submission takes up to 4 months.
Recent Changes in Visa Matters in Hungary
In 2024, a law for immigrants from third countries is in effect with new entry and residence requirements under a type D visa. It concerns self-employed foreigners (Appendix 9.2.), conditions for obtaining a White Card (Appendix 9.18.), permits for staying in the country for job searching, internships, and business purposes.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Hungary
According to the general trend with other countries providing programs for freelancers, the demand for a digital nomad visa decreased by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024, and skyrocketed by the beginning of the third. Such information is available thanks to open data Google Trends.
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