What is a digital nomad visa?
A visa for digital nomads enables you to legally work in a country for a longer duration than a tourist visa and with less hassle than a work visa.
Traveling freelancers and digital nomads can choose to stay at their preferred destination for a duration of 6 months to 2 years with the digital nomad visa, and its renewal is a hassle-free process.
Why get it?
Visa restrictions and immigration are two major difficulties faced by digital nomads, according to their accounts.
Prior to the availability of digital nomad visas, those who worked remotely only had the option of obtaining a travel visa, which had its limitations. Restrictions included not being able to work while in the country and a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and freelancers who traveled had to conceal their work and present the appearance of being tourists.
After the expiry of their travel visa, they must visit the immigration office, endure lengthy waiting periods, and incur fees for the renewal of their travel visa. Certain nations prohibit visa renewal, and thus digital nomads resort to a loophole known as “visa run,” where they visit nearby countries for a brief period and return to their original destination to obtain a new travel visa stamp (even though some countries do not permit this).
Once you have lived a life of a digital nomad for multiple years, these activities will eventually take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
If you qualify, consider applying for a digital nomad visa. Doing so will remove travel visa impediments, lengthy wait times at immigration offices, and the hassle of visa runs. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a new environment that reinvigorates your imagination and efficiency.
How to get it?
Although the procedures and prerequisites vary across nations, the following provides a broad indication of how you can obtain a digital nomad visa.
- Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
- Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
- Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
- Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
- Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!
Click on the links provided at the end of this article to discover the eligibility criteria and requirements for each country that is part of the program.
Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?
Countries have varying eligibility criteria, but typically, these are the essential requirements for obtaining a digital nomad visa:
- You are location-independent.
- You can work digitally and remotely.
- You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
- You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
- You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
- You have travel or health insurance.
How long does the process take?
The duration of the digital nomad visa application process can range from 3 to 4 months and is highly influenced by the country of application.
What Is The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
In order to properly address the process for applying to the Hungary DNV, it is necessary to first establish some fundamental aspects of the program.
The Hungry White Card
The DNV, or Hungry White Card, is a fresh kind of residency permit that grants the ability to legally live and work in Hungary. With this permit in hand, one can journey to Budapest and work legally in cafes surrounding Buda, impact hubs, or even remotely while enjoying the ambiance of the Danube river.
Third-country nationals who fulfill the eligibility criteria are the only ones eligible for obtaining the visa. The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa is essentially the Hungary D Visa, which is also referred to as the Type D Visa for Hungary.
Individuals who are not citizens of the country in which they are residing are considered third-country nationals.
- non-Hungarian citizens
- non-EU Citizens
- Citizens outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area .
- A stateless person
The definition of a white card from the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing states that it is a permit for residency. The holder of the permit must be employed in a verified employment relationship outside of Hungary or have a share in a company with a verified profit outside of Hungary, and in both situations, must work or manage their company from Hungary using advanced digital technology.
Is it difficult to understand?
Rest assured, I’ll guide you through all the essential details regarding the White Card and its acquisition.
In this article, I will use the term “Hungry Digital Nomad Visa” to refer to the White Card.
The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Is A 2-Part Application
Just like the D7 Visa in Portugal, the Hungary DNV requires applicants to complete a two-part application process.
The initial step involves filing your DNV application with the Hungarian Embassy in your area. Subsequently, you’ll be issued an entry visa to enter Hungary upon approval of your application.
After receiving your visa, you will be granted a 30-day period to enter Hungary and request your White Card.
Because the White Card is a Type D visa (a long-stay visa). You must travel to Hungary and apply for your White Card at your district’s National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. You must apply to authorities responsible for issuing the White Card at your future residence.
Upon completion of reading this article, you will have a clear understanding of the specific actions required.
Who Is Eligible For The White Card aka Digital Nomad Visa?
To begin your visa application, it is necessary to ensure that you satisfy the eligibility criteria set by the Hungry DNV.
You qualify provided that:
- You are a third-country national.
- You can perform your work obligations using ” advanced digital technology solutions “ . So in simpler terms, you can work using a laptop, cellphone, wifi, and so on.
- You have a valid employment contract with a company outside of Hungry, or
- You own shares in another company outside of Hungry (must be a profitable company), or
- You have your own company outside of Hungry. However, keep in mind that you must manage your company using advanced digital technology solutions.
- You don’t have any shares in a Hungarian company.
- You are not seeking any gainful activity in Hungary.
How Long Is The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?
Your DNV for Hungary will be valid for 12 months, and then you have the option to renew it for another year. Keep in mind that you can only renew it one time, which means the maximum validity period for your visa in Hungary is 2 years.
Where To Apply For The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
As per the official government website, it is necessary for you to personally go to your nearby Hungarian Embassy and present your application.
It is necessary to submit your application while you are in your country of residence.
If you are a third-country national currently in Hungary and have visa-free travel, you have the option to electronically submit your DNV. To do so, you must first register on the electronic platform for the immigration authority. Further details can be found at this link.
How Much Is The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa Fee?
Afterwards, you will come across charges that must be paid for submitting an application and prolonging your DNV.
- The application for the White Card within your home country – $125.25 (EUR 110)
- The service fee for submitting your White Card application within Hungary – $125.55
- The service fee for submitting your application using NDGAP’s online portal – $77.26
- The service fee for extending your visa at one of NDGAP’s offices (in person) – $112.68
- The service fee for extending your visa using NDGAP’s online portal – $75.05
There are two payment options available: one is through a bank card and the other through a bank deposit using the cheque provided by the regional directorate.
Keep in mind that these amounts can change at any time. Therefore, it’s best to call your local Hungary Embassy or Consulate before starting the visa application process. Authorities will have the latest updates regarding payable fees and services.
What Is The Processing Time For The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
After submitting your DNV application, the regional directorate will assess it within a month. As soon as your Hungary DNV is endorsed, proficient authorities will dispatch the new DNV to you through mail.
Although it is possible to receive your DNV in person, you must present a valid justification for not being able to receive it by mail because the Embassy authorities typically prefer to send your visa through the postal service.
Can I Travel To Other European Countries With My White Card?
As a Digital Nomad in the EU, having a white card allows you to visit any country within the Schengen Area visa-free, which is an amazing advantage.
You can travel without a visa to any of the Schengen countries listed if you have this Hungary Visa.
The countries included are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What Are The Document Requirements For The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?
In order for your Hungary DNV to be approved, specific documents must be provided as part of the visa application process, as with all other visa types. These include the mandatory documents listed below.
Documents That Prove The Purpose Of Your Travel
Demonstrating the objective of your Hungary DNV is crucial as it validates your status as a digital nomad intending to visit Hungary for telecommuting. To establish this, you may furnish the following documents: For Employed Individuals: You must provide an employer certificate that certifies:
- The scope of the employer’s operations,
- An employment contract proving that you can work remotely. It must also include the duration of your employment,
- The duties you perform for your employer.
If you are in possession of a company or shares:
A paper containing:
- information on the actual operation of the business,
- the duties and the position you hold within the company,
- the scope of the company’s activities, and
- their ownership of shares in the company.
Furthermore, you must present evidence of the validity of the organization you are employed by or possess shares in. The following documentation can be submitted:
- The registration number of the company,
- A tax certificate,
- Or any other relevant documents.
Proof Of Financial Means
In order to become a digital nomad in Hungary, it is necessary to demonstrate compliance with the government’s financial prerequisites. For the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), one must have a monthly income of no less than €2,000 (Euros). Further, evidence of receiving this amount consistently for a period of six months prior to entry must be provided.
Put simply, if you intend to apply in July, you need to demonstrate that you have fulfilled the financial criteria between January and June.
Bear in mind
The income has to be recurring on a monthly basis.
You have the option of submitting the following documents:
- An employment contract stating your salary
- A tax certificate
- Bank account statements
- Any other relevant document that proves your income
Proof Of Accommodation
If you intend to reside in Hungary for a long period, you must furnish credible evidence of lodging while applying for your DNV application.
Here is a fascinating piece of information:
In Hungary, great emphasis is placed on the housing standards, as the lodging must be recognized in the actual property registry as a home, standalone structure, or a similar dwelling suitable for habitation. Additionally, there is a prerequisite that there must be at least 6 square meters of living area available per individual.
Your place of residence is no longer limited to property that you have bought. It can be any type of legally approved commercial or residential accommodation.
Following are the documents that you can offer:
- a rental agreement or lease;
- a document on accommodation by courtesy;
- a document proving ownership of the purchased property, such as a certified copy of the title deed issued within the last 30 days;
- a valid letter of invitation with an official certificate affixed;
- documents that prove you have reserved and paid for suitable accommodation for the duration of your stay (Airbnb, hotel reservation, etc.);
- a notarized statement made by a family member with the right of residence in Hungary (residency status, residence card, etc.), promising to provide you place of stay in Hungary;
- a copy of the decision of the responsible county government body, providing authorization to obtain real estate property. Also, include the real estate sales contract.
Proof Of Comprehensive Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to have adequate health insurance that covers all expenses related to medical treatment during your stay in Hungary if you want to apply for the Hungarian DNV, and the insurance policy should not expire until the end of your stay.
Conversely, as long as you can provide evidence that you possess sufficient funds to pay for any potential medical expenses, obtaining legitimate health insurance is not mandatory. Although the government does not stipulate the exact sum required, it is advisable to expect a significant amount.
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