Hungary White Card for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on Hungary's White Card? Yes, if the company is outside Hungary and has proven profits. The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) says a White Card can go to someone who owns a share in a profitable business outside Hungary and runs their work or the business from Hungary using digital technology. Work for local clients or employers is barred. Income needed: At least €3,000 net per month in lawful income for each of the 6 months before entry, and you must keep that income throughout the stay. Proven with 6 months of bank statements or an employer or tax authority certificate.
Hungary's White Card, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | The White Card (Fehér Kártya) is a Hungarian residence permit for third-country nationals who work remotely from Hungary (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Own company | Eligible if you own a share in a business outside Hungary with proven profits and run your work or the business from Hungary with digital technology (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Local work | You can only get a White Card if you do not work in Hungary and do not own a share in a Hungarian business (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Local work (withdrawal) | OIF withdraws the permit if the holder works for or on behalf of a Hungarian employer, or acquires a share in a Hungarian business (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Income | Lawful income of at least €3,000 net per month in the 6 months before entry, proven by 6 months of bank statements or an employer or tax authority certificate (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Stay | Valid for up to 1 year, extendable once, for the same purpose, by up to 1 year (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Leads to residence | No. A White Card holder cannot get a national residence card (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Fee | €110 for the residence permit and entry visa when applying at a consulate abroad. In Hungary: HUF 39,000 in person or HUF 26,000 through Enter Hungary (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| How to apply | At the Hungarian consulate in your country of citizenship or usual residence. Visa-exempt nationals may apply in Hungary online through Enter Hungary or in person at an OIF regional directorate (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Processing time | The administrative deadline is 21 days (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Health insurance | You must show you are covered for full health care, or can pay health care costs from your proven means (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
| Family | Family members of a White Card holder cannot get a family reunification residence permit, except a child born in Hungary during the permit (translated from Hungarian). | oif.gov.hu |
Questions founders ask about Hungary
- Can I run my own company on the Hungary White Card?
- Yes, if the company is outside Hungary and has proven profits. The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) says a White Card can go to someone who owns a share in a profitable business outside Hungary and runs their work or the business from Hungary using digital technology.
- Can I work for clients in Hungary on it?
- Barred. You cannot work in Hungary or own a share in a Hungarian business, and the permit is withdrawn if you work for a Hungarian employer or acquire a Hungarian business share.
- How much income do I need for the Hungary White Card?
- At least €3,000 net per month in lawful income for each of the 6 months before entry, and you must keep that income throughout the stay. Proven with 6 months of bank statements or an employer or tax authority certificate.
- How much does the Hungary White Card cost?
- €110 when applying at a Hungarian consulate abroad; HUF 39,000 in person in Hungary or HUF 26,000 via Enter Hungary; extension HUF 26,000. That's the government fee on the official page; translations, insurance and legal help cost extra.
- How long can I stay on the Hungary White Card?
- Valid for up to 1 year, extendable once for up to 1 more year for the same purpose. It does not lead to a national residence card, and you cannot switch to another residence permit in-country.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Estonia · Greece · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- White Card (Fehér Kártya) for digital nomads
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Barred
- Stay
- Valid for up to 1 year, extendable once for up to 1 more year for the same purpose. It does not lead to a national residence card, and you cannot switch to another residence permit in-country.
- Government fee
- €110 when applying at a Hungarian consulate abroad; HUF 39,000 in person in Hungary or HUF 26,000 via Enter Hungary; extension HUF 26,000.
- Official page
- oif.gov.hu
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check oif.gov.hu before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.