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Hungary extends visa facilitation policy! Opportunity for digital nomads!

A European work-and-travel lifestyle is becoming increasingly accessible.


Hungary will extend visa facilitation arrangements for Chinese corporate executives and business professionals engaged in economic and trade cooperation with Hungary, with visa processing completed within 48 hours. Announced Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SZIJJÁRTÓ Péter, on social media not long ago.

 

This policy is a response to China’s recent extension of visa exemption for Hungarian citizens, aiming to support bilateral exchanges in economy, education, and tourism. The positive news not only benefits business professionals but also opens a new door for digital nomads seeking a lifestyle that combines remote work and travel. As the convenience of personnel exchanges between the two countries continues to improve, Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese digital nomads.

 

01 Visa Facilitation

In March 2024, China decided to expand its visa exemption policy to include Hungary and five other countries, allowing ordinary passport holders to enter China visa-free on a trial basis. In response, Hungary announced it would implement a facilitation arrangement issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for relevant Chinese business professionals. In November 2025, China decided to extend the visa exemption policy for Hungary and other countries until December 31, 2026. Shortly after, Hungary also announced a one-year extension of its visa facilitation measures for Chinese business professionals.


This positive interaction reflects the warming relationship between China and Hungary, and creates more convenient conditions for Chinese citizens traveling to Hungary. Minister SZIJJÁRTÓ Péter has consistently supported strengthening economic and trade ties with China, emphasizing on multiple occasions that cooperation with China is crucial for Hungary’s economic development. Hungary was the first European country to participate in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and these visa measures can be seen as an extension of this strategy.


In addition to business visas, Hungary also offers a specific visa pathway for digital nomads. According to relevant regulations, Chinese citizens can apply for the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the “White Card”), which can be valid for up to 24 months. This visa provides legal status for those wishing to reside long-term in Europe while working remotely.


02 What is the Hungary Digital Nomad Visa?

Amid the proliferation of digital nomad visas worldwide, Hungary stands out with its unique advantages of fast approval, simple conditions, fast process, and high approval rate.

In stark contrast to the long waiting times common in other European countries, the Hungary White Card approval cycle takes only 21 days —— a level of efficiency rare in Europe, where neighboring countries like Austria and the Czech Republic often have approval cycles of 3-6 months for similar visas.

The application conditions for the Hungary White Card are extremely straightforward: a monthly income of over €3,000, proof of remote work, health insurance, and no criminal record. Compared to the complex tax proofs, language requirements, or educational certifications required by other countries, these conditions are easily manageable for most digital nomads.


03 Hungary's Irresistible Five Charms

Low Cost, High Quality Life:  Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central Budapest costs only €500-700, while similar quality in Paris or Berlin would cost at least €1,200. According to Numbeo 2024 data, the cost of living in Hungary is 45% lower than in the United States and over 40% lower on average than in Western European countries.

Europe's Fastest Internet Speeds:  Hungary boasts internet speeds ranking among the top in Europe, with an average download speed of 150 Mbps and full 5G network coverage across the city. Budapest is filled with over a hundred stylish co-working spaces, with daily passes as low as €10, catering to all kinds of work needs.

 

Excellent Geographical Location:  Situated in the heart of Europe, from Budapest, you can fly to more than ten major European cities like Vienna, Prague, and Berlin within 2 hours. Weekend trips skiing in Austria or sunbathing on Croatian beaches feel like short domestic trips.

 

Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage:  Hungary is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering countless possibilities for leisure time—from the banks of the Danube in Budapest to Hortobágy National Park, from Europe's largest spa system (118 spas) to world-class wine regions.

 

Safe Living Environment:  Hungary has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. In the 2025 Global Peace Index, it ranked 12th in the broader European region, significantly higher than countries like the UK, Germany, and Spain. This advantage is particularly valuable for digital nomads traveling alone, especially women.


04 Three Steps to get the Hungary White Card

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Only five core documents are needed: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), Bank statements for the last 3 months (proving monthly income over €3,000), Proof of remote work (employer letter or contract), Health insurance (covering the stay with coverage of €30,000), no criminal record certificate. All non-Hungarian documents require certified translations.

Step 2: Schedule Submission

Schedule an appointment to submit documents through the official website of the Hungarian Embassy (| vfsglobal - vfsglobal). The approval process takes 21 days.

Step 3: Approval and Entry

Once the D-type visa is approved, enter Hungary within 3 months to exchange it for the White Card, truly enabling One Card, Travel Europe. It allows the holder to travel freely within the entire Schengen Area, staying in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.


Conclusion

As remote work becomes a global trend, the Hungarian government is considering further optimizing its digital nomad visa policy. Budapest Deputy Mayor Gábor Bagdy has also publicly stated: Attracting digital nomads is an important part of the city's development strategy. They not only boost consumption but also bring innovative thinking and international perspectives.

 

For Chinese digital nomads, now is the golden time to apply for the Hungary White Card. Seizing this window of opportunity before policies potentially tighten might just open an exciting European chapter in your life.

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