Is Hungary good for digital nomads?
If you like your Wi-Fi fast, your history older than your country, and your rent low enough to still order wine with dinner — yes. Hungary is one of Europe’s quiet success stories for digital nomads. It’s central, connected, and surprisingly affordable for an EU nation. Budapest alone could keep you busy for months — ruin bars, thermal baths, and an energy that feels both old and young at once.
Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa: The White Card
Does Hungary have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. It’s called the White Card, and it was built specifically for remote workers from outside the EU.
How long is it valid?
1 year, renewable for another.
Who can apply?
Remote employees or freelancers who earn income from companies or clients outside Hungary. EU citizens don’t need it.
Income requirement
You’ll need to show proof of about €2,000/month in consistent income.
Other requirements
- Proof of remote employment or business ownership
- Valid passport
- Health insurance covering Hungary
- Accommodation confirmation (lease or booking)
- Clean criminal record
Processing time
Usually 30–60 days, depending on consulate workload.
The first 100 are already inside. Doors are closed while we gather feedback and polish the mobile version before letting in the next group. Hop on the waitlist and join Nomados free when we re-open the door for sign-ups.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Hungary
Budapest
Budapest isn’t just the capital — it’s the heartbeat. The Danube cuts the city in half, bridges stitch it together, and cafés hum with remote workers. Coworking spaces like Loffice and Impact Hub fill with a mix of locals and internationals. There’s always something happening: ruin bars in old buildings, thermal baths under domes, and cheap flights connecting you to the rest of Europe. It’s cosmopolitan without being cold, affordable without feeling limited.
Debrecen
If Budapest is the stage, Debrecen is the rehearsal room — smaller, slower, and a little more local. It’s Hungary’s second-largest city, with a growing tech scene and universities that keep it young. Cafés double as coworking spots, and the Great Forest nearby offers an easy nature escape. You won’t find international hype here, but you’ll find breathing room.
Pécs
Down south near the Croatian border, Pécs is artsy, warm, and full of Roman ruins. It’s a city of galleries, old churches, and hidden courtyards. The cost of living is low, and the rhythm slower. It’s the kind of place where you might finally finish that side project — or just learn to linger over coffee.
Szeged
Down near the Serbian border, Szeged feels like summer most of the year — bright, walkable, and full of students. The cafés spill out onto cobbled squares, the river cuts through the city like a calm line of light, and everything runs at half the cost of Budapest. It’s less international, but that’s part of the charm: a local city with an easy rhythm and reliable Wi-Fi.
Győr
Tucked between Budapest and Vienna, Győr gives you the best of both worlds — access to big cities with the quiet pace of a smaller one. It’s industrial and elegant at once, with baroque architecture and solid infrastructure. For nomads, it’s a good base if you want to work in peace but still catch a train to the action whenever you want.
Cost of Living in Hungary
Hungary offers one of the best balances of cost and comfort in the EU. Rent, transport, and food all come in lower than Western Europe, especially outside Budapest.
Cost snapshot (Budapest):
- 1-bedroom apartment: €700–€1,000/month
- Meal out: €10–€20
- Coffee: €2
- Coworking: €120–€200/month
You can live well on €1,800–€2,200/month in the capital. Move to smaller cities like Pécs, Szeged, or Győr, and that drops by about 20–30% without much sacrifice — same strong internet, smaller crowds, and more local flavor.
Hungary stays one of those rare places where you can still live in Europe, not just visit it.
Coworking & Internet
How fast is Hungary’s internet?
Very. Broadband speeds average above 100 Mbps in cities, and 5G is rolling out fast. Cafés are laptop-friendly, and coworking spaces are everywhere in Budapest.
Top coworking spaces
- Loffice
- Impact Hub
- Kubik Coworking
- Kaptár
Most offer flexible day passes and solid espresso.
Lifestyle & Culture
Hungary’s rhythm hits somewhere between efficiency and nostalgia. Trams rumble past Art Nouveau façades, locals linger over coffee, and at night the bars spill into courtyards lit with string lights. It’s a city made for walkers — and thinkers.
The winters bite, but the summers stretch long and golden. Budapest’s nightlife is legendary, its café culture thriving, and its architecture feels cinematic from every angle. You’ll hear English often enough, but picking up a few Hungarian phrases goes a long way.
FAQs About Hungary’s Digital Nomad Visa
Do I have to pay Hungarian taxes?
Not usually, unless you spend more than 183 days a year or earn income from Hungarian sources.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, especially among younger Hungarians and in cities like Budapest and Debrecen.
Can I travel through the Schengen Zone?
Yes. The White Card allows you to move freely within Schengen countries for up to 90 days every 180 days.
How long can I stay?
Up to 1 year, renewable once for a total of 2.
Is Hungary safe for digital nomads?
Yes. It’s one of Europe’s safer capitals, though petty theft can happen in tourist zones.
Connect with fellow location-independent professionals by joining our exclusive Nomados Digital Nomad Community for ongoing support, insider tips, and updates to enhance your borderless lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Hungary for Digital Nomads
Hungary doesn’t chase headlines — it just works. It’s efficient, creative, and well-situated for anyone who wants Europe without the burnout.
Budapest pulls you in with its energy: trams, thermal baths, and late-night cafés that never seem to close. But beyond the capital, you’ll find cities like Pécs, Szeged, and Győr where life slows down just enough to think again — rent drops, crowds thin, and the rhythm gets easier.
For digital nomads, Hungary offers the sweet spot: affordable, connected, full of character, and just restless enough to feel like home.