How to Become a Digital Nomad in Budapest

This morning I woke up to happy, happy news! Hungary has come out with a new visa scheme for digital nomads!

With the ongoing shift towards remote work and people searching out more enjoyable and meaningful surroundings (see: the Great Resignation), it’s no wonder that more countries are welcoming remote workers. Read on to learn more about how to become a digital nomad in Hungary’s capital city.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Before we go any further, let’s all get on the same page! Digital nomads are able to work anywhere there’s a stable internet connection, leaving them free to change their location as they wish. This location-independent lifestyle has always appealed to me, as I find flexibility to be very important.

Becoming a digital nomad has its perks when it comes to travel, namely the fact that you’re allowed to stay a longer time. Most tourist visas expire within 30-90 days, at which point you’re obliged to move on. However, many digital nomad visas have a 1 year validity minimum, giving you time to make yourself at home or establish a home base for further travel. This is especially alluring to third-country nationals, like myself, who are always looking for a feasible visa option.

Why become a Digital Nomad in Budapest?

Of course, the visa allows you to live anywhere in Hungary, but I’m a bit biased towards Budapest, if you haven’t guessed it already 😉 When I think of things that really make this city stand out, the thermal baths, Art Nouveau architecture, palaces sprinkled around the city, and satisfying Hungarian food are just a few things that come to mind.

I’m not the only one whose eyes have been opened to the wonders of Hungary’s capital. Budapest has only become more and more popular in the digital nomad scene. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lower Cost of Living

First things first, although Hungary is part of the European Union, it still uses its own currency, the Forint. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 320 HUF. Expats looking for an affordable city to call home regularly look to Budapest. Living in the city center, my cost of living is approximately:

• 1 bedroom apartment in the city center: $620 (You can find ones decently cheaper, though)
• 1 week’s worth of groceries (average cost): ~$32
• 1 month unlimited transportation pass: ~$35
• All-inclusive monthly gym pass: ~$70
• 1 glass of wine: ~$3.50
• 1 meal (including a drink and dessert) at a restaurant: ~$17

Total monthly expenses (before fun things 😉 ): ~$840/270,000 HUF

Of course, if you live with a partner or roommates, use a student card for student rates on transportation, or other things, you can cut down on your monthly expenses for sure! To be honest, the cost of living in Budapest has risen over the past few years as it’s gained popularity, but compared to surrounding cities, you can still find a relatively affordable cost of living in Budapest.

Wondering how you can invest in your new community? Check out where you can make donations in Budapest.

2. Excellent Location for Travel

Being the heart of Central Europe, Budapest is well-placed for a cheeky weekend jaunt or two. It serves as a bridge between Western Europe and Eastern Europe, and you can easily get to either of the two. Whether you want to take advantage of the well connected bus and train networks, or jet off on one of the many budget airlines that fly out of Liszt Ferenc Airport (most European destinations are within a 3 hour flight!), you have options for travel. Some examples are:

• Vienna, Austria: 2 1/2 hour train
• Prague, Czech Republic: 6 1/2 hour train
• Zagreb, Croatia: 5 hour train
• Rome, Italy: 1 1/2 hour flight
• Madrid, Spain: 3 hour flight
• London, UK: 2 1/2 hour flight

3. Strong Expat Community

The expat community in Budapest has grown exponentially since the country opened up after the fall of communism. Students, ESL teachers, remote workers, film industry workers, and others have all made a temporary home here. Even if you move to Budapest all alone, you’re likely to meet other people in the same boat as you, especially since the digital nomad community has been steadily growing. Try Open Mic Budapest, International Meeting Point, and Ultimate Budapest Expat Meetups for starters! Show up to events and you won’t be lonely for long!

4. Plenty of Coworking Spaces

Of course, as a digital nomad, you might also have luck meeting other people at a co-working space. Birds of a feather flock together, after all, and what better place to meet like-minded people? Here’s a guide to coworking spaces in Budapest.

How Much do I Need to Earn to be a Digital Nomad in Budapest?

Here we have some good news! As already discussed, the cost of living in Budapest is relatively lower than other nearby capitals. As a result, the minimum income needed for the digital nomad visa is lower than in other countries. (For example, many of the Caribbean visa programs require ~$4000 minimum.)

The required monthly amount is €2000/~$2230/~717,000 HUF. You need to prove that you’ve been earning this for six months prior to starting your visa, as well as assuring that you’ll continue to earn this during your time in Hungary. So start collecting your payslips now!

For a single-income household (remember, a 1-bedroom in the city center can be around 200-250k), this is more than enough to live comfortably in Budapest.

How Can I Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Budapest?

Convinced you want to come? Great decision! So now it’s time to prepare your visa application! You can get the full official information here. But in a nutshell, in order to apply for the Digital Nomad visa in Budapest, you will need:

• A job for a company outside of Hungary that pays at least €2000/month
• Proof of your own health insurance
• Proof of residency (i.e. a lease from a rental agreement)

Convinced you want to live the digital nomad lifestyle but still not sure where you want to go? Check out this article of 20 countries which offer visas for digital nomads.

Want to start your Digital Nomad journey? Here are free resources to break into remote work digital marketing jobs!

If Budapest is calling your name, this new visa scheme for digital nomads is one of the easiest ways to make living in Hungary a reality. If you can find a remote job that pays at least €2000 a month or have a location-independent business, then the White Card could be your ticket to making a home in this European city! Start the digital nomad visa application and start getting excited for your life of remote work in Budapest!

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