Hungary White Card Timeline and Costs

Hungary’s White Card is a residence permit process, not just a tourist visa extension. The timing depends on where you can file and how quickly you complete biometrics and fee payment.

For eligibility, start with the Hungary White Card guide. For evidence preparation, use the documents checklist.

Quick Answer

The official procedural administration period is 21 days, and the authority adopts a decision on the merits within 30 days from submission. A White Card may be valid for up to one year and can be extended once for the same purpose. The standard fee for issuance abroad, including the entry visa to receive the residence permit, is EUR 110. In-Hungary fees are HUF 39,000 in person or HUF 26,000 through Enter Hungary; extension is HUF 26,000.

Timeline Summary

Stage	What Happens	Planning Note
1. Fit check	Confirm third-country status and foreign work base	Exclude Hungarian work and company share
2. Income check	Confirm EUR 3,000 net/month for 6 months	Must continue during stay
3. Evidence build	Gather employer/company, income, accommodation, health, and exit proof	Deficiency periods are not counted in administration time
4. Filing	Apply abroad or in Hungary if eligible	Visa-free nationals may apply in Hungary while legally present
5. Biometrics	Photo, fingerprints, signature specimen	Enter Hungary filing is received only after these steps and fee payment
6. Decision	NDGAP decides the residence permit	Procedural administration: 21 days; merits decision within 30 days
7. Entry visa	If approved abroad, collect D visa	Single-entry, up to 30-day stay, valid for 3 months
8. Permit period	Live in Hungary under White Card	Up to 1 year
9. Extension	Apply once if eligible	File 90 to 30 days before expiry

Where To Apply

If the applicant does not have a residence permit and cannot enter Hungary visa-free, the application must be submitted outside Hungary.

A third-country national from a visa-free country who does not have a residence permit may apply in Hungary during lawful residence.

Extensions are submitted only in Hungary through the Enter Hungary platform.

Fees

The current NDGAP procedural fee table lists:

• EUR 110 for issuing a residence permit and issuing an entry visa for receiving the residence permit;
• HUF 39,000 for issuing a residence permit in Hungary in person;
• HUF 26,000 for issuing a residence permit in Hungary through Enter Hungary;
• HUF 26,000 for extending a residence permit;
• EUR 160 for an appeal lodged at a diplomatic mission or consular post after refusal of issuance.

Local service providers or consulates may charge separate handling or appointment fees.

D Entry Visa

If the application is submitted at a foreign Hungarian diplomatic or consular mission and the residence permit is approved, the approval also authorises issuance of an entry visa to receive the residence permit.

The D visa is single-entry, authorises a stay of not more than 30 days, and is valid for three months. If the applicant does not enter Hungary within three months from approval and does not start the approved residence, the residence-permit approval becomes invalid.

Extension Timing

The White Card can be extended once for the same purpose. Extension is possible only if the applicant holds a valid residence permit at submission and resided in Hungary for at least 90 days within any 180-day period before filing.

The extension application may be submitted no more than 90 days before expiry and no later than 30 days before expiry.

Related Hungary Guides

Need	Best page
Core rules	Main guide
Evidence	Documents checklist
Family and extension	Family and extension rules
Tax and setup	Tax, banking, insurance, and setup

Editorial Status

This article was checked against official sources on July 21, 2026. It is informational only and is not immigration, legal, tax, employment, insurance, banking, or relocation advice.