Digital Nomad Visa Bulgaria 2026 — Complete Guide

What is the digital nomad visa in Bulgaria

The digital nomad visa is a new type of temporary residence permit established under Art. 24k of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (Foreigners Act). The legal framework was introduced through amendments to the Foreigners Act published in the State Gazette, Issue 52 of 27 June 2025, with implementing regulations updated in Q4 2025.

The definition of “digital nomad” is set out in point 36 of the Supplementary Provisions of the Foreigners Act. Under the law, a digital nomad is a third-country national (i.e. a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland) who provides remote services through information technologies and meets specific conditions depending on their category.

How it differs from other residence permits

The digital nomad visa is specifically designed for people who work remotely and do not carry out any work activity on Bulgarian territory. It is distinct from:

• The Single Permit for residence and work (Art. 24i of the Foreigners Act) — intended for employees of Bulgarian companies
• The EU Blue Card (Art. 33k of the Foreigners Act) — for highly qualified specialists employed in Bulgaria
• The freelance permit (Art. 24a of the Foreigners Act) — for self-employed individuals carrying out activities in Bulgaria

The key distinction is that a digital nomad works exclusively for foreign clients or employers and must not provide services to anyone on Bulgarian territory.

EU context

Bulgaria joins a growing group of EU member states that offer similar programmes. Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, and Estonia already have operational digital nomad visas. There is no harmonised EU directive on the matter — each member state legislates independently.

Who can apply — three categories of digital nomads

The law defines three distinct categories of eligible applicants. Each category has specific conditions, but all share one fundamental requirement: services must be provided exclusively to persons outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland through information technologies.

Category 1: Remote employee

This category covers individuals employed under an employment contract with an employer registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

Conditions:

• Valid employment contract with a foreign employer
• Provision of remote services through information technologies
• If the contract is fixed-term, the remaining duration must be at least equal to the requested residence permit (i.e. at least 1 year)
• No work for, or provision of services to, persons on Bulgarian territory

Typical profile: Software engineer working for a US tech company; designer employed by an Australian agency; marketing manager under contract with a Canadian corporation.

Category 2: Business owner or shareholder

This category is designed for individuals who hold a significant stake in a foreign company.

Conditions:

• Legal representative, member of a management body, owner, partner, or shareholder holding more than 25 % of the capital of a company registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland
• Provision of remote services through information technologies
• No work for, or provision of services to, persons on Bulgarian territory

Typical profile: Startup founder with a Delaware (USA) incorporation and more than 25 % equity; managing director of a UK-registered consultancy post-Brexit.

Category 3: Independent professional (freelancer)

This category covers self-employed individuals working on a freelance basis.

Conditions:

• Personal provision of remote services through information technologies
• The freelance practice must have been carried on for at least 1 year before the application date
• No work for, or provision of services to, persons on Bulgarian territory
• No freelance activity on Bulgarian territory

Typical profile: Experienced graphic designer with an international portfolio; translator with at least one year of freelance history; independent cybersecurity consultant.

General conditions for all categories

Regardless of category, every applicant must meet the following conditions:

Income requirement — EUR 31,000 per year

How the threshold is calculated

The minimum income is set at 50 times the gross minimum monthly salary in Bulgaria. As of January 2026, the minimum monthly salary is approximately BGN 1,077 (around EUR 620).

Calculation:

EUR 620 x 50 = EUR 31,000 per year

This is an approximate figure — the exact amount depends on the minimum salary in force at the time of application. The threshold adjusts automatically when the minimum wage changes.

How to prove your income

Income must be documented for the preceding calendar year. Acceptable evidence includes:

• For employees (Category 1): Payslips for the last 12 months, bank statements, tax return from the employer’s country
• For business owners (Category 2): Company financial statements, tax return, bank statements
• For freelancers (Category 3): Invoices for services rendered, bank statements, tax return, client contracts

All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator.

How Bulgaria compares with other EU countries

Bulgaria’s threshold is among the lower ones in the EU, making the country a competitive destination — particularly when combined with its low cost of living.

Step-by-step procedure

The procedure for obtaining a digital nomad residence permit involves three main stages. The total duration is approximately 3 to 4 months.

Step 1: Apply for a Type D visa (long-stay visa)

Where: At a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship or habitual residence.

What to do:

1. Schedule an appointment at the relevant embassy or consulate
2. Prepare and submit the complete document package (see “Required documents” below)
3. Pay the consular fee
4. Wait for your application to be processed

Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks (up to 10 weeks depending on the consulate).

Visa validity: Up to 6 months, within which you must enter Bulgaria.

Important: A Type D visa is a mandatory prerequisite. You cannot apply directly for a residence permit without one (with limited exceptions for visa-free nationals — consult a lawyer for the specific procedure in your case).

Step 2: Enter Bulgaria and apply for a residence permit

Where: Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, or regional migration offices.

What to do:

1. Enter Bulgaria on your Type D visa
2. Within 14 days of arrival, submit an application for a temporary residence permit
3. Present your documents in person at the Migration Directorate
4. Submit a copy of your passport page showing the visa and entry stamp

Processing time: Up to 14 days (may be extended by 1 month in complex cases).

Important: Personal appearance at the Migration Directorate is mandatory.

Step 3: Receive your residence card (foreigner’s identity card)

What happens:

1. Once your application is approved, you receive a temporary residence permit
2. A foreigner’s identity card (residence card) is issued
3. The card is valid for up to 1 year

Card issuance: 3 to 30 calendar days after approval.

Timeline summary

Required documents

For the Type D visa application (at the Bulgarian consulate)

1. Completed visa application form — per the consulate’s template
2. Valid passport — with at least 6 months remaining validity and at least two blank pages
3. Passport-size photographs — typically 2, measuring 35 x 45 mm
4. Proof of income — bank statements, payslips, or tax returns for the previous 12 months showing annual income of at least EUR 31,000
5. Criminal record certificate — from your country of citizenship or habitual residence, with apostille
6. Health insurance — valid in Bulgaria and the Schengen area, with minimum coverage of EUR 60,000
7. Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria — rental contract, property ownership deed, or hotel reservation
8. Documents proving digital nomad status:
   • Category 1: Employment contract with a foreign employer
   • Category 2: Company incorporation documents showing ownership of more than 25 %
   • Category 3: Evidence of at least 1 year of freelance activity (client contracts, invoices, references)

Legalisation requirements: All foreign documents must be apostilled (or legalised, if the issuing country is not a party to the Hague Convention) and translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator.

For the residence permit application (in Bulgaria)

1. Application form — available at the Migration Directorate
2. Copy of your passport page with the Type D visa
3. Copy of the page with the entry stamp
4. Updated supporting documents (if necessary — for example, more recent bank statements)
5. Proof of payment of the state fee
6. Address registration certificate in Bulgaria

Practical tips for document preparation

• Start preparing your documents at least 4–6 weeks before you plan to apply, since apostilles and translations take time
• Check the specific requirements of the Bulgarian consulate where you will apply — different consulates may have additional requirements
• Make notarised copies of all original documents
• Bank statements should cover the full preceding 12 months and clearly show regular deposits
• If your health insurance is from a foreign insurer, make sure the policy explicitly covers Bulgaria

Fees and processing times

Government fees

Additional costs

Total estimated cost

EUR 230–620 for government fees and administrative expenses.

These figures do not include legal representation fees. Engaging a lawyer is recommended, especially for a first-time application, to avoid errors and delays.

Processing times

Renewal deadlines

The application for renewal of the residence permit must be filed before the current permit expires. We recommend submitting the renewal application at least 30 days before the expiry date.

Taxes and social security for digital nomads in Bulgaria

The tax treatment of digital nomads depends on whether the individual becomes a tax resident of Bulgaria.

When you are NOT a Bulgarian tax resident

If you spend fewer than 183 days in Bulgaria within any 12-month period and your centre of vital interests is not in Bulgaria:

• Income from remote work for a foreign employer or client is generally not taxable in Bulgaria
• You do not owe Bulgarian social security contributions
• You are taxed under the rules of the country where you are tax resident

When you BECOME a Bulgarian tax resident

Under Art. 4 of the Personal Income Tax Act, a person is a Bulgarian tax resident if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

1. They have a permanent address in Bulgaria
2. They spend 183 or more days in Bulgaria within any 12-month period
3. Their centre of vital interests is in Bulgaria (family, primary economic activity, personal and economic ties)
4. They have been sent abroad by a Bulgarian state institution or organisation

Tax rates for tax residents

If you become a Bulgarian tax resident, your worldwide income is subject to:

• 10 % flat personal income tax — one of the lowest in the European Union
• Social security contributions are owed only if you work for a Bulgarian employer or are self-insured in Bulgaria

An important clarification: a digital nomad working remotely for a foreign employer does not create a permanent establishment for that employer in Bulgaria. This is a significant advantage from a corporate tax planning perspective.

Double tax treaties (DTTs)

Bulgaria has active DTTs with more than 70 countries. If you are a Bulgarian tax resident and your income is also taxed in your employer’s or client’s country, a DTT may prevent double taxation. We recommend consulting a tax specialist about your specific situation.

Social security coordination in the EU

Although the digital nomad visa is designed for third-country nationals, social security coordination may be relevant if you have connections to an EU member state. Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 govern social security coordination between member states.

Why Bulgaria is an attractive destination for digital nomads

Bulgaria offers a distinctive combination of factors that make it particularly appealing to remote workers.

1. One of the lowest tax rates in the EU

With a flat 10 % personal income tax, Bulgaria provides a substantial tax advantage compared to most Western European countries, where rates reach 40–55 %.

2. Euro adoption

Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 January 2026. Earning in euros (or dollars) while living in a country with costs well below the EU average creates real purchasing power that exceeds what most Western European capitals offer.

3. Low cost of living

Average monthly living expenses in Sofia (excluding rent) are approximately EUR 600–800, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre at EUR 400–600. Outside the capital, costs are even lower.

4. Access to the European Union

As a residence permit holder in Bulgaria, you benefit from proximity to other European destinations. The country borders Greece, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey, making regional travel straightforward.

5. Strong digital infrastructure

Bulgaria has excellent internet connectivity — average broadband speeds are among the highest in Europe. Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna have well-developed coworking spaces and active tech communities.

6. Educated and multilingual population

A high proportion of the population speaks English, especially in the larger cities, which makes daily life manageable for foreigners.

7. Rich cultural and natural diversity

From the Black Sea coast to ski resorts and historic towns, Bulgaria offers a quality of life that surprises most newcomers.

8. Safety

Bulgaria ranks among the safer EU member states in terms of crime rates.

9. Affordable healthcare

Private healthcare is of high quality and priced significantly below Western European and North American levels.

10. Strategic time zone

The UTC+2 time zone (UTC+3 in summer) is convenient for working with clients in both Asia and the Americas — it allows substantial overlap with multiple time zones.

Renewal and limitations of the permit

Duration and renewal

• Initial permit: 1 year
• Renewal: May be renewed once for an additional 1 year
• Maximum total duration: 2 years

After the 2-year period expires

Once the maximum two-year period ends, the digital nomad residence permit cannot be renewed. The holder has the following options:

1. Leave Bulgaria and potentially reapply after a certain period
2. Switch to a different residence regime, such as:
   • Registering a company in Bulgaria (EOOD/OOD) and applying for a business-based residence permit
   • Being hired by a Bulgarian employer and applying for a Single Permit for residence and work
   • Applying for an EU Blue Card if you hold a high qualification

Important limitation

The digital nomad residence permit does not lead to long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria. Time spent under the digital nomad visa does not count towards acquiring long-term resident status.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa opens new opportunities for professionals around the world who want to combine remote work with life in an EU member state. With an income threshold of EUR 31,000, a flat 10 % income tax, low cost of living, and strong digital infrastructure, Bulgaria positions itself as one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads in Europe.

The procedure, while multi-stage, is clearly regulated, and with proper preparation it can be completed within 3–4 months. The key to a successful application is thorough document preparation and a clear understanding of the specific requirements for your category.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The content reflects the legislation and practice in force as of March 2026. For specific legal questions related to your situation, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer. Innovires Legal accepts no liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information in this publication.