Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria — Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Bulgaria now has a digital nomad visa

Since December 2025, Bulgaria joined the growing number of European countries offering a special visa program for digital nomads. The visa allows third-country nationals (outside the EU/EEA) to live legally in Bulgaria while working remotely for foreign companies or clients.

Bulgaria is a particularly attractive destination for digital nomads thanks to:

• Low taxes — 10 % flat income tax (with tax residency).
• Reasonable cost of living — significantly lower than Western Europe, although rising after the euro adoption.
• EU membership — access to the Schengen area and European infrastructure.
• Fast internet — Bulgaria is among the EU leaders in internet speed.
• Euro since 01.01.2026 — no currency conversions for euro holders.

Who can apply?

The digital nomad visa is intended for:

• Third-country nationals — persons who are NOT citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. EU citizens have the right to free movement and residence and do not need this visa.
• Remote workers — employed by a foreign employer (employment contract with a company outside Bulgaria).
• Freelancers — self-employed persons providing services to foreign clients (no Bulgarian clients).

Important: The visa does NOT allow work for a Bulgarian employer or provision of services on the Bulgarian market.

Digital nomad visa requirements

• Minimum income — EUR 31,000 annually (50 times the minimum wage in Bulgaria of EUR 620). Income must be proven with bank statements, tax returns, or contracts for the last 6–12 months.
• Valid passport — with at least 18 months remaining validity from the application date.
• Health insurance — long-term health insurance covering Bulgaria, with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. Note: standard travel insurance is NOT accepted.
• Accommodation in Bulgaria — lease agreement, title deed, or an invitation from a host (notarized).
• Criminal record certificate — from the country of citizenship and/or residence, with apostille and certified translation into Bulgarian.
• Employment contract or proof of freelance activity — contract with a foreign employer or portfolio of contracts with foreign clients.

Procedure for obtaining the visa

The process consists of two main steps:

Step 1: Type D visa — at the Bulgarian embassy

1. Filing an application at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
2. Presenting all required documents (with apostille and certified translation).
3. Conducting an interview (at some embassies).
4. Processing time: 4–8 weeks.
5. The visa allows entry into Bulgaria and a stay of up to 90 days.

Step 2: Residence permit — in Bulgaria

1. Within 14 days of arriving in Bulgaria, file an application for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.
2. Present address registration, health insurance, and the remaining documents.
3. Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
4. A residence card is issued for a period of up to 1 year.

Duration and renewal

• Initial period — up to 1 year.
• Renewal — once, for another year (maximum 2 years total).
• For renewal, you need to prove the minimum income and health insurance again.
• After the 2-year maximum period expires, you need to apply for another type of residence (if you wish to stay) or leave the country.

Tax implications

Taxation depends on the length of stay in Bulgaria:

Important: If you become a tax resident of Bulgaria (183+ days), you are subject to 10 % tax on your worldwide income. This can be an advantage if you come from a country with a higher tax rate.

DTTs (double tax treaties) can help prevent double taxation if your country of citizenship/previous residence also claims to tax your income. Bulgaria has over 80 such treaties.

Difference from freelancer registration

The digital nomad visa and freelancer registration in Bulgaria are two different statuses:

• DN visa — designed specifically for third-country nationals (outside the EU/EEA) working remotely for foreign clients/employers. Does not allow work on the Bulgarian market.
• Freelancer registration — a separate status (self-insured person / liberal profession), available to anyone with the right to reside in Bulgaria. Allows work for Bulgarian clients as well.
• The DN visa does not require registration as a self-insured person in Bulgaria if you work entirely for foreign entities.
• If you wish to offer services on the Bulgarian market, you will need additional registration.

Cost of living in Sofia (2026)

After the euro adoption on 01.01.2026, prices in Bulgaria have increased, especially in the services sector. Nevertheless, the country remains more affordable than most Western European capitals.

Prices after the euro

The euro adoption on 01.01.2026 led to a noticeable price increase in certain sectors:

• Services — 20–50 % increase in restaurants, hair salons, repair services, and other labor-intensive sectors. Rounding up during conversion was widespread.
• Groceries in Sofia — prices in major Sofia supermarkets are now comparable to those in some Western European countries, especially for imported products.
• Rents — continue to rise, especially in central Sofia and popular neighborhoods (Lozenets, Doctors' Garden, Oborishte).
• Smaller cities — prices outside Sofia (Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas) remain significantly lower and more attractive for digital nomads.

Despite these increases, Bulgaria remains one of the most affordable destinations in the EU for digital nomads, especially outside the capital.

Frequently asked questions