If you’re a remote worker looking for a fresh, affordable base in Europe — Bulgaria just rolled out the red carpet.
As of June 27, 2025, the country officially introduced a digital nomad visa, joining the likes of Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia in recognizing that remote work isn’t a trend — it’s a global shift.
And they’re not just dipping a toe in. Bulgaria is going all in with a Type D long-term residence visa built specifically for non-EU remote professionals, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who earn their living from abroad.
What’s the Deal with the Digital Nomad Visa Bulgaria Just Launched?
Let’s break it down. This new visa allows qualified nomads to live in Bulgaria while working remotely for companies or clients outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You’ll get a two-year residence card, renewable for an additional year, and even the possibility to transition into other residency types later on.
The law has officially passed—and while it’s now in force, the application process is expected to go live in about three months once secondary regulations are finalized. These upcoming steps will define the finer details like documentation, fees, and application procedures.
So, yes, it’s happening.
Who Qualifies as a Digital Nomad in Bulgaria?
To be eligible under the new framework, you’ll need to fit one of these categories:
✅ You’re employed by a company based outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, working remotely via IT tools, with a contract lasting the full duration of your stay
✅ You own 25% or more of a foreign company (or represent one) that delivers remote digital services
✅ You’re a self-employed remote worker or freelancer using IT tools for at least one year — as long as you don’t work for Bulgarian clients
In short, you must be earning your money from abroad, bringing foreign income into the country — and not competing in the local labor market.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Why Living as a Digital Nomad in Bulgaria?
You may not see Bulgaria on every “Top 10 Digital Nomad Destinations” list yet — but give it a minute.
Here’s what you’re getting:
10% flat income tax (one of the lowest in Europe)
A low cost of living that makes your remote salary stretch much further
Super fast internet and a surprisingly strong tech/startup ecosystem
Easy access to the rest of Europe
An emerging remote work community in cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Bansko
Mountains, beaches, hot springs, ancient ruins — Bulgaria has some serious range
For nomads who want European quality of life without Western Europe prices, Bulgaria just became a serious contender.
Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa Requirements (There’s Always Paperwork)
Like with any digital nomad visa, there’s some admin to deal with. Expect to prepare:
A valid passport (with at least six months left)
Proof of income: Usually €2,000–€2,500/month (bank statements, contracts, etc.)
International health insurance that covers your full stay
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (not just a hotel booking)
Criminal record certificate (translated into Bulgarian)
Application forms, passport photos, and the visa fee
Everything needs to be translated and apostilled, so it’s worth working with a local advisor or legal firm (like NBLO, who helped draft the law) to get it right.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get The Latest News On Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Remote Working Communities
And Much More.
100% spam free. We never share your email address. Unsubscribe anytime!
Why Did Bulgaria Do This Now?
The rise of remote work has changed everything — and smart countries are adapting fast. Bulgaria’s move wasn’t random; it’s the product of over a year of public-private collaboration. Key players like the Bulgarian Startup Association (BESCO) and New Balkans Law Office (NBLO) worked closely with lawmakers to build a practical, modern solution that supports innovation and economic growth.
The new visa is designed to:
Attract high-income professionals
Boost foreign investment and tourism
Support Bulgaria’s startup and tech ecosystems
Put Bulgaria on the map as a remote work hub
With over 73% parliamentary support, it’s a rare moment of political alignment — and a clear signal that Bulgaria wants in on the remote work economy.
Looking Ahead: Bulgaria’s Remote Work Future
Once the secondary legislation kicks in (expected around September 2025), remote professionals will have a clear, legal path to live and work from one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.
This isn’t just about visas — it’s about building a lifestyle-friendly ecosystem that welcomes digital nomads and gives them a chance to thrive.
And let’s be honest: with its affordability, scenery, chill vibes, and now legal clarity, Bulgaria might just be Europe’s next digital nomad hotspot.
🚀 Thinking about applying?
You’ve got about three months to get your docs in order and start planning. Stay tuned — we’ll be covering updates, how-tos, and insider tips as soon as the application window opens.
If you want to become a digital nomad or find your crew, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!
We’ve got some great content on our Instagram and on our Facebook Group too where you can network with other nomads from all over the world.
Your Travel Resources Handy In One Place 🗺️
🧳 Travel Insurance
Enjoy peace of mind during traveling and don’t leave your country without good travel insurance. We recommend Insured Nomads or Genki for international travel insurance.
💰Travel Finances
Get your travel finances smart and straight with Wise or Revolut.
🏨 Accommodations
For a short stay check out Booking or Agoda. Staying longer? Take a look at the offers at Airbnb. Hostels are the cheapest option that you can explore at Hostelworld.
🏡 Recommended places for long-term stay
Wanna know the accommodations where we lived during our digital nomad journey? Check out the places we enjoyed the most!
🎫 Book tours
Are you up for taking part in epic guided tours? Book ones you like using GetYourGuide or Viator.
🚗 Rent a car
To find great rental car deals check out Rental Cars and get ready for your car trip!
✈️ Book a flight
For the hottest deals check out Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights or WayAway.
🛡️ VPN
To stay safely connected while traveling, don’t forget about a good VPN. We recommend Surfshark or NordVPN.
