Bulgaria is a popular destination for digital nomads; myself included. And, now they decided to ramp it up even more by introducing the Bulgarian digital nomad visa!
Need assistance with your tax setup as a digital nomad? Get in touch with me!
Overview of Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa
- Digital nomad visa valid for one year with the possibility to renew for one more year.
- You have to work remotely for a non-EU/EEA/Swiss employer or business.
- Minimum income threshold of around EUR 24.000 per year.
- Application only possible from within Bulgaria.
- Option to qualify as a Bulgarian tax resident and benefit from the flat tax of 10%.
- Applications aren’t open yet as we are awaiting the implementation.
Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you want to apply for the Bulgarian digital nomad visa you will need to meet certain requirements. Hereby the full overview:
- Remote work: work as a remote employee, freelancer or business owner. Note that your employer or business should be registered outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland. The second condition is a potential problem for people are originally are not from a EU/EEA country or Switzerland but have a remote job with a company registered there. According to the current legislation they would not qualify.
- Minimum income: you need an annual income equal to at least 50 times the minimum monthly salary of around EUR 480. In other words, your income needs to be at least EUR 24.000.
- Proof of financial means: show a bank balance of at least EUR 620.
- Housing: rental contract or other proof of secured housing in Bulgaria.
- Health insurance: health insurance valid in Bulgaria for your entire stay.
- Clean criminal record: you need to provide a criminal record from your country of citizenship or permanent residency.
- Valid passport: provide a copy of your passport, including last entry stamp into Bulgaria (if applicable).
Application Process for the Digital nomad Visa in Bulgaria
If you want to apply for the Bulgarian digital nomad visa you need to go through the application process.
The details are currently still being laid out but we already know the following.
Meet Requirements for the Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa
Make sure that you thoroughly check the requirements to qualify for the DNV.
You can find an overview of the criteria listed above.
Gather Documents for DNV Application
Once you ensured you meet the requirements, you can start gathering the necessary paperwork.
You will need to collect proof that you meet all the criteria for applying.
Therefore, you can expect to provide the following documents:
- Work contracting confirming remote job or proof of running your own online business.
- Contracts or bank statements showing that you meet the minimum income requirement.
- Bank statements as proof of financial means.
- Rental agreement or other proof of housing.
- Copy of your health insurance policy confirming you are covered in Bulgaria.
- Apostilled copy of your criminal record
- Copy of your passport
Furthermore, you’ll have to fill out the application form which still needs to be published by the authorities.
In Person Appointment
You will need to hand in your application in person with the Bulgarian authorities.
For this you will have to visit one of the offices of the Directorate Migration of the Ministry of Interior.
You will notice that these offices are all within Bulgaria. According to the current rules, you will only be able to apply from within the country.
This also means that if you don’t have visa free access to Bulgaria, you might have to apply for a Visa D for Bulgaria first in order to come to Bulgaria.
Please note that you need to hand in your application at least 14 days before the end of your allowed stay in Bulgaria or the expiration of your visa D.
Costs and Processing Times for the Nomad Visa Program
The normal processing time of the Bulgarian digital nomad visa is 14 days.
However, in complex cases the deadline can be extended with one month and the Bulgarian authorities can request additional documentation.
The exact cost of the Bulgarian digital nomad visa is still unclear for now.
Validity, Renewals and Limitations
The digital nomad visa Bulgaria is a long-term residency permit with an initial validity of one year.
If you want to stay longer than just one year, you can renew the visa for another year.
Consequently, you can stay in Bulgaria for a total of two years.
Currently, it’s not clear if you can apply again after a certain waiting period.
Moreover, you need to remember that the Bulgarian DNV doesn’t allow you to work on the Bulgarian job market.
Tax Considerations about Bulgaria for Digital Nomads
Getting the digital nomad visa as such doesn’t qualify you as a Bulgarian tax resident.
Nevertheless, you will become a tax resident if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Spend 183 days in Bulgaria over any trailing 12-month period;
- Have the center of your personal and economic ties in Bulgaria.
Therefore, it’s not unthinkable that you will actually qualify as a Bulgarian tax resident.
The reason you apply for the visa is that you probably want to spend significant time in Bulgaria so might spend more than 183 days in the country.
Moreover, you might have your only long-term housing available in Bulgaria if you don’t also keep a place available in another country. This is one of the main elements when looking at one’s center of vital interests.
Nevertheless, it’s still to be seen if the Bulgarian authorities will provide for any specific provisions in this regard as part of the implementation process of the digital nomad visa.
Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify for the DNV
The alternatives for securing a long-term stay in Bulgaria are currently rather limited.
The most common way for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen is to register a Trade Representative Office. (TRO). Yet, this is a long and difficult procedure to navigate. Furthermore, the criteria became more strict over the years.
Another option is to invest at least EUR 312.000 in real estate. Also not a viable option for most digital nomads.
Because the limited alternatives, the Bulgarian digital nomad visa can be a huge success if the necessary uncertainties are clarified during the implementation process.
How is Life in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads
Bulgaria is a great destination in Europe for digital nomads for the following reasons:
- Cost of living: the cost of living in Bulgaria is significant lower than in many other European countries.
- Internet speed: most places in Bulgaria have great internet connectivity and speed. Moreover, Bulgaria has the 4th fastest mobile internet in the world.
- Coworkings: many cities in Bulgaria have good coworkings and even colivings options.
- Nomad community: these coworkings are often also the center of big digital nomad communities.
- Nature: from the mountains in Bansko to the Black Sea in Burgas, pick what you like and Bulgaria provides it.
Let’s also not forget that Bulgaria is home to the biggest digital nomad conference with the Bansko Nomad Fest.
Work With Me
Do you need assistance with the Bulgarian digital nomad visa or with your setup as a digital nomad? Feel free to reach out!
FAQ on the Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa Program
Hereby an overview of some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the new Bulgarian digital nomad visa.
Is Bulgaria in Schengen?
Yes, Bulgaria is part of Schengen.
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. Since, 1 January 2025 it’s also a full member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, individuals can now move freely between Bulgaria and other Schengen countries (e.g. Greece) without border checks.
Furthermore, Bulgaria will also introduce the Euro as its official currency as from 1 January 2026.
Does Bulgaria Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Bulgaria offers a digital nomad visa.
The Bulgarian parliament approved the law on the the DNV in June 2025. However, as of writing, we’re still awaiting the implementation of the new legislation. Therefore, you currently cannot apply for the digital nomad visa yet.
Is it Easy to Get Permanent Residency in Bulgaria?
In general it is not easy to meet the criteria for permanent residency in Bulgaria.
In order to qualify for permanent residency, you will have to have lived in Bulgaria for five years in most cases. Furthermore, you’ll need to meet some other criteria depending on the specific route you choose.
The Bulgarian digital nomad visa does not offer a route to permanent residency either. It only allows you to stay in Bulgaria for up to two years in total.
Does this Visa Make Me a Bulgarian Tax Resident?
Obtaining the Bulgarian DNV can make you a tax resident of Bulgaria. However, whether or not this will be the case will depend on your personal situation.
You will qualify as a Bulgarian tax resident if you meet one of following criteria:
- Spend 183 days in the country during any 12-month period; or
- Have the center of your personal and economic interests in Bulgaria.
Accordingly, you can get the Bulgarian digital nomad visa but if you don’t meet these criteria, you won’t qualify as a Bulgarian tax resident.
Do EU/EEA Citizens Need this Visa in Bulgaria?
EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa to visit Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Therefore, you don’t need a visa for Bulgaria as a EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Nevertheless, you need to remember that if you plan to spend more than three months in the country you need to register with the local authorities. This is a general obligation in all countries of the EU based on European legislation.