Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply (5 Steps)

After joining the Schengen Area in 2024, Bulgaria has now officially invited remote workers to temporarily live in the country with the Bulgaria digital nomad visa. 

Remote workers and their family members can reside in Bulgaria for up to one year, with the opportunity to renew for an additional year. It’s important to note that the Bulgaria digital nomad visa does not offer a path to permanent residency.

Known for its reliable infrastructure and affordable cost of living, Bulgaria has been a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. However, with the introduction of the Bulgaria digital nomad visa, we can expect a digital nomad boom.

Bulgaria joins other European countries in welcoming digital nomads, including Montenegro, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, and Moldova. 

Below, you will find the eligibility requirements and a guide on how to apply for the Bulgaria digital nomad visa. 

What is the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?

The Bulgaria digital nomad visa allows remote workers and their family members to temporarily live in the country for up to two years. 

There are more than 50 digital nomad visas worldwide, which allow remote workers to live in foreign countries. While some digital nomad visas lead to permanent residency, Bulgaria’s does not offer this pathway. 

It’s important to mention that these visas are specifically for individuals who work remotely. This means they can be employed by a company outside of Bulgaria, act as freelancers, or own a business established outside of Bulgaria. The digital nomad visa prohibits holders from seeking local employment or engaging in local business. 

Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Bulgarian digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Valid non-EU Passport – Your passport must be valid at the time of applying and be issued from a non-EU country
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely for clients or businesses established outside of Bulgaria
  • Employees – Your company must operate outside of Bulgaria
  • Freelancers – Your clients must be located outside of Bulgaria
  • Business Owners – You must own at least 25% of the company and serve clients or customers outside of Bulgaria
• Earn at least 27,550€ per year – You must earn at least 50x the minimum monthly wage in Bulgaria
• Clean Criminal Record – You must present a clean criminal background check from your country of residence
• Address of Accommodations – You must have a place to stay while in Bulgaria

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you may proceed with your Bulgaria digital nomad visa application. 

How to Apply for Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa

Below are the steps you will take to apply for the Bulgaria digital nomad visa. This process may vary depending where you plan to submit your application. 

Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents

Before you can submit your application, you must gather all of the required and supporting documents proving your eligibility. 

These documents include:

• Copy of your passport
• Full-color passport photo
• Proof of remote work (employment contract, business establishment documents, client contracts, etc.)
• 12 months of bank statements 
• Certified criminal background check from your country of residence
• International health insurance policy with coverage in Bulgaria
• Address of accommodations, such as a residential lease or property deed

Your documents should be translated into Bulgarian. Official documents, such as your criminal background check, must also have an apostille. 

Step 2: Attend Visa Appointment

You must submit your D visa (long-stay) application to a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 

You may request a visa appointment at the consulate serving your area of residence via the consulate website. (Review which Bulgarian consulates in the U.S. serve each state here.)

There is an additional $118 USD visa application fee when applying for the Bulgaria digital nomad visa. 

Step 3: Wait for Approval

According to the Bulgarian Embassy in the U.S., long-term visa applications can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months to process. 

Step 4: Register for Residency in Bulgaria

Once your visa is approved,  you may enter Bulgaria. Within 14 days of your arrival, you must register for residency in Bulgaria at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.

You will need to present your approved D visa, along with supporting documents, when registering. This process can take two to four weeks. 

Step 5: Obtain Your Identity Card

Once your residence permit is approved, you will be granted an ID card, which will be valid for one year. This can take anywhere from 3 to 30 days. 

Once you have received your ID card, your family members may apply for a family reunification visa to join you in Bulgaria. 

Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa Tax Implications

One of the main concerns of digital nomads when applying for a digital nomad visa is the tax implications. 

Digital nomad visa holders who spend 183 days out of 12 months in Bulgaria will be considered tax residents. However, there is a favorable 10% flat tax, which could actually save remote workers in taxes, depending on where they are moving from. 

Bulgaria for Digital Nomads

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for digital nomads. The cost of living is surprisingly low compared to Western Europe, meaning you can grab a great meal, rent a stylish apartment, and still have money left over to explore.

But it’s not just about affordability. Bulgaria has a vibe that digital nomads fall in love with. Cities like Sofia and Plovdiv have growing coworking communities where it’s easy to meet other remote workers, entrepreneurs, and expats. You get reliable internet, plenty of cafés with plug-friendly tables, and a culture that balances productivity with enjoying life. 

And when you want a change of scenery, you’re only a quick train ride or road trip away from mountain hikes, ski slopes, or sunny beaches along the Black Sea.

Overall, Bulgaria is the perfect mix of affordability, beautiful nature, and a welcoming, digital nomad-friendly atmosphere. It’s one of those places where you arrive for a month… and suddenly realize you should apply for the digital nomad visa so that you can stay longer.