On December 20, 2025, Bulgaria quietly did something most countries have been promising and delaying for years: it launched a purpose-built legal framework for digital nomads.
This isn’t a rebranded freelancer visa or a grey-area workaround. Article 24p of the Law on Foreigners creates a dedicated residence category for remote workers earning income from outside Bulgaria. Here’s exactly what that means for you.
Who Qualifies
There are three eligible categories under the Digital Nomad Visa:
- Remote employees — you have a contract with an employer registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, and you work remotely for them
- Freelancers — you work for clients outside Bulgaria and have at least one year of documented activity history
- Business owners — you hold a 25%+ stake in a company registered outside the EU
In all three cases, you cannot work for Bulgarian employers or clients. Your income must demonstrably come from outside Bulgaria.
This visa is for non-EU/EEA citizens only. If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need it — you register residency automatically after 3 months.
Income Requirement
The minimum is approximately €31,000/year — calculated as 50 times Bulgaria’s monthly minimum wage (currently €620).
This isn’t arbitrary. It’s designed to ensure you’re financially self-sufficient and unlikely to compete for local employment. For most digital nomads earning in EUR, GBP, or USD, this is an accessible threshold.
You’ll need to document this income through bank statements, pay slips, signed contracts, or a combination of all three.
The Two-Step Process
Step 1 — Type D Visa (apply from abroad)
Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country or current country of residence. The visa application fee is €100. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks, though this varies by embassy.
You cannot apply from inside Bulgaria on a tourist entry. If you’re already in Bulgaria, you need to leave and apply from abroad.
Step 2 — Residence Permit (within 14 days of arrival)
Once you enter Bulgaria on your Type D visa, you have 14 days to apply for your residence permit at the Migration Directorate. The permit is reviewed within 14 calendar days (extendable to one month in complex cases).
The permit is issued for 1 year. You can renew once — for a maximum of 2 years total under this category.
Required Documents
Gather before applying at the embassy:
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
- Proof of income meeting the €31,000/year threshold (bank statements, pay slips, contracts)
- Valid health insurance covering Bulgaria and the Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (lease agreement or formal letter)
- Clean criminal record certificate from your home country
- Evidence matching your category (employment contract, client invoices, company ownership documents)
Foreign documents must be officially translated into Bulgarian with apostille. This takes time — start the document gathering process early. Work with an immigration lawyer for your first application; document requirements vary by embassy and change without much notice.
Timeline and Cost
| Step | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gather documents | 2–4 weeks | Translation + apostille fees |
| Embassy appointment | Varies by country | — |
| Type D visa processing | 4–8 weeks | €100 |
| Arrive and apply for permit | Within 14 days of arrival | ~€500–600 |
| Permit decision | 14 days (up to 1 month) | — |
Total out-of-pocket: €700–900 excluding lawyer fees. Add €500–1,500 if using an immigration lawyer (recommended for first-time applicants).
Tax Implications
If you spend more than 183 days in Bulgaria in a calendar year, you become a Bulgarian tax resident. As a resident, you pay:
- 10% flat income tax on all personal income
- Social contributions (roughly 13–15%) if self-employed or a company director
For employees of foreign companies, your employer may have tax obligations in their home country even if you’re a Bulgarian tax resident. Worth discussing with a Bulgarian accountant before committing to long-term residency.
After the Digital Nomad Visa
The visa caps at 2 years total. After that, your options include:
- Apply under a different legal basis (e.g., registering a Bulgarian EOOD company and obtaining residency as a company director)
- If you’ve maintained 5 years of continuous legal residence under any permit type, you’re eligible for permanent residence
Who This Visa Is NOT For
- EU/EEA citizens (you don’t need it)
- People earning from Bulgarian clients or employers
- Those who can’t document €31,000/year in foreign income
- People already inside Bulgaria who’ve overstayed their tourist period
Bottom Line
Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa is one of the most clearly designed in Europe. The income threshold is accessible, the process is document-heavy but straightforward, and the combination of 10% flat tax, low cost of living, and EU access makes it genuinely compelling for non-EU citizens looking for a European base.
Check the official requirements on the MFA website before you start preparing documents, and consider a single consultation with an immigration lawyer — it’s money well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?
Non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely and earn income from outside Bulgaria. You must fall into one of three categories: remote employee of a non-EU company, freelancer with non-Bulgarian clients for at least one year, or business owner with 25%+ stake in a non-EU company.
What is the minimum income requirement for Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Approximately €31,000 per year, calculated as 50 times the Bulgarian monthly minimum wage (currently €620/month). This must be demonstrated through bank statements, employment contracts, or invoices.
How long does the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa process take?
The full process typically takes 3–4 months. The Type D visa application at a Bulgarian embassy abroad takes 4–8 weeks. After arriving in Bulgaria, the residence permit is reviewed within 14 calendar days, though complex cases can take up to 6 weeks.
Can I work for Bulgarian clients on the Digital Nomad Visa?
No. The visa explicitly prohibits working for Bulgarian employers or providing services to clients within Bulgaria. Your income must come entirely from foreign sources.
Can my family join me on the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, through family reunification procedures. Family members must submit their own applications and supporting documents separately. They do not automatically receive the same visa status.
Do I pay tax in Bulgaria on the Digital Nomad Visa?
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Bulgaria, you become a tax resident and your worldwide income is subject to Bulgaria’s 10% flat income tax rate. This is one of the lowest rates in the EU and a significant benefit for high earners.