Bulgaria Type D Visa & Residence Permit Guide
A step-by-step walkthrough of how to obtain a Bulgarian Type D visa and long-term residence permit as a digital nomad or remote worker.
Last updated: March 2025
Bulgaria's Type D visa is the entry point for non-EU nationals who want to stay longer than 90 days. This guide walks you through the full process — from eligibility to residence permit — based on the most common routes used by digital nomads and remote workers.
Always verify current requirements with the Bulgarian embassy in your country and consider hiring an immigration lawyer for your first application. See our vetted lawyer directory for English-speaking options.
Step-by-step process
Confirm your eligibility
The Type D visa is available to non-EU nationals who intend to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. You must have a valid reason for the stay — remote work, self-employment, or company registration all qualify. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa but must still register residency after 3 months.
Choose your legal basis
The most common route for digital nomads is the "freelancer" or "self-employed" basis. Alternatively, you can register a Bulgarian EOOD (single-member LLC) and obtain residency as a company director. The EOOD route gives you access to the 10% corporate tax rate and is the preferred route for higher earners.
Gather your documents
Required documents typically include: valid passport (6+ months remaining), proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements showing €2,000–€5,000 minimum), health insurance valid in Bulgaria, and proof of your legal basis (freelance contracts, company registration, or employment contract with a foreign employer).
Apply at the Bulgarian embassy
Submit your Type D visa application at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of current residence. Processing times vary by country — typically 2 to 4 weeks. Some embassies require an appointment booked in advance. You cannot apply for a Type D visa from inside Bulgaria on a tourist stay.
Enter Bulgaria and register your address
Once you arrive on your Type D visa, you have 5 days to register your address at the local municipality (Obshtina). Bring your passport, visa, and rental contract. This step is mandatory and is required before you can apply for your residence permit.
Apply for your residence permit
With your address registered, apply for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate. You will need your passport, Type D visa, address registration, and supporting documents for your legal basis. The permit is initially issued for 1 year and is renewable. After 5 years of continuous residence you can apply for permanent residency.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely for a foreign employer on a Type D visa?
Yes. If your employer is based outside Bulgaria and you are paid into a foreign bank account, you are generally not required to register as self-employed in Bulgaria. However, tax residency rules still apply — if you spend more than 183 days per year in Bulgaria, you become a Bulgarian tax resident and should declare your income.
How much does the whole process cost?
Visa application fees vary by embassy but are typically €100–€150. Residence permit fees are around €500–€600. If you use an immigration lawyer (recommended for first-timers), expect to pay €500–€1,500 for full assistance. Company registration (EOOD) costs around €500–€800 including notary fees.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended for your first application. The document requirements can vary by embassy and change without notice. A local immigration lawyer pays for itself in avoided mistakes and lost time. See our vetted lawyer directory for English-speaking options.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Once you have your residence permit, immediate family members (spouse and minor children) can apply for family reunification residence permits. They will need their own Type D visas to enter initially.
Need help with your application?
Our vetted directory lists English-speaking immigration lawyers across Bulgaria who specialise in nomad and remote worker visa applications.
Find a lawyer