Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa & Residence Permit Guide
A step-by-step walkthrough of how to obtain Bulgaria's dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Article 24p) and long-term residence permit as a remote worker.
Last updated: March 2026
Since December 20, 2025, Bulgaria has a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa under Article 24p of the Law on Foreigners. This guide walks you through the full process — from eligibility to residence permit — based on the new dedicated category for remote workers and the requirements in effect as of early 2026.
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
As of December 20, 2025, Bulgaria offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa under Article 24p of the Law on Foreigners — a proper legal category, not just a Type D workaround. It is available to non-EU/EEA citizens earning income from outside Bulgaria. There are three eligible categories: remote employees of a non-EU company; freelancers with non-Bulgarian clients and at least 1 year of activity history; and business owners holding a 25%+ stake in a non-EU registered company. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa but must still register residency after 3 months.
Choose your legal basis
All three Digital Nomad Visa categories require a minimum annual income of approximately €31,000 (50x the Bulgarian monthly minimum wage of €620). Remote employees must provide a contract with their non-EU employer. Freelancers must show at least 1 year of activity with clients outside Bulgaria. Business owners must demonstrate a 25%+ stake in a non-EU registered company. A separate route — registering a Bulgarian EOOD (single-member LLC) and obtaining residency as a company director — remains available and is preferred by higher earners for access to the 10% corporate tax rate.
Gather your documents
Required documents typically include: valid passport (6+ months remaining), proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, proof of sufficient income (minimum €31,000/year, documented via pay slips, bank statements, or signed contracts), health insurance valid in Bulgaria, and proof of your legal basis (employment contract with a non-EU employer, freelance contracts with non-Bulgarian clients, or company ownership documentation showing 25%+ stake).
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. The application fee is €100. 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 your residence permit at the Migration Directorate within 14 days of arrival. You will need your passport, Type D visa, address registration, and supporting documents for your legal basis. Under the Digital Nomad Visa, the permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed once — a maximum of 2 years total. After 5 years of continuous residence under other permit types 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?
The Type D visa application fee is €100. 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.
Official sources
Always verify information directly with official sources as requirements may change.
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