Remote work is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle. If you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or business owner dreaming of living in Europe while working online, Bulgaria’s new Digital Nomad Visa might be your golden ticket.
Launched in late 2025, Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa offers non-EU citizens a legal way to live and work remotely in Europe—with access to the Schengen Zone. That’s a big deal for global professionals looking for flexibility, affordability, and European quality of life.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🌍 Why Bulgaria Is Suddenly a Big Deal for Digital Nomads
Bulgaria has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote workers—and here’s why:
- 🇪🇺 Schengen member (passport-free travel across 29 countries)
- 💶 Euro adopted, making finances easier
- 💸 Low cost of living compared to Western Europe
- 🌐 Fast internet and growing tech ecosystem
- 🏔️ Beaches, ski resorts, history, and culture—all in one country
Now add a Digital Nomad Visa, and Bulgaria officially enters the remote-work spotlight.
🧳 What Is the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?
The Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU and non-EEA citizens to live in Bulgaria while working remotely for companies or clients based outside Bulgaria.
It’s a residence permit valid for one year, renewable for another year if you continue meeting the requirements.
✅ Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you fall into any one of these categories:
1️⃣ Freelancers & Independent Contractors
- Must have worked with non-Bulgarian clients
- At least 1 year of work history before applying
2️⃣ Remote Employees
- Employed by companies registered outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
3️⃣ Business Owners & Founders
- Must own more than 25% of a company registered outside Bulgaria
⚠️ Important: You cannot work for Bulgarian companies under this visa.
💰 Minimum Income Requirement
Applicants must prove an annual income of at least €31,000
(This equals 50 times Bulgaria’s minimum monthly wage of €620)
💡 That’s roughly ₹32.6 lakh per year, making it more affordable than many other European digital nomad visas.
📝 Step-by-Step Visa Process
Step 1: Apply for Type D Long-Stay Visa
Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
This visa allows you to enter Bulgaria legally to apply for residency.
Step 2: Enter Bulgaria
Once approved, travel to Bulgaria.
Step 3: Apply for Residence Permit
Within 14 days of arrival, submit your Digital Nomad residence permit application in Bulgaria.
📄 Documents Required
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 🏠 Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (rental contract or hotel booking)
- 🧾 Proof of income (€31,000+ annually)
- 🛂 Clean criminal record certificate (from home country)
- 🏥 Health insurance valid in Bulgaria & Schengen
- 📑 Certified Bulgarian translations of foreign documents
- 📸 Passport & visa copies
⏳ Visa Duration & Renewal
- 📅 Valid for 1 year
- 🔄 Renewable for another year
- Renewal depends on continuing to meet income and work requirements
🌟 Benefits of Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa
✔ Live legally in Europe
✔ Travel freely within Schengen
✔ Affordable housing & living costs
✔ No local employment restrictions
✔ Ideal base for freelancers & startups
✔ Access to European lifestyle without Western Europe prices
🏙️ Best Cities in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads
Sofia
- Capital city
- Strong tech/startup scene
- Cafes, coworking spaces, fast internet
Plovdiv
- One of Europe’s oldest cities
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Lower cost of living
Varna
- Coastal city on the Black Sea
- Perfect for beach-loving nomads
💡 Is Bulgaria Better Than Other Digital Nomad Visas?
Compared to Portugal, Spain, or Italy, Bulgaria offers:
- Lower income threshold
- Lower taxes and rent
- Less competition
- Easier lifestyle for long-term stays
It’s especially attractive for freelancers, solopreneurs, and startup founders.
Also Read :Top Remote Work Trends in 2026 You Can’t Ignore
🚀 Final Thoughts
Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa is a smart, affordable, and strategic option for remote workers who want Europe without the heavy costs of Western countries.
If you’re ready to upgrade your work-from-home life to work-from-Europe, Bulgaria might just be your perfect next base.
❓ FAQs – Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa
Q1. Can Indians apply for Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. Indian citizens are eligible if they meet income and work requirements.
Q2. Can I travel to other European countries?
Yes. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Zone, so you can travel freely.
Q3. Can I bring my family?
Family reunification rules apply, but dependents may be allowed under separate applications.
Q4. Do I pay tax in Bulgaria?
Tax rules depend on residency status and income source. It’s best to consult a tax advisor.
Q5. Can I extend the visa?
Yes. The visa is renewable for another year if conditions are met.
Q6. Can I work for Bulgarian clients?
No. Your income must come from outside Bulgaria.
Q7. Is Bulgarian language mandatory?
Not mandatory, but basic knowledge helps with daily life and paperwork.
