Bulgaria Launches Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
Written with artificial intelligence.
Bulgaria has introduced a digital nomad visa, open to non-EU/EEA citizens earning income from outside the country. Applicants must meet specific income criteria and follow a two-step application process to obtain residency.
Overview of Bulgaria's Digital Nomad Visa
Beginning in 2026, Bulgaria offers a digital nomad visa designed for remote workers seeking to relocate. The country boasts a lower cost of living compared to many other European nations and provides vibrant cities along with diverse natural landscapes for weekend getaways.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the digital nomad visa, applicants must be non-EU/EEA citizens who earn their income from abroad. The eligibility criteria include:
- Remote employees of companies registered outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
- Owners of companies or individuals holding over 25% of a business registered outside of Bulgaria.
- Freelancers providing services to non-Bulgarian clients for at least one year before applying.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €31,000, which is calculated as 50 times the current Bulgarian monthly minimum wage of €620.
Application Process
The application process consists of two main steps: 1. Obtain a Type D Long-Stay Visa: This must be done at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. The processing time typically ranges from four to eight weeks. 2. Apply for a Residence Permit: After arriving in Bulgaria, applicants have 14 days to apply for a residence permit under the Digital Nomad Visa program.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide:
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (e.g., rental contract, hotel booking).
- A clean criminal record certificate from their home country.
- Translations of any foreign documents into Bulgarian, with necessary apostilles.
- Evidence of meeting the income threshold.
- Proof of health insurance valid throughout Bulgaria and the Schengen Area.
The entire process may take over three months, and the residence permit is initially valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal if eligibility conditions are maintained.