???????? Details on the Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria (as of November 2025)

Bulgaria officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa on June 27, 2025, through amendments to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria. This program aims to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from third countries (outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland) who wish to live in Bulgaria while working for foreign clients or companies, without competing in the local job market. The visa allows legal residence and remote work, with full access to the EU (Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2025).

Applications opened in late September 2025, and as of November, the program is fully operational. Below is a complete breakdown of requirements, the application process, and benefits. Always check for updates on the official Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (mfa.bg) or at consulates, as details may evolve.

???? Who Can Apply?

• Citizenship: Only non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (EU citizens do not need a visa).
• Profession:
  • Remote employees working for a company outside Bulgaria (salary from a foreign employer).
  • Freelancers or self-employed individuals providing services to clients outside Bulgaria (using IT tools).
  • Entrepreneurs with a business where ≥25% of shares are held by a foreign company (no local clients in Bulgaria).
• Experience: At least 1 year of remote work prior to application (verified via contracts, portfolio, or business plan).
• Restrictions: Cannot work for Bulgarian companies, freelance locally, or compete in the Bulgarian labor market. Not for students or those seeking local employment.

Family: Spouses and minor children (under 18) can be included if you are the primary applicant and can financially support them.

???? Financial Requirements

• Minimum Income: Annual gross income (before taxes) equivalent to 50 times Bulgaria’s minimum wage. As of 2025:
  • Minimum wage: 1,077 BGN/month (~€550).
  • Annual minimum: 53,850 BGN (~€27,533) or ~€2,294/month.
  • Sources: Salary, freelance income, business revenue — verified with bank statements for the last 3–6 months.
• Additional Funds: Proof of sufficient means to live without burdening Bulgarian social services (recommended +20–30% above the minimum for families).
• Taxes: 10% flat rate for residents (183+ days/year), with double taxation avoidance agreements (with the US, Canada, etc.). The low tax rate is a major draw, but consult a tax advisor.

???? Required Documents

Standard Type D visa package + nomad-specific items:

1. Completed Type D visa application form (download from the consulate website).
2. Passport (valid ≥3 months after return, with 2 blank pages).
3. 2 passport-sized photos.
4. Proof of remote work:
   • Contract/letter from employer (outside Bulgaria).
   • Portfolio, invoices, or business plan (for freelancers/entrepreneurs).
   • Proof of ≥1 year of experience.
5. Financial proof: Bank statements, tax returns (for 3–6 months).
6. Health insurance: Coverage ≥€30,000, valid in Bulgaria/EU (for the entire stay).
7. Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking/rental agreement/owner’s declaration.
8. Criminal record certificate: From all countries of residence >1 year (apostilled, translated into Bulgarian).
9. For family: Marriage/birth certificates, consent for travel (if applicable).
10. Data processing consent form.

All documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Bulgarian (certified).

???? Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Two-stage process: first a visa for entry, then a residence permit. Total processing time: 20–60 days.

1. Prepare Documents: Gather, translate, and notarize everything.
2. Book an Interview: Via VFS Global (vfsglobal.com) or the nearest Bulgarian consulate/embassy in your country (e.g., Warsaw for Polish applicants). Online booking.
3. Apply for Type D Visa (Long-Stay): In person at the consulate. Fee: ~€100–120 (consular fee). Processing: 20–35 working days.
4. Enter Bulgaria: With the Type D visa (valid 6–12 months for entry).
5. Apply for Residence Permit: Within 90 days of arrival, in person at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, or regional offices). Fee: ~€150–200 (includes residence card). Processing: 7–30 days.
6. Receive Residence Card: Valid for up to 1–2 years, renewable.

Renewal: Apply 2 months before expiry with updated income proof. Can transition to other residencies (e.g., investment-based).

⏱️ Duration & Limitations

• Type D Visa: 6–12 months (for entry and initial stay).
• Residence Permit: Up to 2 years (initially 1 year + 1-year extension).
• Maximum: Up to 3 years total, with potential for permanent residency (PR) after a qualifying period.
• Travel: Unlimited entry/exit (thanks to Schengen).

???? Costs

• Consular fee (Type D): €100–120.
• Residence card fee: €150–200.
• Additional: Translations (~€50–100), apostille (~€20–50/doc), VFS service (~€30), health insurance (~€200–500/year).
• Total: ~€400–800 at the start (excluding travel).

✅ Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Low income threshold (~€2,300/month) compared to Portugal (€41,760/year) or Spain (€33,152).
• Full Schengen access: Travel visa-free across 27 EU countries.
• Low cost of living: €300–500/month in Sofia/Plovdiv.
• Top-tier internet (top-10 in EU), nomad hubs (Bansko, Sofia Coworking).
• Low taxes (10%) and stunning nature (Black Sea, mountains).
• Family inclusion and renewal options.

Cons:

• Strict no-local-work rule (fines €100–1,000 for violations).
• Bureaucracy: In-person submissions, translations.
• No local clients allowed — strictly for “pure” nomads.
• New program: Possible processing delays.

???? Application Tips

• Hire an immigration lawyer (e.g., New Balkans Law Office) — ~€200–500 for assistance.
• Use VFS Global for booking: visa.vfsglobal.com.
• For US/Canadian applicants: Consulates in Washington/Ottawa; ~30-day processing.
• Latest forms: mfa.bg/en/services-travel.
• For investors: Can transition to property-based residency (>€300,000, though rules tightened in 2025).

This visa is a perfect fit for English-speaking Western nomads seeking peaceful, affordable Europe.