Bulgaria’s New Digital Nomad Visa: Why It’s the Ultimate Destination for Remote Workers in 2026!

Published on December 26, 2025

Bulgaria launched its Digital Nomad Visa, offering a one-year, renewable residence permit for remote workers from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. This new initiative allows foreign nationals to live and work in Bulgaria while working remotely for companies or businesses based outside these regions. The visa is aimed at attracting digital nomads who can work independently or for foreign companies, providing them the opportunity to base themselves in Bulgaria while contributing to the country’s economy.

The introduction of this visa marks a significant milestone in Bulgaria’s efforts to tap into the growing global remote work trend and establish itself as a destination for digital nomads. This new permit offers a streamlined process for remote workers, allowing them to enjoy life in Bulgaria while working for companies based abroad.

The Income Requirement and Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet an annual income threshold of at least €31,000, which is 50 times the minimum monthly wage of €620 as of January 2025. This income requirement ensures that applicants are financially self-sufficient while residing in Bulgaria. The visa is intended for individuals who work remotely, and applicants must demonstrate they are employed by foreign companies or provide services to clients outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

The new visa has been designed to cater to three categories of applicants, each with specific eligibility criteria:

1. Remote Employees: Applicants employed by a company registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, and working remotely for that company.
2. Business Owners/Managers: Individuals who are owners or members of the management body of a company registered outside these regions, provided they do not engage in any business activity in Bulgaria.
3. Freelancers: Those who have been providing remote services for at least one year before applying, without working for any Bulgarian entities or freelancing within Bulgaria.

Applicants must also submit the necessary documentation to prove their employment or business status, including employment contracts, service contracts, or recommendations from clients.

Validity and Application Process

The Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year. However, it does not provide a path to permanent residency unless applicants transition to another type of residency status in Bulgaria. This visa is designed to provide flexibility for remote workers who wish to stay in Bulgaria for a limited period while enjoying the benefits of working from a European Union country.

Applicants must first apply for a multi-entry visa to Bulgaria, which can take between one to two months for processing. After arrival in Bulgaria, applicants must submit their required documents to the Bulgarian government for a residence permit, which typically takes between two to four weeks to process. Once the residence permit is issued, applicants will also need to apply for an identification card, which takes three to 30 calendar days to process.

In addition to the residence permit, successful applicants will also be able to sponsor dependents through a family reunification process, allowing family members to join the primary applicant in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s Investment in Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Infrastructure

Bulgaria’s new Digital Nomad Visa is part of a broader effort to attract global talent and position the country as a key player in the digital nomad movement. The country offers a range of benefits to remote workers, including affordable living, low taxes, and a rich cultural and natural environment, making it an appealing destination for those looking to work and live abroad.

Bulgaria is also investing in its digital infrastructure to support remote workers, offering high-speed internet and co-working spaces in major cities and tourist-friendly areas like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. The government is keen on promoting Bulgaria’s tourism and hospitality industries while integrating remote workers into the country’s economy.

Comparisons with Other EU Digital Nomad Visas

The Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa is part of a growing trend in the EU to offer visas for remote workers. Other European countries, such as Estonia, Spain, and Italy, have also introduced their own versions of digital nomad visas, each with different requirements and benefits.

For example, Estonia requires a monthly income of €5,000 for its one-year non-renewable visa. Spain offers a €2,750 per month minimum income requirement for a three-year term, which is renewable in two-year increments. Additionally, Italy offers a similar visa, with an annual income threshold of €28,000, with renewable two-year terms and permanent residency eligibility after five years.

By offering a €31,000 annual income threshold, Bulgaria’s visa is positioned as a middle ground between more expensive digital nomad options like Estonia and more accessible options like Spain and Italy. Bulgaria’s affordability, combined with its growing infrastructure, makes it a strong contender in the competitive European digital nomad visa market.

The Future of Digital Nomad Visas in Bulgaria

With the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa, Bulgaria has positioned itself as an attractive destination for remote workers seeking an affordable base within the EU. The visa not only encourages remote work but also aligns with the country’s efforts to modernize its immigration policies and attract international talent.

Looking ahead, Bulgaria is expected to continue refining its immigration policies to support the needs of remote workers and digital nomads. As the digital nomad movement grows, Bulgaria’s visa program could become more popular, attracting a diverse range of professionals from around the world.

Conclusion: A New Era for Digital Nomads in Bulgaria

The launch of the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa in 2025 marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract remote workers and digital nomads. With its reasonable income threshold, flexible application process, and growing infrastructure, Bulgaria is positioned to become a leading destination for remote work in Europe. The introduction of this visa is expected to not only enhance the country’s economy but also contribute to the global expansion of the digital nomad community.