About the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa
Bulgaria offers the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Long-Term Residence Permit) for non-resident remote workers and self-employed professionals. The program lets eligible applicants live in Bulgaria for 1 year, renewable once for an additional year (maximum 2 years total). No direct path to permanent residency from this permit. while working remotely for clients or employers based outside the country.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate stable monthly income of at least EUR2,583 per month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. It is renewable, allowing nomads to extend their stay.
Tax-wise, Bulgaria treats digital nomad visa holders distinctly from local residents — see the Taxes section below for the full picture.
Requirements & Eligibility
Income
Minimum annual income equal to 50× Bulgaria's monthly minimum wage. As of 2026: 50 × €620 = €31,000/year (~€2,583/month). Income must be from previous calendar year and verifiable.
Documents needed
- Valid passport copy (with pages for D visa and last entry stamp)
- Type D visa application form
- Annual income proof for previous calendar year (pay stubs, bank statements, contracts, tax returns showing 50× Bulgarian minimum monthly wage)
- Proof of remote work: employment contract (for employees), company registration and client contracts (for business owners), freelance contracts from foreign clients for 1+ year (for freelancers)
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (rental contract, hotel booking, property deed)
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria and EU/Schengen Area
- Clean criminal record certificate (apostilled, translated into Bulgarian)
- Passport-size photos.
How to Apply for the Bulgaria DNV
Processing time: Type D visa: 4–8 weeks. After arrival, residence permit: 2–4 weeks. ID card: 3–30 days. Total process: 3+ months.
- 1Confirm eligibility (non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, remote work for employer/clients outside EU/EEA/Switzerland, min annual income €31,000, freelancers must have 1+ year of service to foreign clients).
- 2Gather documents and obtain certified Bulgarian translations + apostilles.
- 3Apply for Type D long-stay visa at Bulgarian embassy/consulate in home country (4–8 weeks).
- 4Enter Bulgaria and within 14 days of arrival submit digital nomad residence permit application to local ODMVR office (Migration Department).
- 5Receive residence permit (2–4 weeks).
- 6Apply for Bulgarian ID card (3–30 days).
Application fees: Type D visa fee: approximately €60–€80. Residence permit application: included with visa process. Additional costs: apostilles, certified Bulgarian translations (~€200–€400), health insurance. ILA freelance permit (if applicable): 400 BGN (~€200).
Official sourceVisa Duration & Renewal
Initial duration: 1 year, renewable once for an additional year (maximum 2 years total). No direct path to permanent residency from this permit.
Renewal: Yes — the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Long-Term Residence Permit) can be renewed beyond the initial period.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Bulgaria
Bulgaria flat income tax rate: 10%. Local tax obligations apply since Bulgaria does not offer a full income exemption like Croatia. Digital nomads may need to register with tax authorities if spending more than 183 days. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area January 2025 and adopted the euro.