Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa in 2026: Requirements, Application Process and Practical Tips

Bulgaria launches digital nomad visa, opening up new opportunities for remote work in the EU. Find out who can apply, what are the income requirements, how to apply for a D-type visa and get a residence permit in Bulgaria in 2026

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Bulgaria is gradually establishing itself as one of the most interesting countries in the European Union for remote workers. The launch of the digital nomad visa was a logical continuation of the country's migration policy aimed at attracting foreign specialists and entrepreneurs who work online.

Applications for a new type of residence permit started on December 20, 2025, and in 2026 the program became a full-fledged alternative to digital nomad visas in Spain, Italy and other EU countries. Bulgaria's additional attractiveness is provided by its membership in the Schengen zone, the transition to the euro and a significantly lower cost of living compared to most Western European countries.

How to get a Bulgarian digital nomad visa and what requirements are imposed on applicants, read in this article.

A list of available ways for Ukrainians to move to Bulgaria in this article.

What does a digital nomad visa in Bulgaria entail?

The Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit for foreigners who earn their income outside Bulgaria and do not compete with the local labor market. It allows them to legally reside in the country, use the EU infrastructure, and at the same time maintain tax and professional ties to another state.

Holders of such a permit have the right

1. To reside in Bulgaria legally;

2. To work remotely for foreign companies or clients;

3. To travel within the Schengen area without additional visas;

4. To open bank accounts;

5. To obtain a family reunification permit for family members.

How long is the Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa valid for?

The residence permit is issued for 1 year and can be extended for another year, provided that all requirements of the program are met.

Important! This status does not automatically entitle you to a permanent residence permit – you will need to change your reason for stay.

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Who can apply for a visa: Bulgarian visa requirements for digital nomads

Citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland can apply, provided that their professional activity is carried out entirely online and is related to foreign employers or clients.

Bulgarian legislation provides for three main categories of applicants, which allows you to cover most popular formats of remote work.

Employees of foreign companies

This category includes specialists who have an employment contract with a company registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland and perform their duties remotely using digital technologies.

Business owners and managers

The program is also suitable for entrepreneurs and managers who own more than 25% of the company or are members of the management bodies of a business registered abroad. An important condition is the absence of commercial activity on the Bulgarian market.

Long-term remote specialists

This category is aimed at freelancers and independent professionals who have been consistently providing services to clients outside of Bulgaria for at least one year prior to applying and do not plan to work with local clients.

Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa Financial Requirements and Income Proof

One of the key conditions for participation in the program is the applicant’s proven financial level. The minimum annual income must be 31,000 euros, which corresponds to 50 minimum monthly salaries in Bulgaria (620 euros as of 2025).

How to prove income for the Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa?

1. Provide an employment contract or contracts with clients;

2. Show bank statements or payment confirmations;

3. Attach referral or service agreements (if necessary).

This approach allows the Bulgarian authorities to make sure that the digital nomad is able to independently provide for himself during the entire period of residence in the country.

Read also for whom is health insurance in Bulgaria mandatory, and for whom is it a necessary element of safe travel.

How to Get a Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa: Application Procedure

Applying for a digital nomad visa in Bulgaria consists of two stages and requires careful preparation of documents.

Step 1 – Applying for a long-term D-type visa

The first step is to contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the country of residence. It is at this stage that the grounds for residence and the applicant’s compliance with the program requirements are verified.

The application usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to process, but in some cases it may take longer.

Step 2 – Obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria

After entering the country, the applicant has 14 days to submit documents to the Migration Department of the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Upon approval, a resident card is issued, valid for one year.

Taking into account the issuance of an identity card, the entire process usually takes more than three months.

When do Ukrainians need a visa to Bulgaria and the procedure for obtaining it in this article.

How much does a Bulgarian digital nomad visa cost?

Financially, the Bulgarian program remains one of the most affordable among European counterparts:

- Long-term visa type D – 100–120 euros;

- Residence permit – 150–200 euros;

- Additional costs – translations, apostille, insurance and notary services.

Even taking into account the associated costs, the total amount is significantly lower than in most Western European countries.

Life of a digital nomad in Bulgaria

Bulgaria attracts digital nomads with a combination of a comfortable climate, low costs and European quality of life. It is easy to find housing, co-working spaces and establishments with reliable internet, and the diversity of nature allows you to combine work with active recreation.

The most popular cities among foreigners:

- Sofia – a dynamic capital with an IT ecosystem and an international community;

- Plovdiv is a historic city with a creative atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life;

- Varna is a seaside city that is ideal for combining work and leisure by the coast.

For rental prices, food, utilities and transport, as well as a monthly budget in Bulgaria, see the link.

A digital nomad visa in Bulgaria is a practical solution for those looking for a legal way to live in the EU in 2026 without complicated immigration procedures. Moderate income requirements, affordable processing costs and the opportunity to live in a Schengen country make Bulgaria an attractive alternative to more expensive European destinations.

Applying for a digital nomad visa to Bulgaria is not only about collecting documents, but also about the right application strategy. A visa lawyer will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to a refusal, because unlike regular consultations, a lawyer comprehensively assesses your situation, takes into account the requirements of the consulate and builds an effective application strategy. This is especially important for Digital Nomad Visa, where sources of income and employment format are carefully checked. Legal support reduces the risks of delays and refusals and saves you time.

Contact a visa lawyer and confidently start moving to Bulgaria in 2026!

Let us remind you! Wintering for digital nomads is an opportunity to work remotely from warm or comfortable countries of the world. We have already told you which countries are suitable for work, what are the conditions, visas and living costs there.

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