We’re so excited to share the lowdown on Bulgaria’s brand-new Digital Nomad Visa.
Especially since we’ve been visiting this amazing country since 2019 and have fallen totally in love with it.
Bulgaria is a fantastic spot for digital nomads to spend time.
But its recent entry into the Schengen area of Europe has created some headaches for non-Schengen nomads. The new digital nomad visa fixes that!
What is Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa?
On June 27, 2025, Bulgaria officially passed legislation creating a Digital Nomad Visa, designed for non EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for foreign employers or clients.
The visa lets you move there with confidence, knowing you’re living and working legally from a high-speed, low-cost European country.
Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa is inspired by and similar to digital nomad visas available in Portugal, Spain, and Croatia.
But Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa has a secret weapon that makes it better than all of those: Bulgaria!
Why Bulgaria is Nomad Gold
We used to come to Bulgaria to get out of the Schengen zone of Europe when our 90 in 180 day visa waiver was running out. It’s inexpensive and full of wonder and beauty.
But as of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone.
For many US, Canadian, British, Australian, and other digital nomads this was a bit of a disaster. It meant that Bulgaria was no longer a ‘Schengen shuffle’ destination.
And that was a shame because Bulgaria has so much to offer digital nomads:
- Affordable living: Rent, food, and coffee are all budget-friendly. At a time when other digital nomad visa countries like Portugal and Croatia are becoming expensive, Bulgaria is still relatively cheap.
- Straightforward taxes: Flat 10% tax rate, which is much nicer than other EU countries.
- Incredible landscapes: Mountains and beaches, plus cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and our personal favorite, Bansko.
- Fast internet and coworking options: Whether you’re coding, creating content, or just doing your 9-5 remotely, you’ve got the tools you need.
And, in particular, digital nomads are flocking to the new ‘Nomad Utopia’ at Coliving Semkovo. While also continuing to make Bansko, Bulgaria a digital nomad hub – one that is celebrated every year with Bansko Nomad Fest.
- Our analysis of Coliving Semkovo for digital nomads: Coliving Semkovo: The Bulgarian Mountain Project Is Here
- And our deep dive into why Bansko is booming with digital nomads: 3 Reasons Why Bansko, Bulgaria is an Emerging Digital Nomad Hub
Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts about the new Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa based on our research:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies To | Non EU nationals working remotely for foreign entities |
| Income Requirement | Around €2,000–2,500/month |
| Duration | 12 months, renewable annually |
| Tax Rate | Flat 10% on your income |
| Essential Docs | Passport valid for 6+ months, employment proof, bank statements, remote-work proof, clean criminal record, valid international health insurance, rental proof |
Secondary regulations (detailing application steps and where to apply) are expected to drop around September 2025.
Why You Should Apply
If you are a non EU digital nomad, you’ll want to seriously consider the Bulgarian nomad visa:
- Stay legally: No more visa hacks. This gives you proper legal footing.
- Explore EU travel: Bulgaria is now in the Schengen zone which allows freedom of movement (like passing from one state to another in the USA). So it’s easy to visit nearby Europe while on the Bulgarian digital nomad visa.
- Affordable, high quality lifestyle. You get great infrastructure for less cash, aka geoarbitrage.
How to Apply
The details for applications are expected in September of 2025. But here’s what you can do now to get ready:
- Start gathering your documents now:
- Proof of earnings (bank statements, contracts)
- External health insurance (we recommend World Nomads or similar)
- Clean criminal record and rental agreement
- Watch for the release of application forms in September 2025.
- Apply via the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country, or directly in Bulgaria. Both routes are expected to be possible.
Once accepted, you’ll receive a Type D long stay visa. Followed by a residence permit once you’re on the ground.
Our Nomad Journey Since 2019
We first landed in Bulgaria back in 2019, exploring Sofia’s vibrant cafes, the trails around Vitosha, and the growing nomad scenes in Plovdiv and Bansko.
Bulgaria has captured our hearts, and now with this visa, you can make it yours too.
We don’t need this visa because we both recently achieved EU citizenship by descent. But we know loads of nomads who can use this visa to enjoy not just Bulgaria but all of the Schengen zone!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a Black Sea beach mountain-meets-city, budget-friendly European base with great internet, a welcoming vibe, and legal peace of mind, Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa might be your ticket.
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