Europe
Bulgaria is rapidly emerging as a top destination for digital nomads, offering one of Europe's lowest costs of living, a flat 10% income tax, excellent internet infrastructure, and stunning landscapes from Black Sea beaches to ski resorts. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2025 and will adopt the Euro in 2026. In June 2025, Bulgaria officially introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, making it one of Europe's most accessible countries for remote workers. Cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko, and Varna have thriving nomad communities with excellent coworking spaces.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can visit Bulgaria and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Bulgaria joined Schengen in January 2025.
Short-stay visa-free entry does not permit any form of employment or work in Bulgaria.
Stays under 183 days in a 12-month period do not trigger Bulgarian tax residency. No local income tax obligations for tourist visitors.
New visa introduced in June 2025 for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs working for non-Bulgarian employers. Valid for 1 year with possibility of renewal.
Minimum $31,010/one_time
Alternative: Must demonstrate financial funds of at least 50 times the Bulgarian gross minimum monthly wage. As of 2026, the minimum wage is EUR 620.20, making the threshold EUR 31,010. Funds must be proven via bank statements.
This visa explicitly permits remote work for foreign employers or clients.
Extension: 365 days (max 1x)
Cost: €100
Process: Submit renewal application before permit expires. Must continue to meet income and remote work requirements.
Renewal: Initial permit for 1 year, renewable for 1 additional year. After 2 years, may need to explore other residence options or reapply.
DN visa holders are not automatically tax residents, but staying over 183 days triggers tax residency with a flat 10% income tax on worldwide income (one of the EU's lowest rates). Bulgaria has extensive double taxation treaties. DN visa holders are prohibited from working for Bulgarian employers.
For foreigners planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. Available for employment, business, study, family reunification, retirement, or investment. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
Extension: 365 days (max 4x)
Cost: €80
Process: Submit renewal application 15 days before expiry. Must still meet grounds for residence. After 5 years, can apply for permanent residence.
Renewal: Can renew up to 4 times (5 years total). After 5 years of legal residence, eligible for permanent residence permit.
Residents holding temporary residence permits who stay over 183 days in a 12-month period become Bulgarian tax residents, subject to a flat 10% income tax on worldwide income. Double tax treaties may provide relief.
Most popular and affordable pathway to Bulgarian residence. Register a trade representative office of your foreign company and obtain residence permit. No minimum investment or employee requirements.
Extension: 365 days (max 4x)
Cost: €80
Process: Renew annually. Must maintain TRO registration and show continued representation of foreign company.
Renewal: Can renew indefinitely as long as TRO remains active. Up to 3 representatives per foreign company can obtain residence this way.
TRO holders becoming tax residents (183+ days in 12 months) are subject to a flat 10% income tax on worldwide income. The TRO itself is not a separately taxable entity but the representative may have personal tax and social security obligations.
Short-stay visa for citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry. Allows visits to Bulgaria and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Short-stay Schengen visa does not permit any form of employment in Bulgaria.
Short-stay visitors are not tax residents and have no Bulgarian income tax obligations unless earning Bulgarian-source income.
Long-stay visa for foreigners planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. Required before applying for a residence permit for work, business, study, or family reunification.
Tax implications depend on length of stay. Staying over 183 days in a 12-month period triggers Bulgarian tax residency with a flat 10% income tax on worldwide income. Double tax treaties may override domestic rules.
For self-employed individuals wanting to work as freelancers in Bulgaria. Requires approval from the Bulgarian Employment Agency and proof of qualifications.
Freelancers staying 183+ days are Bulgarian tax residents subject to 10% flat income tax on worldwide income. Must register as self-insured and pay social security contributions (32.7-33.4%) on income between EUR 550.66 (min) and EUR 2,111.64 (max) monthly insurance base. Filing deadline: 30 April.
Residence permit for foreigners investing €312,000+ in Bulgarian real estate or €600,000 in business ventures. Provides straightforward path to residence.
Investment residence holders becoming tax residents (183+ days in 12 months) are subject to 10% flat income tax on worldwide income. Income from Bulgarian real estate (rental, sale) is always taxable as Bulgarian-source income regardless of tax residency status.
Residence permit for retirees with sufficient pension income. One of the most affordable retirement destinations in Europe with excellent healthcare and low cost of living.
Pensioner/retiree residence permits do not permit any form of employment in Bulgaria.
Retiree residents staying 183+ days in a 12-month period become Bulgarian tax residents subject to 10% flat income tax on worldwide income, including foreign pension income. Double tax treaties may provide relief or exemption for pension income.
Visa for foreign entrepreneurs launching innovative or high-tech businesses in Bulgaria. The Ministry of Innovation and Growth issues a free certificate valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 additional years. Requires a viable business plan evaluated by an expert council.
StartUp Visa holders may work on their own innovative/high-tech business registered in Bulgaria. Not designed for remote work for foreign employers.
StartUp Visa holders becoming tax residents (183+ days) are subject to 10% flat income tax on worldwide income. Business income taxed at 10% corporate rate. Social security contributions apply if self-employed.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 4, 2024