Digital Nomad Visa Bulgaria (Type D)

Apply for Bulgaria's Digital Nomad Visa with expert guidance. Document preparation, consulate support, and a guaranteed-acceptance residential address included. Also available: company registration for non-EU founders.

What Is the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?

Bulgaria's Digital Nomad Visa is a Type D long-stay visa introduced in December 2025 under amendments to the Law on Foreigners. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely for employers or clients outside Bulgaria to live legally in the country for up to one year, renewable once for a total of two years. Unlike standard work permits, the Digital Nomad Visa does not permit employment by Bulgarian companies — holders must earn their income exclusively from foreign sources.

Bulgaria is one of the most attractive digital nomad destinations in the EU: a flat 10% personal income tax for tax residents (those spending 183+ days per year), a low cost of living compared to Western Europe, fast internet infrastructure, and — since January 2026 — full Eurozone membership with euro-denominated banking and payments. The visa also provides access to Bulgaria's national healthcare system and the ability to travel within the Schengen Area.

Key Facts

Duration 1 year (renewable once)
Income Requirement €31,000/year minimum
Eligible Applicants Non-EU remote workers, freelancers, business owners
Processing Time 1–2 months (visa) + 2–4 weeks (residence permit)
Work Restriction Foreign employers/clients only
Family Eligible for family reunification

Who Qualifies?

Remote Employees

Non-EU citizens employed by a company registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, working remotely for that employer from Bulgaria.

Freelancers & Contractors

Self-employed individuals providing remote services to foreign clients, with at least 1 year of freelance history prior to applying.

Business Owners

Owners or managers of companies registered outside the EU who do not engage in business activity within Bulgaria.

Earning €31,000+/Year

All applicants must demonstrate an average annual income of at least €31,000 (approximately €2,583/month) for the previous calendar year.

With Health Insurance

Applicants must hold valid health insurance covering Bulgaria for the full duration of stay, with minimum coverage of €30,000.

With a Clean Record

A criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of residence is required, apostilled and translated into Bulgarian.

How to Apply

1

Gather Documents

Weeks 1–3

Prepare your passport, proof of income (tax returns, bank statements, or contracts), health insurance policy, criminal record certificate, and proof of accommodation in Bulgaria. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Bulgarian.

2

Apply at Bulgarian Consulate

Week 4

Submit your Type D long-stay visa application at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Pay the consular fee and attend your appointment with all original documents.

3

Wait for Visa Processing

Weeks 5–12

The consulate processes your application in 1–2 months. During this time, they may request additional documents or clarifications.

4

Enter Bulgaria

Week 12–13

Once your Type D visa is issued, travel to Bulgaria and enter the country. You have 14 days from arrival to apply for your residence permit at the local Migration Directorate.

5

Receive Residence Permit

Week 14–16

The Migration Directorate processes your residence permit application in 2–4 weeks. Once issued, you can legally reside and work remotely from Bulgaria for one year.

Fast Processing

Company formation in just 3-5 business days. We handle all documentation and submissions.

Full Compliance

Guaranteed compliance with Bulgarian commercial law and EU regulations.

Remote Setup

Complete the entire process remotely with a Power of Attorney. No travel required.

Everything You Need

View Pricing Plans

Visa Assistance Pricing

End-to-end support for your Digital Nomad Visa application. One-time fee, no hidden charges.

Visa Assistance

Document & Application

From €299

Complete document review, consulate preparation, and application support.

  • Document checklist & review
  • Income verification guidance
  • Consulate appointment prep
  • Health insurance guidance
COMPLETE PACKAGE
Visa + Residency

Nomad Resident Bundle

From €449

Visa assistance bundled with a visa-compliant residential address.

  • Everything in Visa Assistance
  • Guaranteed-acceptance address
  • Address registration certificate
  • Ongoing mail & document handling

Government visa fees (approx. €100) are separate. Free 15-minute initial consultation included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Notarized Lease Agreement +

A watertight 12-month residential contract ready for embassy submission.

Owner's Declaration of Consent +

The mandatory notarized validation from the property owner approving your residency.

Document Courier +

Express DHL delivery of the physical, wet-ink signed documents straight to your door globally.

Legal Consultation +

Review of your application dossier (income proof, background checks) to ensure embassy success.

Secure the Address Layer +

Purchase the Nomad Resident package. We execute the notarisation locally and mail you the physical rental contracts.

Type D Visa Application +

Submit your complete dossier to the Bulgarian consulate in your home country. Visa issuance takes 30-45 days.

Fly to Bulgaria & get ID +

Enter on your new Type D visa, visit the local Migration Directorate, file for the final ID card, and enjoy your residency.

How long is the Digital Nomad Visa valid? +

It is initially issued for up to 1 year, and can be easily renewed annually as long as you maintain the income requirements.

What is the minimum income requirement? +

You must show stable remote income equivalent to at least 3x the Bulgarian minimum wage (roughly €1,500/month).

Can I bring my family? +

Yes, once your Type D visa and residency permit are approved, you can apply for family reunification for spouses and dependents.

Do I pay taxes in Bulgaria on this visa? +

If you reside in Bulgaria for more than 183 days a year, you generally become a tax resident and benefit from the flat 10% personal income tax rate.

How many days must I stay in Bulgaria? +

To maintain the residency permit, standard rules apply, but the Nomad Visa offers high flexibility for remote workers traveling globally.

Is this an alternative to incorporating? +

Yes, if you wish to operate as an individual freelancer rather than forming an EOOD/OOD, the Nomad Visa is the streamlined path for non-EU citizens.

What documents do I need to apply for the Bulgaria Type D visa? +

You will need a valid passport, proof of remote employment or freelance income (contract + 3 months bank statements), health insurance covering Bulgaria, and an accommodation proof. We prepare and review your full dossier before submission.

Can I convert my Type D visa into a Bulgarian residence permit? +

Yes. After your Type D visa is approved and you enter Bulgaria, you can apply for a long-term residence certificate at the Bulgarian Migration Directorate. This allows stays of up to 1 year, renewably, without leaving the Schengen zone.

Is Bulgaria in the Schengen area? +

Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2025. Holders of a valid Bulgarian national visa (Type D) or residence permit can travel freely within the Schengen zone without border checks.

Do I need to prove my income is from outside Bulgaria? +

Yes. The Digital Nomad Visa requires that your income derives from clients or employers based outside Bulgaria. Income from Bulgarian clients or a Bulgarian company does not qualify for this visa category.

What is the minimum income threshold for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa? +

The minimum gross income must be at least three times the Bulgarian minimum wage per month. As of 2025, this equates to approximately €1,860/month gross. We verify your documents against the latest requirements before submission.

Can I open a Bulgarian bank account on the Digital Nomad Visa? +

Yes. Many EMIs and some traditional Bulgarian banks accept Type D visa holders as clients. We coordinate your banking setup in parallel with your visa application to save time.

Does the Bulgarian government provide a digital nomad visa portal? +

Applications are submitted through the Bulgarian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. There is no centralised online portal; we guide you through the exact requirements for your jurisdiction.

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Related Services

The Digital Nomad Visa pairs naturally with other Bulgaria-based business services: