Yes. Amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act created a digital-nomad residence pathway in 2025, and implementing rules were approved in December 2025. In practice, eligible non-EU/EEA/Swiss remote workers first obtain a Type D long-stay visa and then apply in Bulgaria for prolonged residence as a digital nomad. The permit is generally issued for 1 year and may be extended once for another year. A key requirement is gross average annual income of at least 50× Bulgaria’s minimum monthly wage for the applicable previous calendar year.
Who qualifies as a “digital nomad” under the law?
The route is for foreign nationals who provide remote services through information technology and do not work for, or provide services to, persons or companies in Bulgaria. It covers three broad routes:
- remote employees of an employer registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland;
- legal representatives, managers, owners/partners or shareholders holding more than 25% in a company registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, where the remote services are provided for that company and not to Bulgarian clients;
- self-employed/freelance remote service providers who can show at least 1 year of such activity before applying and who do not provide services to Bulgarian clients.
Significant limitation: While on this status, you may not work for Bulgarian entities or provide services on the Bulgarian market.
Visa & residence timeline (what “6 months” really means)
- Type D visa: valid up to 6 months / stay up to 180 days—this is the entry visa to start the process.
- Residence permit: after entry, apply for a prolonged residence permit (valid for 1 year), which may be extended once for another year (total up to 2 years).
Income threshold (how much you must show)
You must evidence gross average annual income of at least 50× Bulgaria’s minimum monthly wage for the applicable previous calendar year. For a 2026 reference, Bulgaria’s minimum monthly wage is EUR 620.20, so 50× equals EUR 31,010. Confirm the exact threshold with the consulate or Migration Directorate before filing.
Schengen alignment & short-stay counting
The amendments also align short-stay rules with the Schengen Area, as time spent in Bulgaria now counts towards the 90/180-day rule. Holders of a Bulgarian residence card can generally make short trips within the Schengen area (up to 90/180 days), in line with Schengen practice.
Application steps (at a glance)
- Apply for Type D at a Bulgarian consulate with proof that you meet one of the categories: income ≥ 50× the minimum wage, health insurance, and standard documents.
- Enter Bulgaria on a D visa.
- Apply for residence at the Migration Directorate (1 year, extendable once).
Note on taxes & social insurance: No Bulgarian work permit is required under this track. Your tax and social security position depends on personal facts (tax residence, treaty coverage, employment vs. freelance). Bulgaria has a flat 10% income tax, but individual compliance should be confirmed with a tax advisor.
You can make your first step into understanding Bulgarian income tax for foreigners here.
More Information:
- Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) News – June 18, 2025: Parliament Amends Foreigners Act to Introduce Digital Nomad Residence – Official news confirming the addition of “digital nomads” as eligible for residence permits, with definition and initial visa rules – Web: BTA.
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- Can EU/EEA and Swiss citizens live in Bulgaria without a visa?
Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article (part of the Stay in Bulgaria FAQ series—EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, UK nationals, third-country nationals, citizens of developing countries, digital nomads, and family members of Bulgarian citizens) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and procedures (including Schengen/90-day rules, Type D visas, residence permits, and related EU/Bulgarian regulations) are subject to frequent changes; therefore, content may be incomplete or out of date. External links are provided for convenience; we are not responsible for their content. For advice tailored to your situation, consult the Migration Directorate (Ministry of Interior), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a licensed immigration attorney. Last updated: May 2026.
