Digital Nomad Residence Permit
One year of residence, renewable once, for remote workers earning at least EUR 31,010 a year.
Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Bulgaria opened a digital nomad residence route at the turn of 2026 under amendments to the Foreigners Act. You first obtain a type D visa at a Bulgarian consulate, then apply in Bulgaria for a one-year residence permit, renewable once. The income test is 50 times the Bulgarian minimum monthly wage, EUR 31,010 a year for 2026 applications, from employers or clients outside Bulgaria. Freelancers need at least a year of prior activity. Income from Bulgarian clients is not allowed.
At a glance
Initial stay
365 days
Per entry, before extension
Entries
Multiple
Application fee
Free
Processing
30–60 days
Apply
Online and in person
Valid for
12 months
Max total stay
730 days
Income required
31,010 EUR/yr
50 times the 2026 minimum monthly wage of EUR 620.20.
Who can apply
Open to most passports, with 31 excluded.
Excluded passports (31)
Requirements
- EUR 31,010 annual incomeRequiredGross annual income of at least 50 times the Bulgarian minimum monthly wage, EUR 31,010 for 2026 applications, from sources outside Bulgaria.
- Remote work for employers or clients abroadRequiredYou must work remotely, using telecommunications technology, for an employer or clients registered outside Bulgaria. Providing services to Bulgarian clients can lead to the permit being revoked.
- Passport valid for at least 18 monthsRequiredYour passport must be valid for at least 18 months beyond the application date, with two blank pages.
- Health insurance covering EUR 30,000RequiredLong-term health insurance covering Bulgaria with at least EUR 30,000 of coverage. Standard travel insurance is not accepted.
- Clean criminal recordRequiredA criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated into Bulgarian.
- For non-EU nationalsInfoEU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need this visa: they can live and work in Bulgaria under free movement.
Documents to prepare
- Passport valid for 18 months
- Employment contract, company ownership proof or freelance contracts
- Proof of annual income
- Health insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
How to apply
Last verified 2026-10-12
Get the D visa
~45 daysApply for a type D visa at the Bulgarian consulate in your country of residence.
Apply for the permit
~30 daysWithin 14 days of arriving, apply to the Migration Directorate for the digital nomad residence permit.
Extending the stay
Extendable
Yes
Per extension
365 days
Max extensions
1
Where
In country
Renewable once for another year if the income and insurance conditions are still met.
Tax and health
Tax
Tax residency generally follows after 183 days; Bulgaria keeps a flat 10% personal income tax.
Insurance
Required — minimum 30,000 EUR of cover. Long-term health insurance valid in Bulgaria; travel insurance is not accepted.
Healthcare
Health insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage is mandatory.
Immigration and tax rules change without notice and depend on your nationality and circumstances. Confirm with the official source below or a qualified adviser before acting on anything here.
Good to know
- Bulgaria's flat 10% income tax is among the lowest in the EU
- Apply for the permit soon after arrival on the D visa
- The programme is new and consulates apply it unevenly
- Income from Bulgarian clients is not allowed
Official source
low confidenceOther ways into Bulgaria