Bulgaria has opened applications for a digital nomad visa that requires non-EU remote workers to prove annual income of at least €31,000 — 50 times the Bulgarian monthly minimum wage of €620. The programme, announced in January 2026, adds another EU route for location-independent professionals.

The launch follows two milestones that strengthen Bulgaria's appeal as a remote-work base: the country joined the Schengen Zone and adopted the euro in 2025. Bulgaria also offers a cost of living significantly lower than most of Europe, youthful cities with growing remote-working services, and weekend destinations ranging from mountains to beach resorts.

Who is eligible for Bulgaria's digital nomad visa?

The visa targets non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely and earn their income from outside Bulgaria. Applicants fall into three categories:

• Remote employees of companies registered outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland
• Owners of companies abroad, or holders of more than 25 per cent of a business registered outside Bulgaria
• Freelancers or independent professionals who have provided services to non-Bulgarian clients for at least one year before applying

All applicants must document annual income of at least 50 times the Bulgarian monthly minimum wage. With the minimum wage currently at €620, that sets the yearly threshold at €31,000.

How do you apply for Bulgaria's digital nomad visa?

The application runs in two stages, and the whole process can take over three months.

First, applicants obtain a type D long-stay visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country. This stage takes between four and eight weeks. The visa allows entry into Bulgaria and lets holders apply for residency.

Second, after arrival, applicants must file for a residence permit under the Digital Nomad Visa programme within 14 days of entering the country.

What documents do applicants need?

The residence permit file requires several supporting documents:

• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, such as a rental contract, hotel booking or property ownership
• A clean criminal record certificate from the country of residence
• Translations of foreign documents into Bulgarian, apostilled where necessary
• Evidence of meeting the minimum income threshold
• Health insurance valid in Bulgaria for the duration of the stay and across the entire Schengen/EU area, according to remote-working advice site Citizen Remote

In the final step, successful digital nomads apply for an identification card.

How long does the permit last?

The residence permit is initially granted for one year. Holders can renew it for another year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility conditions.

For official requirements and application procedures, prospective applicants should consult Bulgarian diplomatic missions and the Bulgarian authorities administering the Digital Nomad Visa programme. This summary is informational and does not constitute individual legal advice.