Bulgaria Joins Digital Nomad Visa Club

Bulgaria has just launched a digital nomad visa, officially known as the Type D long-term residence visa, aimed at non-EU remote workers, freelancers, and IT contractors who earn their income from abroad. The goal is to attract top talent while protecting local jobs.

This visa gives you a two-year residence card with the option to extend for another year, and it even opens a path to transition to other legal residence statuses later on. Bulgaria is already known for its low cost of living and competitive flat tax rate of 10%, making it one of the most budget-friendly places to base yourself in Europe.

To qualify, you need to work for clients or companies outside Bulgaria and prove stable earnings, between €2,000 and €2,500 per month. The rule ensures participants are financially independent and not competing in Bulgaria’s local job market, keeping the focus on bringing in foreign income and skills rather than taking local jobs.

The application process requires a bit of paperwork: a completed form, a valid passport (with at least six months left), proof of income (bank statements or contracts), international health insurance covering your full stay, proof of accommodation, a criminal record certificate translated into Bulgarian, passport-size photos, and the application fee. Getting everything translated and apostilled properly is key to avoiding delays.

Bulgaria’s move reflects the global shift toward remote work, which has also been more recently followed by Solvenia and the Philippines, among other countries. For those looking for an affordable yet dynamic place to base themselves in Europe, this new digital nomad visa could be a game-changer.

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Written by Irene Wang

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. She shares raw, unfiltered stories and helps nomads find resources to thrive while traveling and working remotely.

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