Good news for digital nomads — Bulgaria has just opened its doors even wider for remote workers from outside the EU. A new visa option officially allows non-EU citizens who work online for foreign companies (or run their own remote business) to live in Bulgaria for up to two years.
Who can apply?
To qualify, you need to fit into one of these scenarios:
• You have an employment contract with a company that’s registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, and you do your job entirely online.
• Or you’re a shareholder (owning at least 25%), manager, or owner of a company abroad, which only provides digital services outside Bulgaria — and you don’t have Bulgarian clients.
• Or you’re a freelancer who’s been offering remote services for at least a year before applying — again, with no clients or business inside Bulgaria.
The idea is simple: you bring your work with you but you don’t compete in the local market.
What else do you need?
Besides working remotely, there are a few practical requirements. You’ll need to prove you have a place to live, valid health insurance, and enough income to support yourself without needing social assistance.
There’s also a minimum income threshold — your annual income must be at least 50 times Bulgaria’s minimum monthly wage for the previous year. For reference, with today’s figures, that’s around EUR 27,500 per year.
Plus, you’ll need a clean criminal record from your home country or where you’ve been living, and you’ll need to show the paperwork you used to get your visa, if applicable.
How long can you stay?
The permit is issued for one year at first. If you’re happy here (and we think you will be!), you can extend it for one more year. As long as you apply for the extension on time, you can stay in Bulgaria while the authorities review your request.
Why pick Bulgaria for remote work?
Bulgaria is quickly becoming a favorite for digital nomads in Europe. The cost of living is reasonable, the internet is fast, and there’s a growing community of expats, freelancers, and startups. Plus, you’ll be a short flight from almost anywhere in Europe.
How we can help
At Legalla, we’ve helped many foreigners make Bulgaria their new base. We handle the paperwork, guide you through every step, and make sure you stay compliant so you can focus on your work and enjoy your stay.
If you’re a remote worker dreaming of mountain views, seaside weekends, and a comfortable European lifestyle — we’re here to help you settle in.
📬 Get in touch and let’s find out if Bulgaria’s new digital nomad residence option is right for you!
