How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria in 2026
Bulgaria in 2026 is finally securing its status as an attractive EU country for remote work. After the launch of a special visa for digital nomads, the state has opened a legal way for foreigners to reside who work online for foreign companies or clients. The program has become a full-fledged alternative to similar visas in other EU countries. Visit Ukraine writes about this.
The acceptance of applications for the new type of residence permit started at the end of 2025. The additional attractiveness of Bulgaria is ensured by membership in the Schengen Area, the transition to the euro, and a lower cost of living compared to most Western European countries.
Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria: Who Can Apply
The Bulgarian digital nomad visa is intended for citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, provided that they work remotely and do not compete with the local labor market.
Applications can be submitted by:
employees of foreign companies who work online
owners or managers of businesses with more than 25% ownership in a company registered abroad
freelancers and independent specialists with stable remote employment for at least a year
Holders of such a permit have the right to legally reside in Bulgaria, travel to Schengen countries without additional visas, open bank accounts, and apply for family reunification.
If you are interested in working in Bulgaria, we offer you to explore 350,000 job vacancies on the Layboard portal.
Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria: Income Requirements and Procedure
A key condition for participation in the program is confirmed financial income. The minimum annual level is 31 thousand euros, which corresponds to 50 minimum salaries in the country.
To confirm your income, you need to:
provide an employment contract or contracts with clients
submit bank statements or payment documents
add recommendation or service agreements if necessary
The visa application consists of two stages. First, the applicant receives a long-term D-type visa at the consulate, which takes 4 to 8 weeks to process. After entering Bulgaria, the documents for a residence permit must be submitted within 14 days. The residence card is issued for one year with the possibility of extending for another year.
Earlier, we presented the top 5 websites for job searching in Bulgaria in 2026.
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