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Bulgaria Introduces Digital Nomad Residence Permit to Attract Remote Workers

December 23, 2025 6:12 am

Bulgaria Introduces Digital Nomad Residence Permit to Attract Remote Workers

Exciting changes are underway in Bulgaria as the country prepares to attract digital nomads. Starting December 20, 2025, Bulgaria will offer a Digital Nomad Residence Permit. This initiative allows remote workers, freelancers, and business owners to live in Bulgaria legally while working for companies abroad.

Overview of the Digital Nomad Residence Permit

Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit provides a structured opportunity for remote professionals to reside in the country. The permit is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year. Applications begin on December 20, 2025, marking a significant step for remote work enthusiasts.

Eligibility Criteria

The Bulgarian government has established three categories for applicants:

Remote Employees: You qualify if you work for a company outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. Your job must be online, and you must meet the minimum salary requirements set by Bulgarian law.
Business Owners and Managers: You can apply if you own at least 25% of a company registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You must work remotely for this company and not provide services to clients based in Bulgaria.
Independent Remote Workers: You qualify if you have been delivering online services for at least one year before your application. Working with Bulgarian clients or freelancing within Bulgaria is not allowed.

Each group has specific document requirements, so it’s vital to verify which category applies to you.

Duration of the Permit

The Digital Nomad Residence Permit is initially valid for one year. If you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for an additional year.

Application Process

Applying for the permit is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Visa D: Begin by applying for a Visa D in your home country or country of legal residence, which typically takes one to two months.
Residence Application in Bulgaria: After arriving in Bulgaria with your Visa D, you must submit your documents again. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
ID Card: After your application is approved, you can apply for a Bulgarian ID card. This process ranges from three days to one month.

Family Reunification Options

The Digital Nomad Residence Permit allows applicants to bring family members through a separate reunification process. This means your spouse or children can accompany you while you live in Bulgaria.

Significance of the Permit

Previously, Bulgaria lacked a distinct option for digital nomads. This new permit provides remote workers with a legitimate opportunity to live and work in the country.

Broader Implications

While digital nomad visas aren’t emerging as rapidly as they once were, many countries are still creating new programs. Both employers and remote workers should remain vigilant about immigration and tax laws to avoid unintentional violations.

As governments evaluate remote work policies, the legal aspects of such arrangements will become increasingly important.

What to Expect Going Forward

Global interest in flexible work visas remains high. Countries continue to experience worker shortages, indicating that programs like Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit may become more common. Stay tuned for further updates in the coming months.