Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work Remotely from Bulgaria

Freelancers and remote workers can now apply for digital nomad visas to live and work in various countries with such programs. Although Bulgaria does not yet offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, cities like Sofia and Plovdiv are emerging as popular digital nomad hubs.

For those interested in moving to Bulgaria, the country currently does not have a specific digital nomad visa. However, you can explore alternatives such as the Bulgarian freelance visa, available for non-EU citizens. Additionally, there are other visa options you might consider. Our expert immigration lawyers in Bulgaria provide detailed guidance on these alternatives, helping you find the best route for your relocation needs.

Types of visas for digital nomads in Bulgaria

While Bulgaria does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, remote work from this beautiful country is still achievable through various alternatives. EU citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Bulgaria. For non-EU citizens, several visa options can facilitate remote work:

1. Tourist Visas (Type C Visas): These allow stays of up to 90 days in Bulgaria.

2. EU Residence Cards: If you hold an EU residence card from another European Union country, you can use it to stay in Bulgaria.

3. Schengen Visas: Although Bulgaria is not yet a Schengen member, Schengen visas permit 90-day stays in Bulgaria, similar to Type C visas.

For non-EU citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bulgaria permits entry under the following conditions:

Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months, though a longer validity is recommended.

Duration of Stay: You can stay in Bulgaria for up to 3 months within any 6-month period.

Application Timing: Submit your visa application no earlier than 3 months before your planned travel date.

These visas support remote work arrangements in Bulgaria. For extended stays, consider the D visa, which offers long-term residence permits for 6 to 12 months and is similar to what digital nomad visas would provide.

European countries with digital nomad programs often issue one-year remote work visas, making the D visa a suitable alternative.

For assistance with obtaining a D-type residence permit or more information about the Bulgarian freelance visa, consult with our experienced immigration lawyers in Bulgaria.

Freelancing in Bulgaria

Since January 1, 2017, non-EU nationals have had the opportunity to work and reside in Bulgaria as freelancers, provided they receive approval from the Bulgarian Employment Agency. The initial freelance visa is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year.

Eligibility for the Bulgarian Freelance Visa:

- Non-EU individuals working as freelancers.

- Applicants with a detailed business plan related to their freelance activities.

Both criteria must be met, and the business plan should cover the duration of the initial one-year visa.

Benefits of the Bulgarian Freelance Visa

- Reduced Bureaucracy: The process involves fewer administrative hurdles compared to other visa types.

- Faster Issuance: The National Employment Agency typically processes applications within approximately 30 working days.

Required Documents:

- A completed application form.

- A valid passport.

- A detailed business plan.

If you're considering relocating to Bulgaria, the freelance visa is a viable option for a mid-term stay, allowing you to work remotely while enjoying life in Bulgaria.

Essential Documents for Obtaining a Freelance Visa in Bulgaria:

If you’re planning to immigrate to Bulgaria on a freelance visa, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

1. Activity Description: A brief overview of your freelance activities and objectives.

2. Detailed Business Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining your freelance activities for the duration of the visa.

3. Proof of Professional Experience: Documentation verifying at least 2 years of professional experience in your freelance field.

4. Bank Statement: Evidence of sufficient funds to support your freelance activities as outlined in your business plan.

5. Photographs: Two recent color photos of the applicant.

Depending on your profession, such as dentistry or other regulated fields, you may need additional documentation in compliance with Bulgarian regulations.

The cost for applying for a Bulgarian freelance visa is approximately 200 euros.

One of the main requirements after immigration to Bulgaria based on a freelance visa is to apply for a Type D residence permit. The procedure is the same as when relocating here for other purposes, including by applying for residency for marriage, for example. The procedure is simple and takes about 30 days, however, for a higher fee, it can also be obtained in 15 days.

What Can You Do with a Bulgarian Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa, whether for Bulgaria or another country, typically serves the following purposes:

1. Remote Employees: Individuals employed by companies based in other countries who can perform their work remotely for their employers.

2. Freelancers and Self-Employed Professionals: Those who offer services from abroad, provided their clients are not based in the country of residence.

3. Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who manage companies operating outside their country of temporary residence.

To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must demonstrate that you are not financially reliant on the host country. This often involves providing income statements or proof of employment. One key advantage of the Bulgarian digital nomad visa is that there is no minimum income requirement to live in Bulgaria.

For context, the minimum wage in Bulgaria for 2022 is approximately 335 EUR, while the average wage is around 750 EUR.

Get professional advice

For detailed information on tax legislation and other aspects related to your move to Bulgaria, contact our law firm. If you're also interested in digital nomad visas for other countries like Croatia, we can connect you with our trusted local partners.

Freelancer vs Digital Nomad visa

The main and most important difference between applying for a Bulgarian freelance visa and a digital nomad is that through the first one you can carry out taxable activities in Bulgaria. As a digital nomad, your work or business activity must be completed for a foreign employer, respectively foreign market.

As a freelancer, you can apply for a long-term residence permit, compared to being a remote worker which implies for you to stay here for maximum 3 months. On the other hand, being a freelancer means being qualified or certified for the activity you will complete.