If you’re a remote worker or digital nomad trying to figure out where to base yourself in Europe, Bulgaria probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind.
But maybe it should be.
Looking for how to move to Bulgaria as a Remote Worker or an Entrepreneur? I’ve helped other foreigners through this process.
→ Download my FREE Bulgarian Residency Checklist (includes options for EU and non-EU citizens)
→ Book a 1-1 intro call to ask your questions directly
In this article, I’ll break down which city in Bulgaria is best for digital nomads and remote professionals—based on first-hand experience, cost of living, infrastructure, lifestyle, and long-term residency options. I moved to Bulgaria almost a year ago and this article is based on my own experiences.
Why Consider Bulgaria at All?
Bulgaria offers a unique mix of advantages:
- 10% flat income tax (personal and corporate)
- Easy residency process for EU citizens and their partners and family members
- Lower rent and daily expenses compared to Western Europe
- Fast, reliable internet
- Safe, green cities with good air quality (depending on location)
- Low barrier to entry for long-term stay compared to Southeast Asia
- European time zone, perfect for remote workers working with European clients
(FREE) List of documents to apply for a Residency Permit in Bulgaria: Bulgaria Residence Checklist
Now let’s break down the top cities you might be considering—and reveal which one actually works best for long-term remote work.
Sofia, Bulgaria: The Best All-Around Choice for Remote Workers, Digital Nomads & Expats
If you plan to live in Bulgaria for more than a few months, Sofia is hands down the best choice.
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city, located in the western part of the country near the border with Serbia. It sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, offering quick access to nature and hiking trails while remaining a fully functional metropolitan hub. With a population of around 1.2 million, Sofia blends old-world charm with modern amenities, giving you the best of both worlds.
Looking for how to move to Bulgaria as a Remote Worker or an Entrepreneur? I’ve helped other foreigners through this process.
→ Download my FREE Bulgarian Residency Checklist (includes options for EU and non-EU citizens)
→ Book a 1-1 intro call to ask your questions directly
Why Sofia Works for for Remote Workers & Expats
- Infrastructure: Sofia has everything a remote worker could need—an international airport with low-cost flights across Europe, a functioning metro system, fast Wi-Fi, multiple coworking spaces, and top-tier medical care.
- Housing: Compared to Western Europe, rent is still affordable. We pay €750/month for a renovated 2-bedroom with a home office. Neighborhoods like Lozenets, Oborishte, and parts of the center offer green parks, good public transport, and reliable internet.
- Seasons: Sofia has a continental climate. Summers are hot but not unbearable, while winters bring snow but remain sunny—a welcome change from the grey skies of Northern Europe. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant.
- Walkability & Lifestyle: The city center is compact, and many neighborhoods are walkable. You’ll find boutique cafes, secondhand stores, and cozy parks in every direction. And thanks to the Vitosha mountain range, you can escape into nature in under an hour—even by public transport.
- Residency: EU citizens can get a 5-year residency card in under a week. Non-EU partners and retirees also have realistic and documented paths to legal stay.
- Community: While not yet a “digital nomad hotspot,” Sofia has a growing expat and remote worker scene. Events, coworking spaces, and casual meetups are starting to take root, without the noise and saturation of bigger hubs like Lisbon.
And the best part? Sofia isn’t (yet) overrun with digital nomads. It feels local, functional, and calm. But there is enough community starting to build around it.
Best for: Remote workers, couples, digital nomads in their 30s-50s, anyone looking to set up a long-term base in Europe
I’ve put together a relocation guide and private chat access to help people like you avoid rookie mistakes. Whether you’re figuring out where to live, how to rent without overpaying, or how to apply for long-term residency—it’s all in one place.
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Where to live?
Which documents do you need?
Do you register as a freelancer or as a company?
How to pay taxes?
Is Bulgaria even the right choice for you?
I’ve been there.
That’s why I created this Chat & Guide — so you don’t have to spend weeks in research mode, guessing your way through bureaucracy, or worrying about mistakes that could cost you time and money.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria for Expats & Digital Nomads: Beautiful But Brutal in Summer
Plovdiv is one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities and often praised for its artistic atmosphere, charming Old Town, and slower pace of life. Located in the south-central part of the country, it’s a city of layered history—from Roman ruins to creative coworking cafes.
It’s easy to fall in love with Plovdiv on arrival. The Kapana district is packed with independent shops and cozy bars, and the city is walkable, lively, and surrounded by hills.
But when I stayed there in summer, it felt like a desert. The dry heat was so intense that we couldn’t enjoy the city during the day. If you plan to work remotely and live here year-round, this is a major issue unless you stay indoors or invest in serious A/C.
The upside? Rent is lower than in Sofia, and you’ll find renovated apartments for under €500 per month. Coworking spaces exist but are smaller in number than in the capital. There’s a growing creative community, but it’s still relatively small.
Plovdiv also lacks an international airport, which means needing to travel to Sofia (about 1.5–2 hours by car or bus) for most flights. That’s fine for occasional travel, but it may become frustrating if you fly often.
Best for: Slow travelers, retirees, creatives, spring/autumn stays, expats who prioritize charm over convenience
Bansko, Bulgaria for Remote Workers, Expats & Digital Nomads: Mountain Views & Coworking Scene
Bansko, a small mountain town in southwestern Bulgaria, has carved out a niche among digital nomads thanks to its booming coworking community and low cost of living. Surrounded by the Pirin Mountains, it’s especially popular during the winter months when the ski season brings energy and international visitors.
The town’s main draw is the community built around the original Coworking Bansko space. Events, meetups, and even nomad festivals have turned this former ski village into a surprising hub for location-independent workers.
Rent is affordable, especially for medium-term stays, with furnished apartments and Airbnb options starting from €300–€400 per month. Internet is reliable, and you can walk everywhere.
But Bansko has limitations. It’s a small town, and outside of winter or peak nomad events, it can feel very quiet. Many businesses close in the off-season, and if you don’t have a car, you may feel a bit stuck. Public transport options are limited, and the nearest major city (Blagoevgrad) is about an hour away.
The social life here revolves heavily around the coworking scene, so if you’re not actively participating, it can be isolating. On the flip side, it’s a great place to focus on work, build deep connections quickly, and enjoy a simpler lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Best for: Short- to mid-term stays, winter lovers, first-time nomads, focused work sprints, people looking for a strong community vibe
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria for Expats & Digital Nomads: Gorgeous, But Quiet
Veliko Tarnovo, perched along the Yantra River in central northern Bulgaria, is a city steeped in history. Known for its dramatic hillside setting, medieval fortress, and winding cobbled streets, it’s one of the country’s most photogenic destinations.
Living here feels like stepping back in time. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and culturally rich. There are galleries, museums, and traditional craft shops dotted throughout the Old Town. It’s a popular stop for tourists and a favorite among retirees or creatives looking to escape fast-paced urban life.
But for remote workers and digital nomads, there are trade-offs. Internet is decent but not always as stable as in bigger cities. Coworking options are limited, and the professional networking scene is virtually nonexistent. Public transport can be slow and infrequent, and there’s no nearby airport—traveling in and out requires planning.
Housing is affordable, and it’s easy to find a scenic apartment with a view. But options for modern, work-friendly apartments are fewer, and the expat community is small. If you thrive in solitude or need time to focus on a personal project, Veliko Tarnovo might work. But if you rely on coworking, collaboration, or convenient travel, this city will feel too remote.
Best for: Writers, solo creatives, deep focus projects, history lovers seeking quiet charm
Best for: Writers, artists, or those seeking solitude
Varna, Bulgaria for Remote Workers, Expats & Digital Nomads: Seaside City with Infrastructure
Varna is the largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast and a favorite summer destination for both locals and tourists. Located in the northeast, it combines a laid-back coastal lifestyle with the conveniences of a mid-sized city. The sea breeze, long beach promenade, and lively cultural calendar give Varna a Mediterranean feel during the warmer months.
The city offers strong infrastructure for its size—public transport is reliable, the airport has regular flights to Europe and the Middle East, and the seaside park (Sea Garden) is a stunning escape for daily walks or weekend picnics. Internet is fast, and coworking spaces do exist, although the nomad scene is less developed than in Sofia or Bansko.
Varna is walkable and compact, with distinct neighborhoods for every taste—from lively city-center apartments to quieter areas near the sea. Rental prices are slightly lower than Sofia, especially outside of peak summer months. Furnished one-bedrooms in good condition can be found for €350–€500/month.
One of Varna’s biggest perks is the combination of beach access and urban life. You can finish a video call, step outside, and be in the sand within minutes. However, winters can feel bleak and windy, and the city quiets down significantly off-season.
Best for: Remote workers who want the beach at their doorstep, seasonal nomads, freelancers looking for a balance between city amenities and coastal lifestyle
Best for: Summer-based living, part-time digital nomads, retirement scouting
Burgas, Bulgaria for Remote Workers, Expats & Digital Nomads: Coastal City with a Chill Vibe
Burgas is the second-largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, located further south than Varna. It’s clean, calm, and compact—ideal for remote workers looking to avoid the hustle of a larger city but still enjoy a good quality of life.
Surrounded by nature, including several lakes and protected areas, Burgas offers a peaceful environment that’s still within reach of the essentials. The seaside park stretches along the coast, perfect for morning runs, walks, or deep work sessions with a sea view. During the summer, the vibe is laid-back and sociable, with festivals and outdoor cafes coming alive.
The airport in Burgas is functional but mostly seasonal, with fewer year-round international connections than Sofia or even Varna. This could be limiting for frequent travelers.
Coworking infrastructure is developing, but still limited compared to Sofia or Bansko. Remote workers who don’t rely heavily on networking events or professional meetups may enjoy the slower pace. Rent is relatively affordable, and it’s possible to find furnished apartments near the beach for €300–€450/month outside of peak summer months.
Winters in Burgas can be grey and windy, and the city slows down significantly in the off-season. That makes it more suitable for seasonal stays or those who enjoy solitude during colder months.
Best for: Budget-conscious digital nomads, nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful coastal base with fewer distractions
Best for: Budget-conscious seasonal residents
Best City in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers (2025)
So what’s the best City in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers right now, in 2025? If you’re looking for a city that combines fast internet, reasonable cost of living, EU residency, and work-life balance — Sofia is the best city in Bulgaria for digital nomads and remote workers in 2025.
It might not be on every influencer’s radar yet, but that’s part of its charm.
And that means you can set up your life here in a way where you can have a comfortable home, work distraction-free, and still travel.
Looking for how to move to Bulgaria as a Remote Worker or an Entrepreneur? I’ve helped other foreigners through this process.
→ Download my FREE Bulgarian Residency Checklist (includes options for EU and non-EU citizens)
→ Book a 1-1 intro call to ask your questions directly
