Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria: Does it Really Exist?

By 2025, many countries have introduced special digital nomad visas to attract remote workers. Bulgaria is often mentioned as a promising destination for freelancers and remote professionals due to its low cost of living and favorable tax regime.

UPDATE August 2025. Bulgarian parliament approved the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa. The details will soon be finalized in the law and this article will be updated.

However, contrary to some popular claims, Bulgaria does not currently have a legislated or official “digital nomad visa” as a distinct visa category. This article explains why, based on Bulgarian law and expert legal sources, and outlines the realistic alternatives for both EU and non-EU citizens wishing to live and work remotely in Bulgaria.

Digital Nomad Visa: Why Bulgaria Does Not Have it?

Bulgaria’s Foreigners Act does not include a specific visa category named “digital nomad visa.”

What is sometimes called a digital nomad visa is actually either a Trade Representative Residency Permit or a Freelance Permit (Individual Labor Activity permit, ILA).

The freelance permit requires Bulgarian language proficiency at B1 level, submission of a detailed business plan, and proof of professional qualifications, which makes it uncommon and difficult to obtain for most foreigners.

The freelance permit process is bureaucratic and time-consuming, limiting its accessibility to many remote workers.

What Are the Real Residency Options for Digital Nomads/Freelancers in Bulgaria?

For EU Citizens

• EU citizens enjoy visa-free entry and freedom of movement within Bulgaria.
• If staying longer than 90 days, EU nationals must register with the Bulgarian Migration Office and obtain a residence certificate.
• The process is straightforward, requiring proof of income or employment, health insurance, and accommodation.
• No visa or work permit is needed, making Bulgaria one of the easiest EU countries for digital nomads from the EU to settle in.

For Non-EU Citizens with Independent Income (2025)

Even though Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria does not exist, Bulgaria offers several legal pathways for non-EU citizens with independent income to obtain residency. Each route has its own requirements, features, and benefits.

Trade Representative Office (TRO) Program

Overview:
The TRO program is the most popular and practical route for non-EU freelancers and entrepreneurs. It allows a foreign company to establish a non-commercial representative office in Bulgaria and appoint a trade representative who can obtain residency.

Key Features:

• No Bulgarian language requirement.
• No minimum investment or local hiring required.
• You can continue running your foreign business remotely.

Requirements:

• The foreign company must be operational (usually for at least one year).
• Registration of the representative office with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
• Appointment letter for the trade representative.
• Proof of financial means, health insurance, clean criminal record, and accommodation in Bulgaria.

Advantages:

• Fast, streamlined route to residency.
• Pathway to permanent residency and EU long-term residence.
• Family reunification options.

2025 Proposed Legal Changes

The Bulgarian government is reviewing amendments to the Foreigners Act, which may include:

• Setting a minimum annual turnover of €250,000 for the foreign company.
• Reducing the allowed number of representatives per Trade Representative Office (TRO) from three to two.

Freelance (Self-Employed) Residence Permit

Overview:
Bulgaria allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit as a self-employed freelancer, but this route is less common due to bureaucratic hurdles and language requirements.

Key Features:

• Requires a permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
• Bulgarian language proficiency at B1 level is mandatory for most applicants.
• Suitable for those who can demonstrate a viable freelance business plan and professional qualifications.

Requirements:

• Type D visa application with supporting documents (proof of freelance income, business plan, qualifications).
• Approval from the Bulgarian Employment Agency.
• Health insurance, clean criminal record, and accommodation in Bulgaria.

Challenges:

• Language requirement is a significant barrier.
• Process is bureaucratic and less frequently used by digital nomads.

Residency by Investment

Overview:
Non-EU citizens can obtain permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in Bulgaria, such as investing in Bulgarian Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

Key Features:

• Minimum investment: €512,000 (about BGN 1 million).
• No language requirement.
• Direct path to permanent residency, with citizenship eligibility after maintaining the investment for five years.

Requirements:

• Complete due diligence and obtain pre-approval from the Bulgarian Investment Agency.
• Apply for a Type D visa.
• Make the investment and submit the permanent residency application.

Other Options

• Employment-Based Residency: Requires a job offer and work permit from a Bulgarian employer.
• Retirement Residency: For those with stable pension income.
• Family Reunification: For family members of Bulgarian residents or citizens.

Summary Table

Route	Language Requirement	Investment Required	Main Barrier	Path to Permanent Residency
Trade Representative Office	None	No	Must have foreign company	Yes, after 5 years
Freelance Permit	B1 Bulgarian	No	Language & bureaucracy	Yes, after 5 years
Investment	None	Yes (€512,000+)	High capital needed	Yes, direct
Employment	None	No	Job offer & work permit	Yes, after 5 years
Retirement	None	No	Proof of pension income	Yes, after 5 years

What’s the best Residency Option in Bulgaria for Non-EU Citizens?

For non-EU citizens with independent income, the Trade Representative Office (TRO) program is the most common and accessible route to Bulgarian residency, avoiding language barriers and offering a clear path to permanent residency.

The freelance permit route to get Residency in Bulgaria for non-EU Freelancers and Digital Nomads is possible but less practical due to language and bureaucratic requirements. Investment-based residency is available for those with significant capital. All routes ultimately provide access to Bulgaria’s low cost of living, flat 10% income tax, and the benefits of EU residency.

Residency Process for EU Citizens vs. Non-EU Freelancers

Aspect	EU Citizens	Non-EU Freelancers
Visa Requirement	None for stays ≤90 days; residence registration >90 days	Type D visa + TRO registration or freelance permit
Language Requirement	None	B1 Bulgarian for freelance permit; none for TRO
Bureaucracy Level	Low	Moderate to high for freelance permit; moderate for TRO
Income Requirement	Proof of stable income or employment	Proof of stable freelance income or foreign company backing
Residency Duration	Unlimited with registration	1 year, renewable
Tax Rate	Flat 10% personal income tax	Flat 10% personal income tax

Why Move to Bulgaria as a Digital Nomad, Freelancer or Entrepreneur?

What are the key benefits of moving to Bulgaria for Digital Nomads, Freelancers and Entrepreneurs with location independent Income?

• Bulgaria offers a flat 10% income tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU, attractive for freelancers and digital nomads.
• The cost of living is low, with monthly expenses around $800–$1,200 for a comfortable lifestyle.
• EU citizens enjoy simple residency registration without visas.
• Non-EU freelancers face a choice between the complex freelance permit (with language and business plan requirements) or the more practical TRO route.
• The TRO route is currently the most realistic and popular method for non-EU freelancers to live and work remotely in Bulgaria legally.

Read More:

Living in Bulgaria as an Expat: Honest Pros and Cons After One Year in Sofia

Despite popular belief and some promotional content, Bulgaria does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Instead, remote workers rely on existing visa categories:

• EU citizens benefit from visa-free travel and easy residence registration.
• Non-EU freelancers most commonly use the Trade Representative Office (TRO) program, which is simpler and more accessible than the freelance permit route.

This distinction is crucial for anyone considering Bulgaria as a base for remote work, ensuring realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the legal pathways available.

• 

  Living in Bulgaria as an Expat: Honest Pros and Cons After One Year in Sofia

• 

  Getting Residency in Bulgaria as an EU Citizen: Requirements, Process & Benefits

• 

  How to Retire in Bulgaria as a Non-EU Citizen (2025 Guide)

• 

  Best City in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers (2025)