Why Apply for a Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa?

• Reside in Bulgaria as a remote worker for up to 12 months (extension possible)
• Best for remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals
• Low-income requirements compared to other EU digital nomad visa options
• No job offer or local sponsorship required
• Easy travel access within the Schengen area
• Strategic location with good connectivity
• Faster visa processing in 1–3 months
• Allows family reunification (upon meeting eligibility)

Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU nationals, allowing them to reside in Bulgaria while working remotely for employers or companies outside the EU. The application consists of two stages, where the applicant must first apply for a Type D long-stay visa, which grants legal entry to the country. Afterward, they can apply for a residence permit under the Digital Nomad Visa program.

The digital nomad visa in Bulgaria is ideal for freelancers, remote workers, self-employed professionals, and business owners. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended for an additional 12 months, provided the eligibility requirements are met.

With a Bulgarian Digital Nomad residence permit, remote workers can enjoy low income requirements, an affordable cost of living, and access to short-term travel within the Schengen area. However, you cannot work for local employers in Bulgaria, and you do not need a job offer to qualify. Bulgaria is a popular choice for digital nomads due to family reunification, an affordable lifestyle, and long-term residency options in Europe.

*Want to apply for a Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to get expert assistance.

Benefits of the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The benefits of applying for a Bulgarian digital nomad visa include:

• Reside legally in Bulgaria for up to 1 year, with extension options
• Work remotely for non-EU companies or overseas employers
• Access to public healthcare and housing facilities
• Easy travel within the Schengen area under the 90/180 rule
• Affordable living costs compared to other European countries
• Sponsor spouse and dependents through family reunification
• No employer sponsorship required
• Long-term residency options for remote workers
• Low flat income tax of 10% (once tax resident)

Eligibility for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who work remotely for foreign clients or companies.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA national
• Be working remotely for non-EU companies
• Earn income from outside Bulgaria

Which categories are eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa in Bulgaria?

The following categories can apply for a Bulgaria digital nomad residence permit:

• Remote workers employed by a foreign company outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
• Freelancers offering remote services using digital technology for at least 12 months
• Self-employed professionals or business owners holding more than 25% ownership in a company registered outside Bulgaria

Requirements for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The requirements for a Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa are:

• Valid passport
• Valid medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• No criminal record
• Meet the minimum income requirement (€2,000–2,500 per month)
• Must not work for local Bulgarian employers or companies

Documents Required for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The documents checklist for a Bulgaria Digital Nomad visa is as follows:

• Original passport
• Visa application form (duly filled)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of remote work (employer letter or contract)
• Proof of income (bank statements or payslips)
• Medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria

Also, read…

Bulgaria launches long-term visa applications for Indians from Nov 1. Apply early!

Steps to apply for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The Bulgaria Digital Nomad visa process involves two primary stages. You must first apply for a Type D long-stay visa at the nearest Bulgarian embassy in your home country. After entering Bulgaria, you apply for a long-term residence permit under the digital nomad program.

Stage 1: Acquiring a Type D long-stay visa

Stage 2: Applying for a Bulgaria digital nomad residence permit

The complete step-by-step process is as follows:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for a digital nomad visa in Bulgaria

You must be working remotely for a foreign company or client with a stable foreign income.

Step 2: Arrange the required documents

Gather all documents as per the official checklist.

(Refer to the checklist above.)

Step 3: Apply for a Type D visa

Submit your visa application at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate. The Type D visa allows legal entry into Bulgaria.

Step 4: Fly to Bulgaria

You may travel once your Type D visa is approved.

Step 5: Apply for a residence permit

You must apply at the Migration Directorate within 14 days of arrival. The visa is valid for 12 months, with an extension option.

Processing time for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa

The average processing time for a Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa is around 1–3 months.

The table below shows a detailed breakdown of the processing timeline:

Stage	Processing Time
Document preparation & Apostille	1–2 weeks
Type D Long-Stay Visa	4–6 weeks
Travel to Bulgaria	Immediately after visa approval
Residence permit processing (in Bulgaria)	1–2 weeks
Total estimated time	2.5 – 3 months

Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa Cost

Factor	Fee
Type D Visa fee	€100
VFS service fee	₹1,800–₹2,200
Residence permit application (Bulgaria)	€75–150
Document translation & apostille	₹5,000–₹15,000
Health Insurance	Depends on Insurance Provider

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

As the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing unbiased and personalized services for 25 years. Our experts offer end-to-end assistance to ensure a smooth digital nomad visa process. Our services include:

• Expert assistance with Digital Nomad visas
• Support with visa documentation and checklists
• Dedicated advisors throughout the visa process
• Y-Axis Job Search Services to help find the best opportunities