Bulgaria has introduced its first formal pathway for remote workers, offering a one-year digital nomad residence permit with the possibility of a one-time renewal. This move positions Bulgaria as the latest entrant in Europe’s expanding digital nomad landscape, providing high-skilled professionals with a flexible gateway to the EU.

Eligibility Criteria: Three Pathways for Remote Professionals

The permit is open to foreign nationals working remotely for employers or businesses outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Applicants must demonstrate an average annual income of at least €31,000.

Eligibility falls into three distinct categories:

1. Remote Employees: Individuals employed by a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss company, providing remote services and meeting the minimum income requirement. Employment contracts are required to confirm eligibility.
2. Company Owners or Management Members: Foreign nationals owning more than 25% of a qualifying business or holding a management position, provided they do not serve Bulgarian clients. Service agreements and references are required.
3. Independent Remote Professionals: Individuals who have provided remote services via technology for at least one year prior to application, who do not work for Bulgarian entities, and who avoid freelancing within Bulgaria. Documentation of services rendered is mandatory.

Application Process and Permit Details

Applicants must first secure a multi-entry visa, a process that typically takes one to two months. Following entry, the residence permit application is submitted to the Bulgarian authorities, usually processed within two to four weeks. The final step is obtaining an identification card, taking between three and 30 calendar days.

The permit allows holders to sponsor dependents through family reunification, offering a practical option for international families.

It is important to note that this digital nomad visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, though Bulgaria’s separate investor visa provides a path for those investing approximately BGN 1 million (~$602,000) in approved business projects, leading to permanent residency and potential citizenship after six years.

Bulgaria in Context: EU Digital Nomad Landscape

Digital nomad visa requirements vary widely across the EU:

• Estonia: One-year, non-renewable permit with a monthly income threshold of nearly €5,000.
• Spain: Initial three-year permit, renewable in two-year increments, with a monthly income requirement of €2,750 and permanent residency eligibility after five years.
• Italy: Two-year renewable permit, annual income threshold of €28,000, and potential path to permanent residency after five years.

Bulgaria’s €31,000 annual income requirement sits in the mid-range of these offerings, balancing accessibility with the program’s intent to attract skilled remote professionals.

Strategic Takeaways for Remote Professionals

For high-net-worth professionals and family offices exploring EU mobility, Bulgaria’s new digital nomad visa offers:

• A flexible one-year residency option with the possibility of renewal.
• Eligibility across employment, business ownership, or independent remote work.
• Family-friendly provisions through dependent sponsorship.
• A gateway to the EU with relatively straightforward administrative procedures compared to other member states.

For those considering broader European mobility strategies, evaluating Bulgaria alongside other EU digital nomad programs may reveal a unique combination of cost efficiency, lifestyle options, and strategic positioning within the Schengen area.

Learn more about how Bulgaria’s digital nomad visa can fit into a high-net-worth mobility strategy at Free From Borders.