Bulgaria has opened applications for a new Digital Nomad Residence Permit, giving remote workers a legal way to live in the country while working for employers or clients based abroad.
Applications, TravelBiz cites, are being accepted from December 20th, 2025, under rules set by the Bulgarian government.
The permit, as stated, is meant for remote employees, business owners, and independent professionals who carry out their work online for non-Bulgarian entities. This in turn introduces a formal residence option for digital nomads, which had not previously existed under Bulgarian immigration rules.
Permit validity and rules
The Digital Nomad Residence Permit is issued for one year and can be extended for an additional year if the applicant continues to meet the requirements. Permit holders are not allowed to work for Bulgarian companies or provide services to clients based in Bulgaria. All work activity must be connected to employers or customers outside the country.
Applicants must also meet minimum income requirements set under Bulgarian law. These thresholds vary depending on regulations in force at the time of application.
Eligibility categories
The Bulgarian authorities have defined three categories of applicants. The first includes remote employees working for companies registered outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. These applicants must perform their duties online and meet the required salary level.
The second category is for business owners and managers. Applicants must own at least 25% of a company registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. They must work remotely for that company and must not provide services to clients in Bulgaria.
The third category applies to independent remote workers. These applicants must show they have been providing online services for at least one year before applying. They are not permitted to freelance or work with Bulgarian clients. Each category has its own documentation requirements.
Application process
The application process begins with a long-stay Visa D. Applicants must apply for this visa in their home country or country of legal residence, a step that usually takes one to two months.
After entering Bulgaria with a Visa D, applicants must submit their residence permit application using the same documents. This stage typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, applicants can apply for a Bulgarian identity card, which may take from a few days to one month to be issued.
Family members and context
Permit holders may apply for family reunification, allowing spouses and children to reside in Bulgaria through a separate procedure while the main permit remains valid.
The launch of the Digital Nomad Residence Permit places Bulgaria among countries offering residence options for remote workers.
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