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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Bulgarian Digital Nomad Residence Permit

A new residence permit for non-EU remote workers who earn income from employers, clients or companies based outside Bulgaria while living there.

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Under review — check current rules

Digital nomad route is newly launched (Art. 24p, applications from Dec 2025). The income requirement (reported ~EUR 31,000/year), renewal terms and exact document list should be verified against the official implementing regulation / Migration Directorate before publishing, as the figure was not confirmed here against primary official text.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bulgaria government website before you apply.
On this page
Legal basis
Art. 24p, Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (2025 amendments)
Applications from
20 December 2025
Who it's for
Non-EU remote workers with income from outside Bulgaria/the EU
Income requirement
A stable remote income over the prior year
Widely reported at about EUR 31,000 per year — verify the current figure against the official rules
Duration
1 year, renewable once (about 2 years maximum as introduced)
Labour market
No access to Bulgarian employment or Bulgarian-sourced income

Who it's for

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work fully remotely via IT
  • Employees, contractors or business owners whose employer/clients/company are outside the EU
  • Remote workers who want EU/Schengen-based residence without entering the Bulgarian labour market

Requirements

  • Proof of remote work for an employer, clients or a company based outside Bulgaria (and the EU)
  • Evidence of a stable level of income over the previous calendar year
  • Valid passport and type 'D' long-stay visa
  • Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
  • Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
  • Clean criminal record certificate

What you can do

  • Reside in Bulgaria while working remotely for foreign employers or clients
  • Travel within the Schengen area for short stays on your Bulgarian permit
  • Renew once for a further year (subject to the rules in force)

How to apply

Confirm eligibility and gather proof of remote work and income, then apply for a type 'D' long-stay visa at the competent Bulgarian consulate on the digital-nomad ground.

After entering Bulgaria, apply in person at the regional Migration Directorate for the residence permit under Article 24p, providing biometrics.

Because the scheme is newly launched, check the current income threshold, document list and processing steps with the Migration Directorate or a Bulgarian consulate before applying.

Documents

  • Valid passport with type 'D' visa
  • Employment/service contracts or proof of ownership of a company based outside Bulgaria
  • Bank statements / income evidence for the previous year
  • Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Criminal record certificate and completed forms

Frequently asked questions

  • The category was created by 2025 amendments to the Foreigners Act (Article 24p) with implementing rules adopted in December 2025 and applications open from 20 December 2025.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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