Bulgaria
New Digital Nomad Visa & lowest EU costs
Bulgaria launched its Digital Nomad Visa in late 2024, joining Europe's lowest-cost EU member to the nomad circuit. With a 10% flat tax, Black Sea beaches, and ski resorts, Bulgaria offers serious value. Full Schengen access expected in 2025.
Our framework evaluates Bulgaria across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
Something off? These scores improve with feedback. Help us get it right
Immigration Overview
Bulgaria is Europe's best-kept budget secret. The cost of living is the lowest in the EU, the 10% flat income tax is one of Europe's most favorable, and the country offers Mediterranean beaches and Alpine skiing. Sofia is a compact, walkable capital with a growing digital community.
The new Digital Nomad Visa makes Bulgaria more accessible for remote workers. The country joined the EU in 2007 and is expected to fully join Schengen soon. English is increasingly common in cities, though Bulgarian (with Cyrillic alphabet) presents a learning curve.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers with foreign employers (launched 2024)
- Work for non-Bulgarian company
- Minimum income requirements apply
- Up to 1 year, renewable
- No Bulgarian income tax on foreign earnings
Freelance/Self-Employed Visa
For freelancers and independent professionals
- Register as self-employed in Bulgaria
- Proof of contracts/income
- 10% flat tax on Bulgarian income
- Path to long-term residence
Work Permit
For those with Bulgarian job offers
- Employer sponsorship required
- EU Blue Card available for skilled workers
- 1 year permits, renewable
- Path to permanent residence
Bulgarian Nationality
After 5 years of permanent residence
- 5 years permanent residence (10 years total)
- Or 3 years if married to Bulgarian
- Bulgarian language proficiency
- Full EU citizenship
Why Bulgaria?
Lowest EU Costs
The most affordable country in the EU. Sofia is a fraction of Western European capitals. Excellent value for money.
10% Flat Tax
One of Europe's lowest tax rates. Simple flat tax on income. Favorable for many profiles.
Black Sea Coast
Beach resorts at a fraction of Mediterranean prices. Varna and Burgas offer coastal lifestyle.
Affordable Skiing
Bansko and other resorts offer European skiing at Eastern European prices. Winter sports accessible.
EU Member
Full EU membership. Schengen air borders, full access expected 2025. Euro eventually.
Fast Internet
Good internet infrastructure. Sofia has coworking spaces and growing digital community.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Bulgarian residence:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
- D-type visa application at Bulgarian consulate
Bulgaria's new Digital Nomad Visa is still being refined, but the country is actively courting remote workers. The 10% flat tax and low costs make it compelling despite the learning curve with Cyrillic script. We help you navigate the options.
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