Bulgaria, a Schengen member since March 2024, began accepting applications for its digital nomad residence permit on December 20, 2025, creating a formal immigration pathway for remote workers for the first time.
The new permit is open to foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or businesses based outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Applicants must demonstrate an average annual income of at least €31,000 (50 times the minimum monthly salary of €620 as of January 2025) for the previous calendar year.
The residence permit is valid for one year and can be extended once for an additional year, indicating no path to permanent residency unless holders transition to another residency status.
Three Categories of Eligibility
The legislation defines three types of digital nomads eligible for the permit.
The first category covers foreign nationals employed by a company registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who provide services remotely and meet the minimum salary requirements.
The second category includes foreign nationals who are members of a management body or who own more than 25% of a company registered outside these regions, provided they do not provide services to individuals or entities in Bulgaria.
The third category applies to foreign nationals who have provided remote services using technology for at least one year before applying, do not work for Bulgarian entities and do not carry out freelancing activities in Bulgaria.
Remote employees must provide employment contracts to their employer, while those providing remote services must submit service and recommendation contracts from customers.
Permit Validity and Application Process
Applicants must first secure a multi-entry visa to Bulgaria, which could take one to two months to process.
After entering Bulgaria, applicants submit the same documents to the Bulgarian government, a process that takes two to four weeks.
The final step is an identification card application, which takes three to 30 calendar days to process.
The permit allows holders to sponsor dependents through a family reunification process.
Bulgaria also operates an investor visa program that provides an expedited route to permanent residency for those investing BGN 1 million (~$602,000) in business projects or funds. Successful applicants obtain permanent residency upon approval and can qualify for citizenship after approximately six years.
Other EU Digital Nomad Options
Digital nomad visas vary significantly across the EU. Estonia requires a monthly income of nearly €5,000 for a one-year, non-renewable visa. Spain offers a more accessible option at €2,750 per month for an initial three-year term, renewable in two-year increments, with permanent residency possible after five years.
Italy sets an annual threshold of €28,000, grants renewable two-year terms, and makes permanent residency eligible after five years.
For a comprehensive overview of the EU and the world’s digital nomad offerings, check out the IMI Digital Nomad Visa Guide for detailed requirements, costs, and application processes for every country offering remote work permits.
