Bulgaria has quietly delivered one of the most exciting immigration updates for remote workers heading into 2026. After months of anticipation, the Bulgarian government has officially opened applications for its Digital Nomad Residence Permit, creating a legal pathway for non-EU foreigners to live in Bulgaria while working remotely for overseas employers or clients.
This is not a proposal, pilot, or rumor anymore. The application window is open, the legal framework is approved, and foreign remote professionals can now plan long-term stays in one of Europe’s most affordable and strategically located countries.
A Major Shift in Bulgaria’s Immigration Policy
For the first time, Bulgaria has formally recognized digital nomads and remote professionals as a distinct immigration category under its national immigration law. This move aligns Bulgaria with a growing list of European countries actively competing for global talent, remote income earners, and location-independent professionals.
The new residence permit allows eligible foreigners to legally reside in Bulgaria without needing a Bulgarian employer, provided their work and income come from outside the country.
This change is particularly significant for freelancers, startup founders, remote employees, consultants, and online business owners looking for a stable EU base.
What the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Residence Permit Offers?
Under the newly approved framework, successful applicants can expect:
- Legal long-term residence in Bulgaria as a remote worker
- The ability to live in Bulgaria while working for a foreign employer or clients
- Initial residence permission typically granted for up to one year
- The possibility to renew the permit if conditions continue to be met
- Access to Bulgaria’s low cost of living, fast internet, and EU location
Unlike short-stay visas or informal remote arrangements, this permit provides clear legal status for digital nomads.
Who This Opportunity Is Designed For?
The Bulgarian Digital Nomad Residence Permit is intended for non-EU nationals who:
- Work remotely using digital technologies
- Are employed by a company registered outside Bulgaria, or
- Own or manage a foreign company providing remote services, or
- Operate as independent professionals serving clients abroad
Importantly, applicants must demonstrate that their income source is outside Bulgaria, ensuring they are not entering the local labor market.
Why This Is Big News for Global Nomads?
Bulgaria offers something many digital nomads actively seek but rarely find in one package:
- One of the lowest living costs in the EU
- Reliable high-speed internet across major cities
- A favorable geographic position between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
- Access to the Schengen region once Bulgaria fully integrates
- A slower, calmer lifestyle compared to Western Europe
With this visa now open, Bulgaria positions itself as a serious alternative to Portugal, Spain, and Croatia—often at a fraction of the cost.
Application Status: Open and Active!
The most important update for applicants is simple and clear: Bulgaria’s digital nomad residence permit application window is now officially open.
Foreigners can begin preparing their documentation and applying through the standard Bulgarian long-stay and residence permit process, in line with the new legal category approved by the government.
What Comes Next for Interested Applicants?
While the opportunity is real and active, applicants should prepare carefully. Typical steps involve:
- Securing the appropriate long-stay visa (Type D)
- Demonstrating remote work status and foreign income
- Meeting financial and legal residence requirements
- Applying for the residence permit through Bulgarian immigration authorities
Because this is a newly implemented pathway, early applicants may gain an advantage by applying sooner rather than later.