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Bulgaria

Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p)

Europe

Launched 20 Dec 2025 under Article 24p of the Foreigners Act.

Eligibility note: Three categories: (1) remote employee of a company registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland; (2) owner/shareholder of ≥25% of a foreign-registered company; (3) freelancer with 1+ year of foreign clients. Working for Bulgarian employers/clients is prohibited.

Last verified 19 July 2026

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: ~€31,000/year (~€2,583/month) — 50× the Bulgarian minimum monthly wage (currently ~€620), assessed on the PREVIOUS calendar year's documented income; rises with the minimum wage.
Length of stay: 1 year, renewable once — 2 years maximum.
Processing time: Type D visa 4–8 weeks, then residence permit filed within 14 days of arrival.
Application fee: ~€100 Type D visa + BGN 500 residence permit (1 yr) + ~BGN 55 card/application fees.
Tax treatment: 10% flat personal income tax on worldwide income if tax-resident (183+ days). Bulgaria joined the eurozone 1 Jan 2026 and Schengen in 2025.
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No lump-sum requirement
Cost of living: CheapGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Heavy paperwork
Nationality restrictions: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Required documents

Passport valid for the full stay
Proof of remote employment, ≥25% ownership of a foreign company, or 1+ year of foreign clients (freelance)
Prior-year income proof ≈ €31,000
Private health insurance covering Bulgaria/EU
Clean criminal record
Accommodation proof; Bulgarian translations, apostilled where required

Things to know

Tax residency trigger: Tax residency is typically triggered after spending more than 183 days (roughly 6 months) in the country in a calendar year — at that point local income tax rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Confirm with a local tax advisor before relying on this.
Legal basis: Article 24p of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (adopted 18 Jun 2025; regulations 11 Dec 2025; applications open 20 Dec 2025).
Two-step process: Type D long-stay visa from a Bulgarian embassy (4–8 weeks), then residence permit at the Migration Directorate within 14 days of arrival.
Working for Bulgarian employers or clients is categorically prohibited.
Bulgaria joined the eurozone on 1 Jan 2026 and Schengen in 2025.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Bulgaria Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p)?

The Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p) requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly ~€31,000/year (~€2,583/month) — 50× the Bulgarian minimum monthly wage (currently ~€620), assessed on the PREVIOUS calendar year's documented income; rises with the minimum wage.. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Bulgaria on this visa?

You can stay for 1 year, renewable once — 2 years maximum.. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes Type D visa 4–8 weeks, then residence permit filed within 14 days of arrival.. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p)?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Bulgaria.

Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p)?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Bulgaria?

Local income tax may apply, especially if you spend more than 183 days (about 6 months) in Bulgaria within a calendar year. At that point you typically become tax resident and local rules generally apply to your worldwide income. Always confirm with a local tax advisor.

Is the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p) renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (Article 24p) is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Bulgaria.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid for the full stay; Proof of remote employment, ≥25% ownership of a foreign company, or 1+ year of foreign clients (freelance); Prior-year income proof ≈ €31,000; Private health insurance covering Bulgaria/EU; Clean criminal record; and other supporting documents. Always check the official source for the latest list.