Bulgaria launches digital nomad visa: Eligibility and Income rules

Here’s a clear summary of Bulgaria’s newly launched Digital Nomad Visa program, designed to attract remote workers.

Eligibility
- Employees of companies registered outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- Business owners/senior managers holding at least 25% of a company registered outside these regions
- Remote service providers with at least 1 year of online work experience, provided they don’t serve Bulgarian clients or freelance locally

Income & Documentation
- Minimum income requirement: €27,550 (≈ INR 33.45 lakh) per year, equal to 50× Bulgaria’s monthly minimum wage
- Documents needed:
- Private medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
- Clean criminal record
- Evidence of remote work or company ownership
- Family reunification: Spouses and children can join applicants

Application Process
1. Visa D: Apply at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in India (processing: 1–2 months)
2. Entry & local submission: After Visa D approval, submit documents in Bulgaria (processing: 2–4 weeks)
3. ID card: Issued within 3–30 days
4. Permit validity: 1 year, extendable for another year

Why Bulgaria?
- Affordable living compared to hubs like Lisbon
- Strong internet infrastructure and urban amenities
- Rich lifestyle mix: Black Sea beaches, mountain towns, historic cities
- Applications opened December 20, 2025, making Bulgaria one of Europe’s newest digital nomad destinations