A special ground for extended residence exists in Bulgarian law for so-called "digital nomads": foreign nationals employed remotely by a non-EU employer who plan to make Bulgaria their home.
Best suited to
Third-country professionals who work remotely and seek legal status in an EU Member State will find it a good match, since it does not oblige them to hire Bulgarian staff or begin operating on the Bulgarian market.
Eligibility
Someone counts as a "digital nomad" if they satisfy any one of three alternative conditions. They:
- hold a contract of employment with a company incorporated outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, and perform the work at a distance via information technologies;
- are a manager or board member of a company registered outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, or an owner, partner or shareholder holding over 25% of it, and provide remote services through that company;
- have worked as an individual service provider for at least one year before applying, again remotely and with no work for persons based in Bulgaria.
Documents and income
The standard documents are a valid passport, accommodation arranged in Bulgaria, health insurance, a criminal record certificate and proof of whichever sub-ground applies to you. You must also show that your average annual income over the previous year was at least 50 minimum monthly salaries under Bulgarian law.
Stages and timing
There are two main stages. First you obtain a Visa D from a Bulgarian diplomatic mission abroad; then you file an application for extended residence with the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria. Expect two to seven weeks for the Visa D. For the permit, the decision takes up to 14 days, and producing the card takes 3, 10 or 30 days.
Our role
The documents differ for each of the three sub-grounds, so we first determine which one matches your profile. We then compile the whole package, translations and legalisation included, and handle the procedure until the permit is issued. Contact us for a consultation on your own case.
Further reading
Practice cases
Common questions
- How long does it take to get the digital nomad residence permit?
- A long-stay visa (type D) takes 2–4 weeks at the consulate. After you arrive in Bulgaria, the residence permit application goes to the Migration Directorate within 90 days; the permit is normally issued within one month.
- Is it possible to bring family along as a digital nomad?
- Yes. After receiving a temporary residence permit, a digital nomad can start family reunification for a spouse and minor children.
- Who may apply for the digital nomad visa in Bulgaria?
- Non-EU citizens may apply if their work is done at a distance for an employer or clients based abroad. Income matters too: the average for the preceding year must come to no less than 50 minimum monthly salaries under Bulgarian law, and a valid employment or service contract with a foreign company is needed.
Please note
This article gives general information and is not legal advice. Legislation changes over time, so for current and binding guidance on your case, contact us.
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