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๐ง๐ฌ Digital Nomad Visa (Type D, new 2025-26)
Bulgaria digital nomad visa for Americans
The Digital Nomad Visa (Type D, new 2025-26) lets you live in Bulgaria while you keep working for clients or an employer outside the country. Income needed: ~โฌ31,000/yr (~โฌ2,580/mo) (about $2,968 a month). Length: 1 yr.
๐ Open to applications ๐งพ Moderate tax Europe (Schengen)
The visa in numbers
๐ At about $2,968 a month, Bulgaria's bar is higher than 17 and lower than 24 of the 42 open nomad visas with a set income minimum. Compare all nomad visas โ
Requirements and details
| ๐ Visa | Digital Nomad Visa (Type D, new 2025-26) |
| ๐ต Income needed | ~โฌ31,000/yr (~โฌ2,580/mo) โ $2,968 a month in US dollars at current rates |
| ๐ณ Fees | ~โฌ100 |
| โณ How long it lasts | 1 yr |
| ๐ Renewal | Yes (residence permit after arrival) |
| ๐ Where you apply | Consulate abroad only (Type D), then in-country permit |
| ๐ Time you must spend there | Standard permit-renewal presence |
| ๐ Path to permanent residency | Long-term residence possible at 5 yrs |
| ๐งพ Tax | 183 days โ resident; flat 10% โ EU's lowest โญ ๐ก Moderate ยท Worldwide income ยท top rate 10% |
| ๐ Good to know | Brand-new program โ apply Type D at consulate, then permit within 14 days of arrival |
| ๐ Documents |
|
Not working remotely? The passive-income route
Pensioner D visa: Proof of pension. Established retiree route.
Can the income bar cover life in Bulgaria?
All-in monthly cost for one person (everyday living costs plus a 1-bedroom city-centre rent), from the cities we cover.
| City | All-in / month | Income bar covers it |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ง๐ฌ Bansko | โ$1,170 | 2.5ร |
| ๐ง๐ฌ Sofia | $1,647 | 1.8ร |
Data last updated ยท Source: Curated immigration research (confidence: medium)
Bulgaria nomad visa: common questions
How much income do I need for Bulgaria's digital nomad visa?
~โฌ31,000/yr (~โฌ2,580/mo). That's about $2,968 a month in US dollars at current exchange rates.
How long does the Digital Nomad Visa (Type D, new 2025-26) last, and can I renew it?
1 yr. Renewal: Yes (residence permit after arrival).
Where do I apply?
Consulate abroad only (Type D), then in-country permit.
What documents do I need?
Passport, โฌ31k/yr income proof, remote work proof, accommodation, EU-valid insurance, criminal record. Requirements vary by consulate, so check the current list before you book an appointment.
Can it lead to permanent residency in Bulgaria?
Long-term residence possible at 5 yrs.
Will I pay tax in Bulgaria as a digital nomad?
183 days โ resident; flat 10% โ EU's lowest โญ. As an American you also stay taxable by the IRS on your worldwide income wherever you live; the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits usually stop you paying twice. Compare taxes abroad for Americans.