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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ 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: ~โ‚ฌ31,000/yr (~โ‚ฌ2,580/mo) (about $2,968 a month). Length: 1 yr.

๐Ÿ›‚ Open to applications ๐Ÿงพ Moderate tax Europe (Schengen)

The visa in numbers

$2,968
๐Ÿ’ต Income / month
US-dollar equivalent
1 yr
โณ Length
Renewal: Yes (residence permit after arrival)
$1,170
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cheapest city, all-in
Bansko ยท living + 1BR rent
90d
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Visit visa-free first
on a US passport, to look around before applying

๐Ÿ“Š 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

๐Ÿ›‚ Visa Digital Nomad Visa (Type D, new 2025-26)
๐Ÿ’ต Income needed ~โ‚ฌ31,000/yr (~โ‚ฌ2,580/mo)
โ‰ˆ $2,968 a month in US dollars at current rates
๐Ÿ’ณ Fees ~โ‚ฌ100
โณ How long it lasts 1 yr
๐Ÿ” Renewal Yes (residence permit after arrival)
๐Ÿ“ Where you apply Consulate abroad only (Type D), then in-country permit
๐Ÿ“† Time you must spend there Standard permit-renewal presence
๐Ÿ  Path to permanent residency Long-term residence possible at 5 yrs
๐Ÿงพ Tax 183 days โ†’ resident; flat 10% โ†’ EU's lowest โญ
๐ŸŸก Moderate ยท Worldwide income ยท top rate 10%
๐Ÿ“ Good to know Brand-new program โ†’ apply Type D at consulate, then permit within 14 days of arrival
๐Ÿ“„ Documents
  • Passport
  • โ‚ฌ31k/yr income proof
  • remote work proof
  • accommodation
  • EU-valid insurance
  • criminal record

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.

CityAll-in / monthIncome bar covers it
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ Bansko โ‰ˆ$1,170 2.5ร—
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ Sofia $1,647 1.8ร—
General reference, not immigration or tax advice. Visa rules, income figures and fees change often and can differ by consulate. Confirm the current requirements with Bulgaria's consulate or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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?

~โ‚ฌ31,000/yr (~โ‚ฌ2,580/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, โ‚ฌ31k/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.

More about Bulgaria

Other nomad visas in Europe (Schengen)