Digital Nomad Visa (2025) — Bulgaria
Bulgaria launched Digital Nomad visa in 2025, joining growing list of EU countries welcoming remote workers. Allows non-EU citizens to live in Bulgaria while working remotely for foreign companies. Combined with 10% flat tax and low cost of living, very attractive option.
Digital Nomad Visa (2025)
Bulgaria launched Digital Nomad visa in 2025, joining growing list of EU countries welcoming remote workers. Allows non-EU citizens to live in Bulgaria while working remotely for foreign companies. Combined with 10% flat tax and low cost of living, very attractive option.
Visa Requirements
Must prove minimum €2,000 monthly income (or €24,000 annual). Higher than non-lucrative visa (€800/month). Ensures financial stability. Income from remote work or business.
Must work remotely for foreign employer or own foreign business. Cannot work for Bulgarian companies (different visa needed). Must maintain non-Bulgarian employment throughout stay.
Initial visa valid up to 12 months. Can potentially renew. Allows full year residence. Test Bulgaria before committing to permanent move.
Only non-EU/EEA citizens need Digital Nomad visa. EU citizens can move freely under EU law. Visa specifically designed to attract talent from outside Europe.
Tax Implications
Staying 183+ days in Bulgaria within 12 months triggers tax residency. Then taxed on worldwide income at 10%. Must consider home country tax treaty. Potentially still favorable due to low rate.
If stay less than 183 days and maintain tax residency elsewhere, don't pay Bulgarian tax on foreign employment income. Only Bulgarian-source income taxed. Strategic planning possible.
Digital nomads working for foreign companies typically not subject to Bulgarian social security. May need to contribute in home country. Check totalization agreements.
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Bulgaria's Simple Flat Tax System
Bulgaria operates one of EU's simplest tax systems with flat 10% rate on all personal income. No progressive brackets. No complexity. Same rate whether you earn €20,000 or €200,000 annually. This simplicity attracts entrepreneurs, freelancers, and high earners. Combined with low 5% dividend tax, makes Bulgaria very tax-efficient.
02Social Security Contributions
Bulgarian social security system covers health insurance, pension, unemployment, and disability. Contributions lower than most EU countries but adequate. Combined employee-employer rate 32.7-33.4% - below EU average. Contributions capped at maximum monthly base, benefiting high earners.
03Tax Deductions (Limited)
Bulgaria offers fewer deductions than many EU countries because 10% flat rate is already very low. Philosophy: keep system simple, keep rates low, minimize deductions. Main deductions focus on long-term savings (pension, insurance) and charity. No mortgage interest deduction unlike many countries.
04How Tax is Calculated (Simple!)
Bulgarian tax calculation is straightforward: gross income minus social contributions minus small deductions equals taxable income. Taxable income × 10% = tax due. Employers withhold monthly. Annual return reconciles. Much simpler than progressive systems with multiple brackets.
06Euro Adoption (January 1, 2026)
Bulgaria officially joins Eurozone on January 1, 2026. Bulgarian Lev replaced by Euro at fixed conversion rate. Major milestone strengthening Bulgaria's EU integration. Eliminates currency risk for international business. All taxes, salaries, prices convert to euros.