Bulgaria has established itself as a leading destination for digital nomads in Eastern Europe with the fastest internet connection in the region – over 100 Mbps even in some remote mountain huts. The monthly accommodation rent is less than 400 euros. Cities such as Bansko, Sofia and Plovdiv have a dense network of shared offices, where foreigners find not only stable WiFi, but also like-minded people of different nationalities. However, many choose mountain villages or the Black Sea coast, appreciating the beauty of the Bulgarian nature and the ideal conditions for remote work.

At the end of 2025, this country will become even more accessible to nomads from all over the world with a new specialized visa that will facilitate their long-term stay. More on the topic from Alexander Nutsov, Policy and Strategy Director at the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association (BESCO).

"Currently, according to various reports, there are about 35-50 million digital nomads worldwide, as over 60 countries, including Bulgaria, are trying to attract them. These people combine work with getting to know the culture, history and nature of the country in which they reside, earning their income abroad, but spending it locally, thus stimulating the local economy. We will have the so-called digital nomad visa, which is actually a permit for long-term residence for citizens from countries outside the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, to work remotely in Bulgaria."

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The procedure for issuing "nomad visas" will start by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, after the subordinate legislation is finalised. The idea is for digital nomadism to establish itself as a stable engine of the Bulgarian economy alongside tourism.

"As a duration, we are talking about one year, plus the right to renew the visa for another year,” Nutsov says. “Therefore, a digital nomad can stay in Bulgaria for up to two years. It is important to say that these people do not hold jobs in Bulgaria – they work for foreign employers, have companies in third countries or are freelancers, without the right to an employment contract with a local Bulgarian employer. They earn their income abroad, but spend it in our country. To obtain a visa, they must prove an annual income of at least 50 gross minimum wages for the previous year – about €28,000."

Unlike tourists, with these visas digital nomads will be able to have long-term rental agreements, open bank accounts and even invest in local startups but without the right to work for Bulgarian companies.

The economic effect for Bulgaria could be significant. This country could rely on a minimum of 2,000 digital nomads annually from third countries, who would contribute around 15 million euro to the economy through the consumption of local goods and services. But the benefits are broader:

"I would highlight a few,” Alexander Nutsov says. “First, let's mention regional development, as these are people who travel a lot. They do not stay just in Sofia, but also travel to beautiful places in Bulgaria, explore nature, mountains, the sea. They contribute to the development of regions and position Bulgaria as an innovative destination, as most of them work in technological and creative industries. They bring in know-how and knowledge that are missing in the Bulgarian innovative ecosystem, while some are also investors - the so-called "business angels" who support young companies. In addition, they stimulate tourism by sharing their impressions of the country and thus attract a new wave of digital nomads and tourists."

Digital travellers also contribute to promoting Bulgaria on nomad forums and on social networks, which is free marketing that this country would hardly be able to afford.

Author: Veneta Nikolova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: BESCO, Pixabay, Freepik