In recent years, the community of so-called digital nomads—people who work remotely from various parts of the world—has been rapidly growing.
With the amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (FRBA) adopted on 18 June 2025, Bulgaria is taking an important step toward becoming an attractive destination for this new type of professionals. The intended effect is to allow this category of foreigners to reside in Bulgaria and stimulate the country’s economy without competing with the local labour market.
What Do the Amendments Provide?
The amendments to the FRBA introduce a new and previously unfamiliar provision in Bulgaria: the possibility for foreigners who work remotely through information technology to obtain a residence permit for a period of one year, with an option to extend it for another year, without providing services to Bulgarian clients or operating on Bulgarian territory.
This newly introduced opportunity for a residence permit differs from the traditional ones, which are focused on family ties, place of employment, or investment. It reflects global trends in the growing adoption of remote work practices.
It is intended for foreigners who fall within the scope of the term digital nomad introduced by the amended FRBA, provided they meet additional requirements.
Who Qualifies as a Digital Nomad?
The amendments to the FRBA introduce a legal definition of the term digital nomad. According to the law, a digital nomad is a foreign national who performs work or provides services using information technology and meets one of the following conditions:
- They are employed under a labour agreement by an employer registered or established outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation, and they provide remote services using information technology; or
- They are a legal representative, member of the managing body, owner, partner, or shareholder holding more than 25 percent of the capital of a company registered or established outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation, through which they provide remote services using information technology, without working for or providing services to persons located in the Republic of Bulgaria; or
- They have been providing remote services in their own name using information technology for a period of at least one year prior to the date of application, without working for or providing services to persons located in the Republic of Bulgaria and/or without engaging in freelance activity within Bulgarian territory.
Additional Requirement for a Residence Permit: Proof of Income
An essential condition for obtaining the residence permit is that the foreign national must prove an average annual income of no less than 50 times the minimum monthly wage (MMW), based on the MMW for the previous calendar year.
In addition to the main requirements outlined above, digital nomads must meet several other conditions, including proof of secured accommodation, mandatory health insurance, and more. The specific documents and evidence required to meet these conditions will be detailed in the forthcoming Implementing Regulations of the FRBA.
What are the Implementation Challenges?
One of the key challenges is creating a mechanism to ensure and monitor that the digital nomad does not engage in work on Bulgarian territory during the period of residence. Another important issue is preventing individuals of questionable background from using this route to reside in Bulgaria.
What Are the Benefits of the Changes for Bulgaria?
The adoption of the statutory framework for digital nomads is an important success and a decisive step towards innovations and adapting the law to a dynamic modern environment. The benefits to Bulgaria will include:
- Economic Development
According to the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association (BESCO), this new opportunity could bring over BGN 30 million annually into the Bulgarian economy. Digital nomads are typically individuals with a high standard of living, and their presence in Bulgaria means consumption of goods and services, renting co-working spaces and homes, etc.— without creating pressure on the local labour market, given that they must work exclusively with foreign entities.
- Attracting Talent and Know-How
Digital nomads are often high-value professionals—from the IT sector, technology, innovation, and creative industries. Their presence creates opportunities for cultural exchange, networking, and knowledge sharing that can enrich the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- International Image and Competitiveness
Introducing the digital nomad status sends a clear message: Bulgaria is innovative, open, adaptable, and ready to position itself as a preferred destination for this new class of professionals.
The country holds significant potential to become a distinct and attractive location for digital nomads thanks to its favourable geographic position, relatively low cost of living, beautiful nature, high-speed internet, and existing nomad communities, festivals, events, co-working spaces, and a well-connected innovation ecosystem.
To ensure the effectiveness of these benefits, two factors are key: First, the follow-up changes to the Implementing Regulations of the FRBA must ensure a smooth process with minimal administrative burden. Second, a clear strategy, strong promotional channels, and the right partnerships are essential to making the reform as impactful as possible for the Bulgarian economy and the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The article above is for information purposes only. It is not (binding) legal advice. For a thorough understanding of the subjects covered and prior acting on any issue discussed we kindly recommend Readers consult Ilieva, Voutcheva & Co. Law Firm attorneys at law.
