Bulgaria ranks 11th in the world for digital quality of life: what this means for investors and property buyers

Bulgaria is confidently strengthening its image as a modern European country attractive not only to tourists, but also to remote professionals, entrepreneurs and investors. According to Bulgarian media citing Surfshark, in the Digital Quality of Life Index 2025 Bulgaria has risen to 11th place in the world, overtaking many economically developed countries. This is a significant achievement that directly influences interest in property in the country and sets new standards of living for residents and expats.

What is Digital Quality of Life and why it matters

The Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) assesses comfort of life in the digital environment across five global categories:

• internet affordability
• speed and quality of connection
• digital infrastructure
• cyber security
• e-government

In other words, DQL measures how convenient it is for a person to live, work and do business - when all their activity relies on technology and online processes.

In the era of remote work and digital mobility, it is precisely this index that increasingly determines a country's appeal for relocation and long-term residence.

Bulgaria - among the world leaders of the digital environment

Having risen to 11th place, Bulgaria has entered the elite of countries with the most developed digital infrastructure.

The top ten of the Digital Quality of Life 2025 ranking includes Denmark, the USA, Singapore and Japan. Bulgaria is in 11th position, right behind Japan, ahead of Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Estonia..

This is an outstanding result, given the size of the economy and the affordability of the cost of living.

Why Bulgaria ranks so high

• Fast and affordable internet. The country consistently ranks in the world's top 20 for fixed internet speed, while the cost of services is one of the lowest in the EU.
• Developed digital infrastructure. Wide 4G/5G coverage, active roll-out of fibre-optic networks even in smaller towns.
• Effective e-government. Public services - from taxes to registrations - are actively moving online. This reduces bureaucracy and makes the country convenient for business.
• Cyber security. Bulgaria has improved its positions thanks to investment in data protection and the updating of its regulatory framework.

The importance of a country's digital quality of life for the property market

The rise in digital quality of life directly affects demand for housing. Here is why:

• An influx of remote professionals and digital nomads
• Expats choose countries where they can work online without issues with the internet and services. Bulgaria is becoming a hub for IT professionals, freelancers and start-up entrepreneurs.
• Growing demand for long-term rentals. Cities with good digital infrastructure (Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas) are forecast to see annual rental growth of 8–12%.
• Rising property values. Digital accessibility is now as much a factor as transport, ecology and infrastructure. Housing in countries with a high DQL is rising in price faster.
• Advantages for investors. Bulgaria combines a high digital index + a low entry threshold to the property market + steady demand. This makes the country one of the most attractive in the region for buying property to let.

Where to buy property in Bulgaria if the digital environment matters

Sofia - No. 1 for IT and remote work:

• the largest IT cluster in the Balkans;
• high demand for rental housing;
• a developed transport network and urban environment.

Plovdiv - a growing technology hub:

• the second capital of outsourcing;
• affordable housing prices;
• strong demand for long-term rentals.

Varna and Burgas - seaside comfort + digital comfort:

• ideal for remote work;
• fast internet;
• a combination of a seaside location and urban amenities.

Sveti Vlas, Nessebar, Sunny Beach:

• attractive for those who combine leisure and remote work;
• growing rental demand even out of season.

A high digital quality of life ranking confirms that Bulgaria is a modern, convenient and technologically advanced country where it is comfortable to live, work and invest.