Residence Permit for IT Specialists in Bulgaria: New Programme Boosts Interest in Relocating and Buying Property in the Country

If you are considering relocating to Bulgaria or planning a property investment, the new residence permit programme opens up additional prospects for permanent or temporary residence in the country. Bulgaria has opened applications for a residence permit for digital nomads: what this means for IT specialists and property buyers.

From 20 December 2025, Bulgaria officially began accepting applications for a long-stay permit in Bulgaria for digital nomads, expanding opportunities for remote specialists from all over the world. 

Below is everything you need to know about the new residence permit and its impact on the property market.

What is the Long-Stay Permit in Bulgaria for Digital Nomads

The Bulgarian authorities have introduced a special residence permit for digital nomads, intended for foreigners who work remotely through technology and earn income from employers based outside the country or the EU/EEA. 

The programme opened on 20 December 2025 — applications began to be officially accepted at Bulgarian consulates and embassies. 

The long-stay permit in Bulgaria is issued for 1 year, with the possibility of extending it for another 1 year. 

Relocation is possible together with family members through the family reunification procedure. 

This is a new and legal route for specialists who wish to live and work in Bulgaria, provided that they are not employed by Bulgarian companies and do not provide services on the local market. 

Who can apply for the Long-Stay Permit in Bulgaria as a digital nomad

• Remote workers officially employed by companies registered outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (remote employees).
• Business managers and founders who own at least 25% of a foreign company, with income from international operations.
• Freelancers and self-employed specialists who, for at least a year (prior to submitting the application), have provided services to foreign clients and have not worked for Bulgarian companies.

Key income requirements

The key condition for obtaining such a visa is confirmed income for the previous year. Bulgarian regulations require that annual income be equivalent to at least 50 minimum monthly salaries of Bulgaria, which for 2025–2026 amounts to approximately €31,000 per year. 

This criterion confirms that the programme is aimed at specialists with a stable financial standing, rather than at temporary holidaymakers or seasonal workers.

How the application process works 

To obtain the digital nomad residence permit, you must go through several stages: 

• Obtaining a long-stay Type D visa at the Bulgarian consulate in your country of residence (takes ~4–8 weeks).
• After entering Bulgaria — submitting the application for the Long-Stay Permit (within 14 days).
• The final stage is obtaining the identity document (up to 30 days).
• You must provide proof of income, insurance and confirmation of accommodation. 

The entire process may take a total of about 3–4 months from the moment the complete package of documents is submitted. 

Why this matters for IT specialists and digital nomads

The new basis for the residence permit makes Bulgaria an official location for remote work and residence in Europe: 

• Access to high-quality internet and infrastructure; 
• The possibility to live and work legally without a local employer; 
• Bulgaria, as a member of the Schengen area, offers free entry across Europe; 
• The cost of living is lower than in most EU countries, especially in large cities and resort regions. 

This attracts not only IT specialists, but also everyone who works through digital platforms — from designers and marketers to developers. 

The programme's impact on the property market

The launch of the residence permit programme for digital nomads directly affects the Bulgarian property market:

• Demand is increasing for housing in popular cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and resort areas; 
• Interest is growing in purchasing apartments and houses for long-term rental; 
• Bulgaria's appeal as a place to live and invest is strengthening against the backdrop of other European programmes; 
• For investors, this means growing demand for quality property, especially with quick access to infrastructure, internet and transport — all factors that digital nomads value when choosing a place to live. 

The launch of the residence permit programme for digital nomads is a strategic step by Bulgaria aimed at attracting remote specialists, investors and active residents from all over the world. Bulgaria is becoming a new hub for digital life.

This important update in migration policy makes Bulgaria a legal and attractive place for IT specialists who wish to combine work with a high quality of life in Europe. This new programme makes Bulgaria one of the most appealing countries for IT specialists, freelancers and digital nomads who aim to live in Europe, work remotely and invest in property. The specialists of our agency will select the best housing options in Bulgaria for you within your budget.