Bulgaria Introduces Residence Permit For Digital Nomads

July 2025 – On 1 July 2025, significant amendments to the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act entered into force. Among the key amendments is the introduction of a new legal basis for granting prolonged residence permits to so-called digital nomads. They will now reside in and work out of Bulgaria without the need of a work permit, provided that the digital nomads do not work for Bulgarian businesses.

A digital nomad is defined as a foreign national who works remotely and meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Is employed under an employment contract with an employer established outside the EU, EEA or the Swiss Confederation;
• Is a legal representative, member of the management body, owner, partner or shareholder holding more than 25% of the capital of a company registered outside the EU, EEA or Swiss Confederation, through which remote services are provided, and does not perform work and/or provide services to individuals or businesses