europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Bulgaria: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Bulgaria for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Bulgaria. EU/EEA citizens have unlimited work rights, while non-EU citizens can stay visa-free for 90 days or apply for a freelance residence permit. Bulgaria offers the lowest cost of living in the EU, excellent internet infrastructure, favorable tax rates including a 10% flat tax, and stunning natural diversity from Black Sea beaches to mountain ski resorts.
Visa Options
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
As an EU member state, Bulgaria grants full freedom of movement to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. You can live and work without restrictions. Register at the local municipality if staying over 90 days to receive a registration certificate.
Non-EU Citizens: Short-Term Stay
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including US, Canada, UK, Australia) can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism or short-term remote work for foreign companies. Note: Bulgaria is not yet in Schengen for land borders, but the 90/180 rule still applies.
Freelance Residence Permit (Type D Visa)
The most common route for non-EU remote workers:
- Register as a freelancer (ET - Ednolichen Targovets) in Bulgaria
- Apply for long-term D visa for independent economic activity
- Initial permit valid for 1 year, renewable annually
- Requires proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means
- Processing time: 1-3 months
- Must show contract or proof of freelance work
- Provides access to Bulgarian residence permit
The process involves registering a business entity (ET), which is relatively straightforward and inexpensive ($50-100 in fees).
Startup/Business Visa
If you want to establish a company in Bulgaria:
- Register Bulgarian company (OOD or EOOD)
- Apply for residence permit as company representative
- More paperwork but provides full business capabilities
- Favorable tax environment for companies
Employment Visa
If employed by Bulgarian company:
- Employer must obtain work permit approval
- Then apply for employment visa/residence permit
- Processing time: 2-4 months
- Less common for remote workers
Digital Nomad Developments
Bulgaria has discussed introducing a formal digital nomad visa program. Check official sources for latest developments, though the freelance residence permit currently serves a similar purpose.
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You become a Bulgarian tax resident if you:
- Stay in Bulgaria for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, or
- Have your permanent address or center of vital interests in Bulgaria
Flat Tax System
Bulgaria has the EU’s most attractive tax system:
- 10% flat personal income tax on all income (employed or self-employed)
- 10% corporate tax for companies
- No wealth tax, no inheritance tax for direct relatives
- One of the most business-friendly tax regimes in Europe
Self-Employed/Freelancer (ET)
If you register as a freelancer (ET):
- 10% income tax on net profit (revenue minus expenses)
- Social security contributions: approximately 25-27% on income (with minimum and maximum thresholds)
- Health insurance: approximately 8% (included in social contributions)
- Minimum monthly social security base: approximately $250 (BGN 460)
- You can deduct legitimate business expenses
Many freelancers pay social security on the minimum base to reduce costs while benefiting from the 10% flat tax on actual income.
Bulgarian Company (EOOD/OOD)
If you establish a Bulgarian company:
- 10% corporate tax on profits
- 5% dividend tax when distributing profits to yourself
- Total effective tax rate: ~14.5% (among lowest in EU)
- Social security contributions required for company directors
- Excellent for high earners
Non-Residents
Non-residents working remotely for foreign companies while in Bulgaria for under 183 days typically don’t owe Bulgarian income tax, provided no Bulgarian permanent establishment exists.
Double Taxation Treaties
Bulgaria has tax treaties with over 70 countries, including US, UK, Canada, and Australia, preventing double taxation. Always consult with a Bulgarian tax advisor for your specific situation.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Sofia
Bulgaria’s capital and largest city is the primary hub for remote workers and digital nomads. Sofia offers the most developed infrastructure with numerous coworking spaces (Soho, Betahaus, Puzl CowOrking), vibrant startup scene, and large expat community. The city sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, offering easy access to hiking and skiing. Cost of living is very affordable ($800-1,200/month) with good quality of life. English widely spoken in tech sector. Winters can be cold, summers pleasant. Best overall choice for digital nomads in Bulgaria.
Bansko
A unique ski resort town that has become a digital nomad hotspot, especially during winter. Bansko offers an established remote work community with coworking spaces, affordable mountain accommodation, and excellent skiing. The annual Bansko Nomad Fest attracts hundreds of remote workers. Very affordable ($600-900/month including accommodation), stunning mountain scenery, but limited in summer when many facilities close. Internet is excellent even in this mountain town. Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking community.
Plovdiv
Bulgaria’s second-largest city offers authentic Bulgarian culture with a thriving arts scene, beautiful old town, and growing tech sector. More relaxed pace than Sofia, Plovdiv has several coworking spaces, good cafes, and developing digital nomad community. Extremely affordable ($500-800/month) with mild climate. The city is smaller and has fewer international amenities than Sofia but compensates with charm, culture, and authenticity. European Capital of Culture 2019, showcasing its rich heritage.
Timezone Overlap
Bulgaria operates on Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) in winter and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3) in summer.
Working with US Companies:
- East Coast (EST/EDT): 7 hours ahead (9 AM in New York = 4 PM in Sofia)
- West Coast (PST/PDT): 10 hours ahead (9 AM in San Francisco = 7 PM in Sofia)
Limited real-time overlap with US time zones (1-3 hours with East Coast). Most remote workers either shift their schedules to afternoons/evenings or work asynchronously. The timezone challenge is offset by low costs and high quality of life.
Working with European Companies:
- 1-2 hours ahead of Western Europe
- Same timezone as Greece, Romania, Finland
- Excellent overlap with most European countries
- Ideal for European clients
Working with UK Companies:
- 2 hours ahead of UK (GMT/BST)
- Good working hour overlap
Working with Middle East/Asia:
- Better alignment than Western Europe
- 1 hour behind Dubai
- 3.5-4.5 hours behind India
- 5-6 hours behind Singapore/China
- Favorable for Asian markets
Your Bulgaria Remote Work Setup Checklist
- 1 Determine visa strategy and apply for freelance residence permit if needed
- 2 Register as freelancer (ET) if planning long-term stay (lawyer can help for ~$200-300)
- 3 Secure accommodation (Imot.bg, OLX.bg, or Airbnb initially)
- 4 Obtain comprehensive health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- 5 Register at local municipality for residence certificate (EU citizens staying 90+ days)
- 6 Set up Bulgarian bank account (UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank have English services)
- 7 Get local SIM card (A1, Vivacom, Yettel offer great data plans for $5-10/month)
- 8 Register for Bulgarian tax and social security if becoming resident
- 9 Find coworking space or reliable work location (cafes have good WiFi)
- 10 Consult with Bulgarian accountant/tax advisor ($30-50/month for freelancers)
- 11 Join digital nomad communities (Sofia Digital Nomads, Bansko Nomad Fest groups)
- 12 Learn Cyrillic alphabet basics (Bulgarian uses Cyrillic script)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bulgaria so affordable compared to other EU countries?
Bulgaria is the EU's least expensive member state due to lower average wages, lower property costs, and generally lower price levels for goods and services. However, it's rapidly developing with good infrastructure, especially in cities. You can rent a modern 1-bedroom apartment in Sofia for $400-600/month, eat well for $200-300/month, and enjoy excellent internet and amenities. The low cost doesn't mean low quality - you get good value for money, especially in the digital nomad economy where you earn foreign income and spend in Bulgaria.
Is the 10% flat tax really that simple?
Yes, Bulgaria's 10% flat income tax is straightforward and genuinely low. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, you pay 10% income tax. The complexity comes from social security contributions (approximately 25-27%), which are calculated on income up to a maximum threshold. Many freelancers minimize social contributions by paying on the minimum base (~$250/month) while paying 10% tax on their actual income. Total tax burden is still very competitive compared to other EU countries. Always work with a Bulgarian accountant (costs $30-60/month) to optimize your situation legally.
What about the language barrier - do people speak English?
In Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Bansko (nomad hotspots), younger people and those in tech/tourism speak English reasonably well. However, Bulgaria has lower English proficiency than other Central European countries. Government offices, older generation, and rural areas rarely speak English. Bulgarian uses Cyrillic alphabet, which can be challenging initially for reading signs and documents. The growing expat community means more English-friendly services. Learning basic Bulgarian phrases and Cyrillic alphabet basics significantly improves your experience. Many remote workers manage fine with English, Google Translate, and local expat communities for support.
How is healthcare in Bulgaria for foreigners?
Bulgaria has a two-tier healthcare system: public and private. Public healthcare is affordable but quality varies, with language barriers and outdated facilities in some areas. Most expats and remote workers use private healthcare, which is excellent and very affordable by Western standards. Private consultations cost $30-60, and comprehensive private health insurance is $50-150/month. Sofia has modern private hospitals with English-speaking doctors. If you become resident and pay social contributions, you access public healthcare. Many digital nomads maintain international health insurance or use private providers. Medical tourism is popular due to low costs and good quality in private sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Bulgaria for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Bulgaria for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Bulgaria.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Bulgaria?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Bulgaria visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Bulgaria?
The cost of living in Bulgaria is relatively affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,200-2,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Bulgaria have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Bulgaria's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Bulgaria?
The best cities for remote workers in Bulgaria typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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