In 2025 Bulgaria took an important step towards attracting international professionals, startups and remote employees. The country's parliament has approved new amendments to the law on the stay of foreigners, which relate to digital nomads, students and qualified professionals. This movement makes Bulgaria increasingly attractive to expats, especially compared to other EU countries such as Greece and Spain.

🧳RESIDENCE permit for digital nomads in Bulgaria

Digital nomads — freelancers and remote employees — can now legally reside in Bulgaria for up to 180 days by applying for a temporary residence permit residence. This is a step forward for a country that previously did not have a clearly defined visa for this category of foreigners.

Conditions of receipt:

• Confirmation of remote income.
• An employment contract or an agreement with a foreign company.
• Medical insurance and proof of housing.

⚠️ Important: unlike Spain, where a residence permit for digital nomads is issued for three years, Bulgaria currently offers only semi-annual status.

🎓 Residence permit for students

International students who have received a long-term visa can apply for an annual residence permit. This simplifies the process for those who want to study and stay in Bulgaria for a long time.

💼 Long-term residence permit for employees of foreign companies

Another important news is the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for those who represent a foreign company. Subject to the conditions:

• The annual turnover of the company is from BGN 100,000 (€51,130).
• Compliance with tax obligations.

Such employees can count on long-term stay in Bulgaria.

🧠EU Blue Card: now with the right to family reunification

Bulgaria has expanded the conditions for qualified specialists. Holders of an EU Blue Card issued in any other EU country can now transfer their family to Bulgaria:

• If housing is available, family members receive a temporary residence permit for 90 days while the main request is being processed.
• This makes Bulgaria attractive for IT specialists and engineers working all over Europe.

🇬🇷 Comparison: Bulgaria versus Greece — where is the best place to get a residence permit?

Parameterbolgariagreception for digital nomads180 days1 year (with the possibility of extension)Required income is moderate (not officially specified)From €3,500/month. "Golden visa" (investment residence permit)Missing, from €250,000 (real estate)Residence permit for работниковBlue Card + national программыBlue Card + individual types Vneseniya migratierecht of Blue CardРазрешена in most types Unenlightened of the lowest taxes in Iswise, but there are benefits to new residents

📝 Output

Bulgaria is confidently moving towards the modernization of migration policy, offering options for remote specialists, students and entrepreneurs. Despite the fact that there is no full-fledged golden visa in Bulgaria yet, the country focuses on flexible and operational schemes for obtaining a residence permit.

Greece, in turn, remains attractive to investors and those who are willing to invest in real estate for a quick residency.

👉 If you are planning to move to Europe, Bulgaria can be a great place to start, especially for those who value low taxes, a mild climate and access to the EU.