Living in Bulgaria
Europe — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
Sofia
Currency
BGN
Continent
Europe
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for Bulgaria.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to Bulgaria
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Visa Free | — |
| Belgium | Visa Free | — |
| Croatia | Visa Free | — |
| Cyprus | Visa Free | — |
| Czechia | Visa Free | — |
| Denmark | Visa Free | — |
| Estonia | Visa Free | — |
| Finland | Visa Free | — |
| France | Visa Free | — |
| Germany | Visa Free | — |
Detailed visa guides for Bulgaria
Monthly costs
Sofia
Rent (center)
650 USD/mo
Groceries
250 USD/mo
Transport
30 USD/mo
Est. Monthly Total
1,050 USD/mo
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Work permits
Bulgaria offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.
-
Single Permit (EU)
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Skilled workers with job offer
-
EU Blue Card
Duration: 2 years
Min gross BGN 2,900/month, higher education
-
Digital Nomad Visa
Duration: 1 year
Freelancers with non-Bulgarian clients
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
10% – 10%
Social Security (Employee)
0.1378%
Flat 10% — lowest in EU. Digital Nomad Visa launched June 2025.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in Bulgaria. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
Bulgaria eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →