In the fast‑changing world of remote work the place you live can really decide how well you work and how happy you feel. **Bulgaria in 2025** looks like a perfect spot for digital nomads. It mixes cheap living costs with a **flat 10 % tax** for both personal and company money, fast internet everywhere, and easy visa routes. Short‑term “border‑run” tourist visas let you get in quick, but the **self‑employment visa** you get by opening a Bulgarian firm gives real legal safety and gets rid of those annoying trips over the border. This essay shows why Bulgaria is good, explains the visa choices, and gives a practical guide to get the long‑term permit so you can decide if moving makes sense.
- Why a €1,000‑per‑month budget can work in Bulgaria.
- How the flat 10 % tax makes filing taxes simple.
- The tech stuff that keeps your internet reliable.
- A compare‑and‑contrast of tourist “border‑run” vs self‑employment visa.
- Step‑by‑step how to grab the residence permit for self‑employment.
- The biggest trap if you lean too hard on border runs.
- Community help – coworking spots, expat meet‑ups, rural retreats, and immigration aid.
You can live on under €1,000 a month and still feel comfortable in Bulgaria’s big cities. In Sofia a small studio or one‑bedroom in the centre rents about €300–€450, while utilities (electric, heat, water, net) cost €80–€120. Groceries sit around €200–€250, and eating out two or three times a week adds €100–€150. Plovdiv is similar – rent a bit cheaper, transport a tiny bit pricier. So after paying the basics you still have cash for trips, courses, or saving.
Bulgaria’s tax system is simply a 10 % flat on personal earn‑ings and company profit. No progressive brackets, no extra social charges, no hidden fees. Book‑keeping is easy: one tax return and a little software do the job. For freelancers and tiny firms that means less paperwork and less money wasted on accountants.
The national network gives gigabit fiber‑optic to more than 80 % of homes. 4G/5G reaches even remote villages. Average download speed tops 150 Mbps, so video calls, cloud work, and live collab feel smooth. If your job needs constant connection this is a big plus.
Bulgaria sits in the Balkans, a handy hub. High‑speed rail gets you to Greece in ~2 hours, highways make a 3‑hour drive to Romania, and a night‑bus can drop you in Turkey. That means cheap weekend trips, new culture, and no big work disruption.
1. Tourist visa with border runs
2. Self‑employment visa by making a Bulgarian company
Under the Schengen 90‑day‑in‑180‑day rule, tourists can stay 90 days in any six‑month window. Bulgaria, not in Schengen, follows the same limit for visa‑free visitors. A “border‑run” means you step out to a neighbor like Serbia or Turkey, reset the clock, and come back for another 90‑day stretch. Good for scouting, but doing it over and over can look like dodging residency rules. Officials may see it as cheating, leading to fines or bans.
The self‑employment visa needs you to register a legal entity – usually a sole‑prop or Ltd. You must show €800–€1,000 monthly income, have a registered Bulgarian address (coworking desk works), and keep full‑time health insurance. Once approved you get a year‑round residence permit, no more border runs, and real legal stability.
1. Register the company – send Articles of Association and forms to the Commercial Register; get the certificate.
2. Open a bank account – open a Bulgarian account; put the **€2,000** capital (or lower if you qualify).
3. Find a local address – rent a small office, a coworking spot, or use a virtual office for the statutory address.
4. Buy health insurance – pick a public or private plan that meets the Migration Directorate’s rules.
5. Gather documents – passport copy, proof of income (bank sheet or contracts), lease/virtual office agreement, insurance proof, company papers.
6. Apply to the Migration Directorate – hand in everything in person or through a lawyer.
7. Wait for decision – normally 30–60 days; you get a residence card when it’s ok.
Most remote workers think “border runs” can go on forever. Take **Alex**, a freelance graphic designer. Over 18 months he did **fifteen** border runs to Serbia and Turkey. At first it was fine, but eventually immigration flagged him, gave a **two‑year entry ban** and heavy fines for abusing the visa‑free rule. His story shows how risky it is to keep leaving and coming back, and why the **self‑employment visa** from the start is safer and gives real peace of mind.
- Cow‑working spots – Betahaus in Sofia and Puzl in Plovdiv have fast net, good desks, and weekly meet‑ups for techies, creators, and start‑up founders.
- Meet‑ups – Thursday nights host drinks, language swaps, mini‑hackathons – a chill way to share skills and make friends.
- Rural retreats – The mountain town Bansko is quiet, has great broadband, and works well for focus sprints with mountain views.
- Paperwork help – Local immigration advisors charge €300–€600 for full service – they do the company set‑up, translate docs, and talk to the Migration office, speeding up everything.
Bulgaria’s mix of low cost, tax simplicity, and steady internet makes it a top choice for digital nomads wanting stability without blowing their budget. The tourist “border‑run” can help you test the waters, but the self‑employment visa gives a lasting legal base that avoids random bans and money penalties. So, if you’re serious about remote work, set up a Bulgarian company, hit the modest income test, and lock down the residence permit.
