In short
US citizens can stay in Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, but for most long-term routes you need a long-stay visa D from a Bulgarian consulate before you move — you cannot simply switch in Bulgaria. The main routes are the pensioner permit (a pension plus means of at least the minimum wage, €620.20 a month in 2026), the digital nomad permit (about €27,500 a year for 2026 applications), work permits and the EU Blue Card. Owning a Bulgarian company is not a residence ground on its own. Permits run for a year and are renewable; permanent residence follows after 5 years.
Moving to Bulgaria: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Short stays without a visa | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen)# Source: Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa for Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| Before you move | Long-stay visa D from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence; then the residence permit from the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria# Source: Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa D (long-stay) information sheet · Bulgarian Administrative Register: long-term residence permit (service 21815) |
| Residence permit | Long-term residence permit, up to 1 year, renewable (apply at least 14 days before expiry)# Source: Refugeelight.bg: long-term residence permit for pensioners · Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (consolidated text) |
| Retirement route | Long-term residence for pensioners (Art. 24(1) point 10, Foreigners Act): a pension from any country plus sufficient means# Source: Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (consolidated text) |
| Sufficient means | At least the minimum monthly wage (€620.20 in 2026) for each month of stay# Source: Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (consolidated text) · Trud i pravo: Council of Ministers Decree 243/2025 — minimum wage from 1 Jan 2026 |
| Digital nomad income | At least 50 minimum monthly wages of the previous year — about €27,500 a year for 2026 applications (€31,010 from 2027)# Source: State Gazette No. 52/2025: amendment of the Foreigners Act (digital nomads) |
| Digital nomad permit term | 1 year, renewable once for 1 more year# Source: State Gazette No. 52/2025: amendment of the Foreigners Act (digital nomads) |
| Owning a company | Not a residence ground on its own; a company must, for example, create at least 10 full-time jobs for Bulgarian citizens# Source: Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (consolidated text) |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years of lawful, continuous residence (absences up to 30 months in total)# Source: Posolstvo.eu: conditions for permanent residence (Art. 25 Foreigners Act) |
| Price level | Lowest in the EU: 63% of the EU average (2025)# Source: Eurostat: price levels in the EU, 2025 |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Bulgaria's residence rules are the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen). |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | The long-stay visa D is filed at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. |
| Tax treaty with Bulgaria | Bulgaria has income tax treaties with the US and many other countries — check how yours treats pensions and salary. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Country Overview
Bulgaria at a Glance
Key facts Americans need before deciding.
Sofia
Lively capital with a strong tech scene and an international community. About 1.3 million people.
Bulgarian + English
Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English is widely spoken among younger people and in Sofia's business circles.
Euro (€)
Bulgaria joined the euro on 1 January 2026; the lev is no longer legal tender.
One stop
No nonstop flights from the US — connect via Frankfurt, Vienna, Istanbul or other hubs. Sofia Airport is 10 km from the centre, with a metro link.
Public + private
Public health insurance (8% contribution) covers permanent residents and employees; most new long-term residents use private insurance.
4 Seasons
Warm summers (Sofia's July average high is about 28 °C) and cold, snowy winters.
Fast mobile data
Mobile internet is among the fastest in the world; fixed broadband is solid and cheap (about €13 a month in Sofia).
EU, NATO, Schengen
EU since 2007, NATO since 2004, full Schengen member since 1 January 2025.
Pathways to Residency
Which Visa Route is Right for You?
US citizens can stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180. For most long-term routes you apply for a long-stay visa D at a Bulgarian consulate before you move, then for the residence permit in Bulgaria.
Pensioner Permit
For people who receive a pension from any country. You need means of at least the minimum monthly wage for each month of stay, health insurance, accommodation and a Bulgarian bank account receiving your pension. No work allowed on this basis.
- Means
- €620.20+/month (2026)
- Duration
- Up to 1 year, renewable
- Fee
- €255.65 (1 year)
Digital Nomad Permit
In law since June 2025, with application rules since December 2025. For remote employees of non-EU employers, owners of 25%+ of a non-EU company providing IT-based services, and freelancers with at least a year of remote IT work. No work for clients in Bulgaria.
- Income
- about €27,500/yr (2026 applications)
- Duration
- 1 year + 1 renewal
- Apply
- Visa D at a consulate first
Work Permit / EU Blue Card
For Americans with a job offer from a Bulgarian employer, who applies for the single permit. The EU Blue Card needs a salary of at least 1.5 times Bulgaria's average gross wage.
- Employer required
- Yes
- Blue Card
- 2–5 years
Company Owners
Registering a Bulgarian EOOD does not give you residence by itself. Company routes require, for example, creating at least 10 full-time jobs for Bulgarian citizens. Self-employed permits exist but are demanding.
- Company alone
- Not a residence ground
- Job creation route
- 10+ jobs for Bulgarians
Student Permit
For Americans admitted to an accredited Bulgarian university. Requires proof of enrolment, financial means and health insurance.
- Acceptance letter
- Required
Permanent Residence & Citizenship
Permanent residence after 5 years of lawful, continuous residence (absences up to 30 months in total). Citizenship 5 years after permanent residence, with Bulgarian language and giving up your previous citizenship.
- Permanent residence
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- 5 years after that
- Language
- Bulgarian (exam)
Cost of Living
What Does Life in Bulgaria Actually Cost?
Bulgaria has the lowest price level in the EU — 63% of the EU average in 2025 (Eurostat).
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, Sofia centre | about €690 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Sofia outside centre | about €520 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Plovdiv centre | about €480 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Varna centre | about €550 |
| Everyday costs without rent (single person, Sofia) | about €760 |
| Utilities (85 m² apartment) | about €140 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | about €13 |
| Sofia public transport pass | €25.50 |
Estimates from Numbeo (September 2026). Source: Numbeo: Sofia · Plovdiv · Varna
A single person in Sofia spends about €1,300–1,450 a month including rent. The big saving compared with Western Europe is rent; Plovdiv and Varna are cheaper still.
Why Bulgaria
What Americans Love About Bulgaria
Beyond the prices — the real reasons Americans are choosing Bulgaria.
Lowest Prices in the EU
Bulgaria's price level is the lowest in the EU. Rent in particular is a fraction of US or Western European levels.
Ancient History & Beauty
From Plovdiv, settled for more than 8,000 years, to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Black Sea beaches — history and landscapes most Americans have never experienced.
Digital Nomad Scene
Bansko is a well-known nomad hub with coworking spaces, ski slopes and the annual Bansko Nomad Fest — and a dedicated digital nomad permit now exists in law.
EU, Schengen and Euro
EU member since 2007, full Schengen member since 2025 and euro country since 2026 — with EU legal protections and a path to EU citizenship.
Black Sea & Mountains
Beach life in summer, skiing in winter. Varna and Burgas on the coast, Bansko and Borovets in the mountains.
Low, Simple Taxes
A 10% flat income tax and 10% corporate tax. Pensions from state social insurance, including US Social Security, are not taxed in Bulgaria.
City Guide
Where to Live in Bulgaria
From the capital to the Black Sea and the mountains — each city has its own character.
Sofia
The capital and hub for tech, business and international communities. Most job opportunities, cultural events and English-friendly services, with Vitosha mountain on the city's edge.
Plovdiv
European Capital of Culture 2019, with a charming Old Town, a thriving arts scene and a slower pace. Cheaper than Sofia.
Varna
Bulgaria's "sea capital" on the Black Sea — coastal living, summer energy and a growing expat community.
Burgas
The southern Black Sea hub with beaches, a major port and good transport links; generally cheaper than Varna.
Bansko & Veliko Tarnovo
Bansko is a ski-resort nomad hub with coworking spaces; Veliko Tarnovo offers a medieval fortress setting and a university-town atmosphere.
How It Works
From Decision to Your Bulgarian Residence Permit
How a Bulgarian residence permit works, from first call to residence card.
Free Consultation
We assess your situation, confirm the right Bulgarian route and walk you through the process and costs. No obligation.
Prepare Your Documents
We compile your file: passport, proof of pension or income, health insurance, accommodation, FBI background check with apostille, and sworn Bulgarian translations.
Apply for the Visa D
Apply for the long-stay visa D at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. It lets you enter and stay while your residence permit is processed.
Residence Permit in Bulgaria
After arrival, apply to the Migration Directorate for the long-term residence permit. We liaise with the authorities and track your application.
Collect Your Residence Card
Collect your residence card with your personal number of foreigner (ЛНЧ). Renew it each year, at least 14 days before it expires.
Free Tools
Plan Your Move with Our Calculators
Built specifically for Americans considering a European move.
Golden Visa Calculator
Compare investor residence programmes across the EU — real costs and requirements, not brochure figures.
Open Calculator →Cost of Living Calculator
Enter your current US city and lifestyle — see your monthly budget in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv and 30 other European cities.
Open Calculator →Visa Finder
Answer 7 questions about your situation. Get a personalised ranking of EU visa programmes matched to your profile.
Find My Visa →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do Americans get residency in Bulgaria?
The main routes are the pensioner permit, the digital nomad permit, a work permit or EU Blue Card through a Bulgarian employer, and family or study routes. For most of them you first get a long-stay visa D at a Bulgarian consulate in your country of residence, then apply for the residence permit in Bulgaria. Visa-free visitors cannot simply switch in Bulgaria.
What is the Bulgaria digital nomad permit?
A residence permit added to the Foreigners Act in June 2025, with application rules adopted in December 2025. It is for remote employees of non-EU employers, owners of 25%+ of a non-EU company providing IT-based services, and freelancers with at least a year of remote IT work. You need income of at least 50 minimum wages of the previous year — about €27,500 for 2026 applications — health insurance and accommodation. It lasts 1 year and can be renewed once; you may not work for clients in Bulgaria.
How cheap is Bulgaria for Americans?
Bulgaria has the EU's lowest price level (63% of the EU average in 2025). In Sofia a single person spends about €760 a month without rent, and a 1-bedroom apartment costs about €690 in the centre and €520 outside (Numbeo, September 2026).
Is Bulgaria in Schengen and the euro area?
Yes. Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders opened on 31 March 2024) and adopted the euro on 1 January 2026 as the 21st euro-area country. A Bulgarian residence permit lets you travel in the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180.
Can Americans retire in Bulgaria?
Yes, with the long-term residence permit for pensioners. You need a pension from any country, means of at least the minimum monthly wage (€620.20 in 2026) for each month of stay, health insurance, accommodation and a Bulgarian bank account receiving your pension. The permit lasts up to a year and is renewable; permanent residence follows after 5 years.
Bulgaria
Everything about moving to Bulgaria
Across Europe
Compare all 29 countries by topic
Ready to Make the Move?
Tell us about your situation and we'll get back within 2 business days with a clear assessment of your best route. The first consultation is free.