In short
US citizens can stay in Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. To live there, most people first get a long-stay visa D at a Bulgarian consulate and then a one-year residence permit in Bulgaria. The main routes are the pensioner permit, the digital nomad permit and employment; owning a company alone does not give residence. New long-term residents usually need private health insurance. A single person in Sofia spends about €1,300–1,450 a month including rent, and 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) |
| 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) |
| Public health insurance | Compulsory for permanent residents and single-permit holders (8% contribution); long-term residents on other grounds usually need private insurance# Source: BgAnaliz: National Revenue Agency opinion on health insurance of long-term residents · Bulsmetka: health insurance contributions 2026 |
| Income tax | 10% flat# Source: Personal Income Taxes Act (consolidated text) |
| Tax residence | Permanent address in Bulgaria, more than 183 days in any 12 months, or centre of vital interests there# Source: Personal Income Taxes Act (consolidated text) |
| Euro | Since 1 January 2026 (21st member; €1 = 1.95583 lev); lev not legal tender since 1 February 2026# Source: ECB: Bulgaria introduces the euro (1 Jan 2026) · Bulgarian National Bank: dual circulation period |
| 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) |
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 your income. |
| 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 |
Overview
Bulgaria — Ancient History Meets Affordable EU Life
Dreaming of living where ancient history meets affordable European living? Bulgaria offers Americans stunning landscapes, the EU's lowest price level and full EU, Schengen and euro membership. From the capital Sofia to Black Sea beaches and ski-resort nomad hubs, there is a lifestyle for every American.
A new country with a different alphabet and legal system can feel daunting. Our team combines knowledge of Bulgarian immigration rules with an understanding of American needs — we help you avoid costly mistakes and months of delay.
Bulgaria has the lowest price level in the European Union. A single person in Sofia spends about €1,300–1,450 a month including rent — a fraction of what you'd spend in a major US city.
Our Services
Your Bridge to Bulgaria
We guide Americans through every step of the Bulgarian relocation journey — from first consultation to settled life.
Personalised relocation strategy
One-on-one consultations to build a plan around your goals — retirement, remote work, a job in Bulgaria or a family move.
Visa and residence permit guidance
Clear guidance on the long-stay visa D, the pensioner and digital nomad permits, work permits and the path to permanent residence and EU citizenship.
Settling-in support
Help with opening a Bulgarian bank account, arranging health insurance, your personal number of foreigner (ЛНЧ) and your residence card.
Property and business guidance
Whether renting, buying a home or setting up an EOOD, we connect you with trusted local partners and explain the legal process.
Cultural and practical navigation
From Bulgarian bureaucracy and the Cyrillic alphabet to exchanging your driving licence and finding your community.
Visas & Residency
Navigating Bulgarian Visas & Residency
US citizens can enter Bulgaria visa-free for 90 days in any 180. To stay longer, most people apply for a long-stay visa D at a Bulgarian consulate before moving and then for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria. Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.
Pensioner Permit
For people receiving a pension from any country, with means of at least the minimum monthly wage (€620.20 in 2026) for each month of stay, health insurance and accommodation. Up to 1 year, renewable.
Digital Nomad Permit
In the Foreigners Act 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 a year of remote IT work. Income of at least 50 minimum wages of the previous year (about €27,500 for 2026 applications). 1 year, renewable once; no work for Bulgarian clients.
Work Permit / EU Blue Card
The Bulgarian employer applies for a single permit (a labour market test and a 20% cap on foreign staff apply). The EU Blue Card needs a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross wage.
Company ≠ Residence
Registering an EOOD does not give you a residence permit. Company-based routes need, for example, at least 10 full-time jobs for Bulgarian citizens; self-employed permits have demanding conditions.
Permanent Residence & Citizenship
Permanent residence after 5 years of lawful, continuous residence (absences up to 30 months in total). Citizenship 5 years later, with a Bulgarian language exam and giving up your previous citizenship.
Cost of Living
The EU's Lowest Price Level
Bulgaria's price level is the lowest in the EU — 63% of the EU average in 2025 (Eurostat). The biggest difference from the US is housing.
What a month costs
In Sofia a single person spends about €760 a month without rent. A 1-bedroom apartment costs about €690 in the centre and €520 outside it, so most people spend €1,300–1,450 a month in total. A monthly transport pass is €25.50; a cheap restaurant meal about €15 (Numbeo, September 2026 estimates).
Healthcare
Bulgaria's public health insurance (8% of insurable income) covers employees, the self-employed and permanent residents. Most new long-term residents — including pensioners and digital nomads — are not in the public system and need private health insurance, which is also required for the permit.
Where to Live
Top Bulgarian Cities for American Expats
Sofia
The capital at the foot of Vitosha mountain. Hub for tech, business and international communities, with the most jobs, cultural events and English-friendly services.
Plovdiv
European Capital of Culture 2019, with a charming Old Town, a thriving arts scene and a slower pace than Sofia. Rents in the centre are about €480 a month.
Varna & Burgas
The Black Sea's two big cities. Varna, the "sea capital", offers coastal living and summer energy; Burgas has beautiful beaches and is generally cheaper.
Bansko & Veliko Tarnovo
Bansko is a ski-resort nomad hub with coworking spaces and the annual Bansko Nomad Fest. Veliko Tarnovo has a medieval fortress and a university-town atmosphere.
Expat Tips
Essential Tips for Americans Relocating to Bulgaria
Get your visa D before you move
For most routes you cannot switch from a visa-free stay. Apply for the long-stay visa D at the Bulgarian consulate in your country of residence, then file for the residence permit after arrival. A complete, correct file makes all the difference.
The euro is now the currency
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, and the lev has not been legal tender since 1 February 2026. The Bulgarian National Bank still exchanges old lev notes and coins free of charge; free exchange at commercial banks ended on 30 June 2026. Older guides quoting leva — divide by 1.95583. Cash is still handy in small shops and markets.
Learn the Cyrillic alphabet
Reading Cyrillic makes street signs, menus and official documents far easier. Many younger Bulgarians speak English, but a few Bulgarian phrases are appreciated — and the language is required for citizenship.
Plan your taxes
Bulgaria has a 10% flat income tax. You become tax resident with a permanent address in Bulgaria, more than 183 days in any 12 months, or your centre of vital interests there. State pensions, including US Social Security, are not taxed in Bulgaria; private pensions may be. Get cross-border tax advice.
Due diligence for property
Property purchases need careful checks. Always use a notary and independent legal advice. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find vetted, English-speaking Bulgarian notaries and property lawyers.
Why Partner With Us
Why Partner With Us?
Bulgarian procedures run in Bulgarian and every foreign document needs an apostille and a certified translation. We help you prepare a complete file and avoid delays.
We work with Americans relocating to Europe, so we understand FATCA, Social Security abroad and finding English-speaking lawyers, accountants and doctors in Sofia and across Bulgaria.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do Americans get residency in Bulgaria?
Through the pensioner permit, the digital nomad permit, a work permit or EU Blue Card with a Bulgarian employer, or family and study routes. Most start with a long-stay visa D from a Bulgarian consulate in the country of residence, followed by the residence permit in Bulgaria. Owning a Bulgarian company is not a residence ground by itself.
What is Bulgaria's digital nomad permit?
A residence permit introduced into the Foreigners Act in June 2025, with application rules from December 2025. It covers 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 monthly wages of the previous year (about €27,500 for 2026 applications; €31,010 from 2027), 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 compared to the US?
Bulgaria has the lowest price level in the EU. In Sofia a single person spends about €760 a month without rent, plus about €520–690 for a 1-bedroom apartment — around €1,300–1,450 in total (Numbeo, September 2026).
Can Americans retire in Bulgaria?
Yes. The long-term residence permit for pensioners needs a pension from any country, means of at least the minimum monthly wage (€620.20 in 2026) for each month of stay, health insurance and accommodation. It lasts up to a year and is renewable.
Is Bulgaria in the EU and Schengen?
Bulgaria has been in the EU since 2007 and a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders opened in March 2024). It adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Permanent residence is possible after 5 years, and citizenship 5 years after that.
Bulgaria
Everything about moving to Bulgaria
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