The 2023 Ultimate Guide To Being A Digital Nomad In Bulgaria

When you think about being a digital nomad in Bulgaria, what images come to your mind? Is it another European city with preserved architecture, or nature plains?

Did you know that Bulgaria is an up-and-coming destination for digital nomads?

So what does the oldest country in Europe have to offer for those wanting to become a Bulgaria digital nomad?

I will go into detail about why Bulgaria should be next on your list, from local delicacies you should try and cities to check out as well as the best places to stay in and work from.

In this article, I will cover these topics:

When Is The Best Time To Visit Bulgaria?
5 Best Places To Stay And Work From (With Great WiFi)
Why Become A Digital Nomad In Bulgaria?
Cost Of Living
Digital Nomad Visas For Bulgaria
4 Top Cities For Digital Nomads In Bulgaria
4 Cool Coworking Spaces In Bulgaria
Bulgarian Foods You Must Try
Getting Around Bulgaria
Things You Should Know About Bulgaria
Is Bulgaria Safe To Visit By Tourists And Digital Nomads?
2023 Guide On Taxes For Expatriates/ Digital Nomads In Bulgaria
Expatriates/ Digital Nomads 2023 Guide On How To Open A Bank Account In Bulgaria
FAQs On How To Become A Digital Nomad In Bulgaria

When Is The Best Time To Visit Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a continental with dry, chilly winter and hot summer climate.

The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on the purpose of your visit.

It is recommended to visit Bulgaria from April to June and from September to October, to experience a mix of good hot and humid weather. And cheaper flight tickets!

If you are into the 35°C temperature, sweltering heat and long summer, June to August is the best time to visit Bulgaria. Hiking the mountain is perfect during this time as it gets cooler.

Perfect to run the slope when the temperature drops to -5°C during winter. Many remote villages are closed, so there is not much that you can explore.

I love to recommend these winter activities for you to enjoy in Bulgaria:

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5 Best Places To Stay In Bulgaria

Some of the best parts about being a digital nomad in Bulgaria are meeting like-minded nomads and networking as well as discovering new places (with great WiFi) to work from.

Here’s a list of ideas for where to stay and work in Bulgaria:

Coliving in Bulgaria

1. Four Leaf Clover

This coliving space in Bansko offers studios and apartments fully furnished for daily and monthly rentals, perfect for visitors and digital nomads.

Price: $422 for the Studio and $511 for the Studio Plus. The minimum stay is 30 days.
Room Type Feature: The Studio has a fully furnished kitchen box, a TV, a bed sofa, or a double bed, a bathroom, and a balcony with a stunning view. Great for one or two people.
Room Type Feature: The Studio Plus has a fully furnished kitchen, a TV, bathroom, a working sofa with a table, a balcony, Indoor living room, Wooden veranda, Working Table.
Amenities: BBQ, Cable TV, Chill Out Area, Cleaning, Fast Wifi, Kitchen, Outdoor Space, Parking (on property), Projector, Table Tennis, Terrace, Toilet Paper, Towels, Iron, Bikes, Coworking, Heating, Linen, Shampoo, Skype Room, Soap, Swimming Pool, Yoga.
Book using this link to get 2.5% off your first month’s rent

2. Namasa

Operating as both a coworking and coliving space, Namasa is Sofia’s first coliving space.

A stay at the 3-storey house will ensure you have a well-balanced mix of work and play, as the residents of Namasa can hook you up with the best sights and food around the city.

3. Coworking Bansko

Apart from coworking space, Coworking Bansko offers coliving packages to freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking a close-knit digital nomad community in Bulgaria.

A stay in this coliving space gives you access to networking events and volunteering opportunities. You can even conveniently escape for a quick ski break, as the slopes are right by your doorstep.

Choose from the weekly package from €399 ($477) or monthly deals from €549 ($656) for a stay in Bulgaria’s famous ski town.

4. RisingSoul

What a better place to unwind and work from than nearby the Balkan Mountains?

RisingSoul is a coliving community that helps you to reconnect with nature without compromising on productivity.

With sustainability as the core of its operations, RisingSoul ensures its residents are catered with responsibly-sourced local produce from the surrounding villages and is perfect for fellow vegetarians and vegan nomads.

Choose from options of dorm, ensuite and twin room. With prices from €10/night ($12), €105/fortnight ($125) and €165/month ($197), you’re guaranteed a desk space, high-speed WiFi, breakfast and access to their daily meditation and yoga practice.

5. Studentski Grad

This coliving space in Sofia offers a coworking space on the 11th floor of the same building, equipped with plenty of desks and meeting rooms available for private calls. Exactly what digital nomads need.

Price: $853/ month (Iglooo – Twin bed), $853/ month (Igloo – King bed), $853/ month (Teepee – Queen bed), $1224/ month (Yurt – Twin bed), and $1224/ month (Yurt – King bed). The minimum stay is 30 days.
Room Type Feature (Igloo – Twin bed): The Iglo room has twin bed, private bathroom, WiFi, door lock, desk/ workspace, chair, air-conditioner, hair dyer, kitchenette, closet/ drawers, iron, and heating.
Room Type Feature (Igloo – King bed): The Iglo room has king bed, private bathroom, WiFi, cleaning service, door lock, desk/ workspace, chair, air-conditioner, hair dryer, kitchenette, closet/ drawers, iron, and heating.
Room Type Feature (Teepee – Queen bed): The Teepee room has queen bed, private bathroom, WiFi, TV, cleaning service, door lock, desk/ workspace, chair, air-conditioner, hair dryer, closet/ drawers, and iron.
Room Type Feature (Yurt – Twin bed): The Yurt room has a twin bed, private bathroom, WiFi, cleaning service, door lock, desk/ workspace, chair, air-conditioner, hair dryer, kitchenette, closet/ drawers, and iron.
Room Type Feature (Yurt – King bed): The Yurt room has a king bed, private bathroom, WiFi, cleaning service, door lock, desk/ workspace, chair, air-conditioner, hair dryer, kitchenette, closet/ drawers, and iron.
Amenities: Fast WiFi; communal kitchens; a coworking space with a projector, meeting room and Skype room on the 11th floor with a terrace overlooking the Vitosha mountain, city; a restaurant on the 12th floor with a lounge area for playing board games or reading; dining area; elevator; gym/ fitness studio; living area; chargeable meals; cleaning service; wheelchair-friendly; air-conditioner; dishwasher; washer; paid laundry service; yoga; property parking; and arranged parties.
Accessibility: Studentski Grad is 7 km away from city center. There are nearby shops, local markets, pharmacies, clubs, pubs, student campus, and metro stations. You can ride the route taxis and regular bus number 94 and 280 to the city.
There are metro stations and two regular bus lines number.
Book using this link to get 2.5% off your first month’s rent

Why Become A Digital Nomad In Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is an eastern European country strategically located overlooking the Black Sea, covered in an expanse of mountainous plains, hot springs and stunning nature.

Here are 5 reasons to be a digital nomad in Bulgaria:

Low Cost of Living
Nature Haven
Hearty Food
Fast Internet Speed
Cheap Coworking Space Rental

1. Low Cost of Living

If you didn’t know already, Bulgaria has a low cost of living compared to the rest of Europe, making it an exceptionally affordable destination.

You’ll be surprised to find out the minimum amount that can get you by as a digital nomad in Bulgaria. I will explain this in detail in the article later on.

2. Nature Haven

If you’re a nature enthusiast, I’ve got great news for you.

Aside from being historically rich in culture, Bulgaria is also blessed with a naturally diverse landscape, consisting of pristine rivers, majestic mountaintops and serene springs.

In between work, you’ll spend time discovering divine sceneries and (quite literally) chasing waterfalls.

3. Hearty Food

The climate in Bulgaria has led to various dishes to accommodate your cravings, regardless of the weather. I can guarantee that you would never go hungry in Bulgaria.

From sweet and savoury treats to cold soups, you will find that meals are ever-fulfilling.

Dieci Boutique Restaurant in Targovishte, Bulgaria is a worthy for a visit Michelin-starred Bulgarian and Italian fusion restaurant. This restaurant is a restored 100 years old villa, located at the Bulgaria countryside, enriched with history and mesmerizing nature.

4. Fast Internet Speed

Bulgaria has fast WiFi speed.

To ensure reliable internet access from anywhere in Bulgaria, you can buy the prepaid SIM card with various data plans from the telecommunication service providers:

A1: $10/ month
Telenor: $10/ month
Vivacom: $10/ month

The best provider is A1, with the best coverage in the country.

5. Cheap Coworking Space Rental

Bulgaria is often overlooked by tourists. Despite that, Sofia, Bulgaria has increasingly becoming a digital hub for remote workers.

While coworking spaces have sprung up all over Europe in recent years, the concept has rarely blown up in quite the same way as it has in some Bulgarian cities. This is linked to the overall cheapness of real estate in the country which makes it easier for people to set up coworking spaces.

That in turn leads to lower costs for remote workers looking to rent a desk or office space and these are major factors which have contributed to the growth of one of Eastern Europe’s biggest digital nomad communities. There are some great coworking spaces in Sofia catering to both local and international nomads, while Bansko is also widely regarded as a real hub for digital nomads with an array of affordable coworking options.

Bulgaria Cost of Living

Digital nomads in Bulgaria enjoy a very affordable cost of living in Bulgaria. It has one of the lowest cost of living in Europe.

To put things into perspective, $1500-$2000 could easily get you by every month!!

1. Rent and Utilities

For example, the rent prices in Sofia start from as low as $289 for a studio outside the city centre and about $722 for a similar property near the city centre.

On the other hand, for $541/month, you can get a spacious apartment in central Varna.

Utilities will add another $80-$100 on top of your rent.

2. Food

It’s no surprise if you spend considerably less than you usually do on food, as it’s very affordable in Bulgaria. You will spend at most $250 for monthly groceries, and that’s including the occasional snacks and alcohol.

Dining out in Bulgaria is fairly cheap so you can squeeze in a few meals now and then.

3. Weather

Bulgaria has a continental climate, which means it has mild to warm summers and cold winters.

Thanks to the natural diversity surrounding the country, there are plenty of activities you can take part in as a digital nomad in Bulgaria, whether you’re there during the summer or winter.

Winter Activities in Bulgaria

Hit the ski slopes in Bansko
Indulge in hot spring spas in Velingrad
Check out the annual Surva Festival

Summer Activities in Bulgaria

Hike up one of Bulgaria’s national parks
Take a tour and marvel at Bulgaria’s historic architecture
Get your tan on by Kabakum Beach in Varna

Digital Nomad Visas In Bulgaria

If you’re an EU national, you can stay visa-free in Bulgaria for up to three months.

List of countries whose citizens can stay for up to 90 days without a visa

If you need a visa to stay in Bulgaria, here’s how to go about it. Getting a digital nomad visa for Bulgaria is a bit complicated and lengthy, but not impossible to get.

Before applying for a Visa D (long-term stay visa), you will first need a freelance activity permit. Apply for this permit through Bulgarian Employment Agency.

Once you receive your permit, here’s how to get the Visa D.

Set up an appointment at one of the local diplomatic or consular missions of Bulgaria in your country of residence.

Documents you are required with your application include:

Passport-sized photos
Proof that you can financially support yourself (eg. bank statements)
Medical Insurance
Rental contract as proof of accommodation
Background check

Your application will take between one to two months.

Once your visa is approved, you are allowed to stay in Bulgaria for either six or twelve months and may be renewed for an additional year.

Depending on the given period of stay, the Visa D application may cost up to €200 ($241) per application.

The list of required documents for each permit and visa application may vary between countries. Please check with the consulate in your country of residence for a comprehensive list and further guidance.

4 Top Destinations For Digital Nomads In Bulgaria

As an up-and-coming digital nomad hub, Bulgaria has a multitude of hidden gems to offer.

These are some of the cities which are popular with digital nomads in Bulgaria.

1. Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria is the centre of the country’s cultural hub. With over 20 museums to visit and architectural monuments to marvel at, Sofia is perfect for those who prefer a culturally-enriching life in the city.

Check out architectural and cultural sights such as the National Art Gallery, Bulgarian Archeological Museum and the iconic Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski for a taste of Bulgaria’s historic essence.

Despite its status as a city, there is an abundance of natural wonders that you can take a tour of!

Here are some of the suggestions for a quick getaway from the city when you need it:

2. Bansko

Over the years, this town in Bulgaria is known as the go-to skiing spot. Nowadays Bansko, Bulgaria is a digital nomad hub that is rising to become one of the top destinations for digital nomads in Bulgaria.

Affordability of luxury living, tax benefits, easy visa renewals and the expanse of nature is what makes Bansko an up-and-coming digital nomad hub.

Other than that, the prevalence of Bansko among digital nomads is highly enticing to those wanting a one-of-a-kind nomad experience.

So, what other places can you see and things to do in Bansko?

You can:

Walk around the charming Old Town and villages
In the summer, hike up and explore Pirin National Park
Destress and relax in Dobrinishte’s mineral spring

3. Varna

Varna has a reputation as the seaside capital of Bulgaria, as tourism contributes a huge chunk to the city’s economy. It encapsulates the coexistence of entertainment and culture.

From art and ballet theatres to beautiful parks, Bulgaria’s third-largest city offers a multitude of experiences for those seeking it.

Also known as ‘The Pearl of the Black Sea’, Varna is exceptionally appealing for nomads looking to let loose as the nightlife and entertainment are some of the best available for digital nomads in Bulgaria.

Here’s a quick guide if you’re staying in Varna:

Marvel at the Aladzha Monastery and take a tour of the ancient Roman Baths
Take a stroll around Sea Garden, which houses various informational sites such as the Terrarium and Planetarium
Choose your nightlife range — Kultura Speakeasy Bar for a chilled night, Cubo to dance like nobody’s watching, and Joker’s Live Music Club for something in between

4. Plovdiv

For digital nomads in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is the equivalent of Chiang Mai in Europe. As Bulgaria’s business and tech hub, the city is well on its way to becoming Europe’s next tech capital, thanks to lower operation costs and the rise of fintech companies in Bulgaria.

5.

Not only that, but Plovdiv was also crowned as one of European Capitals of Culture in 2019, attributed to the long list of preserved cultural treasures, some of which you cannot miss while being there.

These include (but not limited to):

The Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis, host to musicals and plays during the summer
Plovdiv’s Old Town, where cultural museums are aplenty
Trakart Museum, which houses the history of glass production spanning over 9 centuries