Moving to
Bulgaria
The real numbers for Bulgaria: take-home pay after tax, the true cost of living in Sofia, and how expats and nomads get a visa.
Take-home pay
Net salary in Bulgaria after income tax and social security:
Flat 10% income tax, among the EU's lowest; employee social contributions of ~13.8% apply only up to a monthly ceiling.
Cost of living · Sofia
Visa
No established digital nomad visa; freelancers use the type-D long-stay visa, though a remote-worker permit was introduced in late 2025.
Low violent crime, though petty theft and taxi scams occur in Sofia tourist spots.
Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire.
Get paid in your home currency, spend in BGN, skip the ~3% bank markup.
Nomad-friendly cover that works from day one — most visas require it.
Moving to Bulgaria — FAQ
Is there income tax in Bulgaria?
Yes. Bulgaria taxes income at a flat 10%. On a $60,000 salary the effective rate is about 16.3%, leaving roughly $50,197.
Can digital nomads get a visa for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. No established digital nomad visa; freelancers use the type-D long-stay visa, though a remote-worker permit was introduced in late 2025.
How much does it cost to live in Sofia?
A single person needs roughly $1,500/month in Sofia, and a family around $3,400/month, all-in.