Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Bulgaria: Eastern Europe’s Best-Kept Secret for Digital Nomads

Bulgaria, often overlooked by travelers, is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking affordable living, natural beauty, and a vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Sofia to the serene Black Sea coast and the majestic Rila Mountains, Bulgaria offers a blend of modernity and tradition. With reliable internet, co-working spaces popping up in major cities, and an expanding expat community, Bulgaria is quickly becoming a top destination for nomads seeking both adventure and productivity.

Visas & Entry Requirements

  • Visa-Free for EU and Schengen Citizens: Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can live and work in Bulgaria without a visa.
  • 90-Day Stay: Citizens of most non-EU countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Long-Term Stay Options: For those wishing to stay longer, Bulgaria offers D visas for freelancers and self-employed individuals, though the process can be complex.
  • Residency Permits: After five years of residence, nomads can apply for permanent residency.
  • Apply for a Visa

Best Cities for Digital Nomads

  • Sofia: The capital city is a hub for digital nomads with plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and a growing expat community. It’s affordable, walkable, and surrounded by mountains for outdoor adventures.
  • Plovdiv: Known for its ancient history and artistic vibe, Plovdiv is a smaller city with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for nomads looking for a quieter environment.
  • Varna: A seaside city on the Black Sea coast, Varna combines beaches, history, and an affordable cost of living, making it a great spot for digital nomads seeking coastal vibes.
  • Bansko: A mountain town known for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, Bansko has become a digital nomad hotspot thanks to its coworking spaces, affordable living, and stunning landscapes.
  • Explore Top Cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Bansko

Know Before You Go

Before heading to Bulgaria, here are some important things to know:

  • Cultural Etiquette: Bulgarians are generally friendly and polite. One key thing to remember is that Bulgarians nod their heads for “no” and shake their heads for “yes”—it can be confusing, so clarify if needed.
  • Language: Bulgarian is the official language, but many people in cities speak English, especially the younger generation. Learning basic phrases like “Zdravei” (Hello) and “Blagodarya” (Thank you) is appreciated.
  • Weather: Bulgaria has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, especially along the coast, while winters bring snow, particularly in mountain regions like Bansko.
  • Safety Tips: Bulgaria is generally safe for travelers. However, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially in Sofia and Varna.
  • Cultural Etiquette Guide

Cost of Living & Budget Tips

Bulgaria offers one of the most affordable lifestyles in Europe. Here's a cost breakdown:

  • Accommodation: Rent for an apartment in Sofia can range from $400 - $800 per month, while smaller cities like Plovdiv and Varna are more affordable, with rents from $300 - $600.
  • Food: Eating out is inexpensive, with meals costing around $5-10. Groceries are affordable, and local markets offer fresh produce at low prices.
  • Transport: Public transport is efficient and cheap. Monthly public transport passes in Sofia cost around $25, while taxis and ride-sharing services are also budget-friendly.
  • Total Monthly Budget: $800 - $1,500 depending on the city and lifestyle.
  • Detailed Budget Breakdown

Top Attractions & Things to Do

Bulgaria offers a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of activities for nomads:

  • Sofia: Visit iconic landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Boulevard, and take a hike up Mount Vitosha.
  • Plovdiv: Explore Old Town Plovdiv, with its Roman ruins and colorful houses, or attend one of the many cultural festivals.
  • Rila Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning monastery is located in the Rila Mountains and is one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural landmarks.
  • The Black Sea Coast: Enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Varna and Burgas, or relax in quieter seaside towns like Sozopol.
  • Bansko: Ski in winter or hike in summer in this increasingly popular digital nomad destination.
  • Bulgaria’s Must-Visit Sights

Accommodation Options

  • Short-Term Stays: Airbnb and Booking.com offer a wide range of apartments and guesthouses in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and other cities.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Websites like Imoti.net and Domaza are great for finding long-term rentals at reasonable prices.
  • Coworking & Coliving Spaces: Bulgaria is quickly growing its coworking scene, with spaces like Coworking Bansko, Puzl CowOrKing in Sofia, and The Old School in Plovdiv.
  • Find Your Stay in Bulgaria

SIM Cards & Internet Access

  • SIM Cards: The main providers are A1, Telenor, and Vivacom. Prepaid SIM cards with data packages are affordable and can be bought at the airport or in major cities.
  • Internet Speed: Bulgaria boasts some of the fastest internet in Europe, with average speeds around 50-100 Mbps in cities and reliable Wi-Fi in coworking spaces and cafes.
  • Choose Your SIM Card

Work & Nomad Resources

  • Top Coworking Spaces: Bulgaria’s coworking scene is growing rapidly. Here are a few top spots:
  • Puzl CowOrKing in Sofia
  • The CoWorking in Varna
  • Coworking Bansko in Bansko
  • Nomad Networking: There are many nomad meetups and events, especially in Sofia and Bansko, where digital nomads frequently organize networking events and social activities.
  • Best Coworking Spaces in Bulgaria

Transportation & Getting Around

  • Public Transport: Bulgaria has a well-connected public transport system in major cities, with buses, trams, and metros. The metro in Sofia is modern and efficient.
  • Ride-Sharing: TaxiMe and Spark are common ride-hailing apps, while Bolt is widely used in Sofia and other cities.
  • Driving: Renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore the countryside. Major roads are in good condition, and international driving permits are accepted.
  • Bulgaria Transport Guide

Local Cuisine & Food Recommendations

  • Traditional Dishes: Try Banitsa (a flaky pastry), Shopska Salad (a fresh vegetable salad with feta), and Kebapche (grilled minced meat). Bulgaria is also known for its yogurt, believed to be some of the best in the world.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Bulgaria’s cuisine is very vegetarian-friendly, with plenty of vegetable-based dishes and salads. Shtastliveca and Sun Moon are popular vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Sofia.
  • Nomad-Friendly Cafes: Sofia and Plovdiv have many cozy cafes perfect for working remotely. Dabov Specialty Coffee and Veda House are popular spots in Sofia.
  • Explore Bulgaria’s Food Scene

Sustainability & Responsible Travel

  • Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Look for eco-friendly guesthouses and lodges in the mountains or on the Black Sea coast, particularly in more remote areas like the Rhodope Mountains.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Support local businesses, use public transport or rent a bike in cities like Sofia, and consider eco-tours or sustainable outdoor activities when exploring Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes.
  • Sustainable Travel in Bulgaria

Expat & Nomad Communities

Bulgaria has a growing expat and digital nomad scene, particularly in Sofia and Bansko:

  • Meetups & Events: Nomad events and social gatherings are common in coworking spaces and through groups like Digital Nomads Bulgaria.
  • Facebook Groups: Join communities like Expats in Bulgaria and Digital Nomads in Sofia to stay updated on housing, meetups, and tips for living and working in Bulgaria.
  • Connect with the Community

Affiliate Recommendations (Optional)

  • Accommodation: Find the best long-term rentals and short-term stays in Bulgaria through Airbnb or Booking.com.
  • SIM Cards & Travel Gear: Grab your SIM card or travel gear before you go and explore the best deals for staying connected in Bulgaria.
  • Explore Deals

Bulgaria offers digital nomads the perfect mix of affordability, rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and modern conveniences. Whether you're skiing in Bansko, soaking in the history of Plovdiv, or enjoying the vibrant city life

Share by: