Working from Bulgaria?
Digital nomads' must-see.

Are you used to working from a beach, the back seat of a minivan, or a museum cafeteria? Or are you not yet a digital nomad, but you’re determined to capitalise on the new reality by establishing a year-round home office? If so, this article is for you.

In the following sections, we will reveal Bulgaria’s untapped potential, which already began incorporating the “on-remote” work culture before the series of lockdowns. We used our combined experience to compile the most important information about digital nomadism in Bulgaria in one place.

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Why Bulgaria?

When Khan Asparukh established a little Balkan state around 1330 years ago, he had you in mind. He chose areas with beautiful mountains, lush plains, vast woods, pure mineral springs, and the endless blue of the Black Sea, where the ancient Thracians, Hellenes, and Romans once thrived. He was referring to Bulgaria…

If that isn’t enough, it also has fantastic architecture and one of the best cuisines in Europe. Mekitsi, lutenitsa, and lukanka are all good options. And brandy, often known as rakia… we make it out of everything. And now the international argument has ended: yoghurt is a Bulgarian product!

Bulgaria’s colourful population continues to flout convention and live independently. Despite our rowdy tempers, we welcome visitors from other countries and make them feel at ease.

Bulgaria is much more than just a tourism destination. It is ethnic, small, lovely, and friendly. Many foreigners call this part of the world home, and many digital nomads select it as a stopover on their lengthy list of unique places to live. We are grateful that Bulgarians adopted the co-working trend early, and as a result, we built strong traditions in shared workspaces. You can find them in many Bulgarian cities, not just Sofia. They also serve as an international hub for idea development and execution.

We can’t forget about the cost of living. Our currency (Bulgarian lev) is pegged to the euro and costs exactly twice as much. In other words, if you earn 2,000 euros, it will be equivalent to around 4,000 BGN here, allowing you to live comfortably … even luxuriously.

We guarantee you will fall in love once you arrive in the region of rose fields, the strongest brandy, fiery pepper, and bottomless wells of history. If not in Bulgaria, then certainly with a Bulgarian woman!

But let’s get a little more detailed about where all this magic is concealed.

Where in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria was long known as a party destination because of the low prices at the country’s seaside and mountain resorts. Although the nightlife is still bustling, this notion has been broken in recent years with the entry of various global corporations into the Bulgarian market. They encouraged jobs in the service industry and recruited highly skilled foreign workers.

Beyond Sofia, Bulgaria’s clear economic powerhouse, several other cities are worth visiting. And, in keeping with the trend of supporting digital nomadism, each of these communities has its own unique spots for collaborative work. Here’s a list of our favourite coworking spaces!

Sofia - А city with several faces.

A church, a mosque, and a synagogue can all be found at the same intersection in Sofia. A restaurant where you can eat your way around the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America in one evening and still have energy for a glass of wine at a rooftop bar with a breathtaking view. These rooftops also feature communal workstations. Our metropolis, like any other, never sleeps, despite its idyllic setting between five mountains. (We also offer non-sleeping coworking spaces.) Still, few cities in the world let you walk to work and then go on a 20-minute mountain hike.

Varna - Тhe diva of the Black Sea.

Varna and its inhabitants will leave you dumbfounded with the sea breeze, sprats, and fried potatoes… It is beautiful and expansive, but also highly functional, as only one sea garden separates you from the beach and the city centre. You can simply walk through Varna’s lovely streets in flip-flops, sip a cocktail in one of its numerous parks, and touch history through the ruins of former cities.

If you’re looking for a rush, the bungee jump from the Asparukh Bridge is for you! Varna has so many sights to see that it will take you at least a month to see them all.

Plovdiv - The historic "Aristocrat"

Plovdiv, Europe’s cultural hub and St. Petersburg’s twin city, has a distinct individuality. Music, fashion, history, and architecture spanning Antiquity to Art Deco are all squeezed between six syenite mounds that offer a bird’s-eye perspective of the city… and beautiful, dramatic sunsets. Plovdiv is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in culture and get lost in the small streets dotted with art galleries and charming cafes!

Other locations in cities

Bulgaria has many coworking spaces, some of which are quite interesting. Cities such as Ruse and Stara Zagora offer good living conditions while also providing workspace options.

Nebula Coworking

Nebula coworking space lives in the iconic father’s house of Alexander Marulev – soloist of the State Opera – Stara Zagora.

The Lounge (Ruse)

Not only will you find so-called open workplaces here, but also offices and spaces for presentations and idea sharing.

7 Lakes Coworking

The location is up in the mountain. Part of the hut Rilski Ezera, also provides a coworking place with great views.

And here are a couple off-the-beaten-path gems:

We can’t help but recommend some off-the-beaten-path spots for city inhabitants. If you appreciate calm and the environment, you will appreciate the founders of these coworking spaces. You’ve probably heard about Bansko. The town has become a popular European location for digital nomads. The Bansko Nomad Fest is a must-see summer destination for tens of thousands of office workers.

And now that we’ve given you some suggestions about where to work, let’s focus on the formal aspect of your stay in Bulgaria.

For one week hundreds of nomads, remote workers and freelancers will take over a beautiful village in Bulgaria for an amazing mix of presentations, workshops, sports, mindfulness and nature.

Useful information

Do you need visa?

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria offers very favourable conditions for nomads with European citizenship. A valid identity document (identity card or passport) is all you need for a stay of up to 6 months in the country. In essence, you are entering the country as a tourist. We also suggest obtaining a European Health Card so you can use emergency medical services without restriction if needed.

If you are not from the EU, we recommend reading the List of countries whose residents and holders of regular passports require or do not require a visa to enter Bulgaria, and then contacting the Embassy responsible for your country in the Republic of Bulgaria. Check the link on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria currently does not provide specific visas for digital nomads.

Accommodation

Accommodation is easy to find because most landlords rent their properties to foreigners. Rent is not expensive in the country, but securing a short-term lease can be challenging. Leases are usually valid for 6 months or a year and require a deposit of 1-2 months’ rent. Summer is an exception on the Black Sea shore, when landlords are more lenient.

For short-term stays, Airbnb is the best alternative. If you prefer a shared dwelling over a shared office, many appealing hostel options are available in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.

After you’ve decided on a destination, a documentary, and a place to stay, consider how you’ll use your free time while travelling across Bulgaria.

Coliving places around Bulgaria

Coliving spaces in Bulgaria primarily meet the needs of digital nomads, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and young professionals seeking a flexible, inclusive living environment. These facilities often include a mix of private bedrooms and communal areas such as kitchens, dining rooms, and co-working spaces where tenants can work, socialise, and rest.

We’ve selected a few very unique locales where you may effortlessly combine living and working.

Burgas Coliving

This coliving space was a mineral water spa for local employees, featuring two buildings and an 8,000 sq. ft. area. A lawn between the sea and Burgas. Renovated in 2020.

Coliving Semkovo

A unique, distraction-free 200-unit coliving destination in a remote location in Bulgaria, based on community, collaboration, and cooperation.

What else?

The culinary richness of this small Balkan country will impress you, but it will not be your only activity here. Bulgaria loves festivals and cultural events, so you’ll find plenty: the Night of the Museums in Sofia, Kapana Fest in Plovdiv, or a jazz festival… the list is endless. So read on for more.

You will have the opportunity to learn about traditions you have never seen before. Cookers and fireplaces are wrapped in mystery and will transport you beyond earthly existence. On March 1st, you will tie your boots, and on New Year’s Eve, the neighbourhood children will salute you for good health. You will wander through the infinite Thracian plain and absorb its perfume on a rosebush in the morning.

Words cannot express what you will experience in Bulgaria, no matter how much we tell you about its allure. You simply must come and experience it for yourself!

If you get bored, don’t worry: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas are hubs for two of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines. Wizz Air and Ryanair offer rapid and low-cost flights to a variety of destinations (both local and far). You can visit Bulgaria for a weekend break or use it as a starting point for your next nomadic adventure.

But trust us when we say that once you set foot in Bulgaria, you will want to return again and again.

A final word

We invite you to join us on an adventure in a magical country. A destination where you’ll find it all, taste the Balkan dolce far niente, and discover new business and development opportunities.

If we haven’t persuaded you yet, go ahead and buy aircraft tickets. Bulgaria will persuade you on its own. And we’re here to assist!