This is Bulgaria:
- 10% flat tax (tied for lowest in EU)
- Adopting Euro (January 2026)
- Full EU citizenship in 5 years
One of Europe's best-kept secrets just joined Schengen in 2025.
Here are 8 reasons why Bulgaria should be on your radar:
First, Bulgaria's fascinating history:
- Medieval Bulgarian Empire (one of Europe's most powerful)
- 500 years under Ottoman rule
- Communist state until 1989
- EU member since 2007
From Soviet satellite to Europe's (secretly) most business-friendly tax regime in just 35 years.
Mr History does a great breakdown of their recent transformation:
A small impressive nation that's been flying completely under the radar…
- Fastest mobile internet in Europe (172 Mbps)
- 21st safest country in Europe (above UK and Italy)
- Home to world's oldest processed gold (6,000+ years)
Here are 8 reasons why you should take notice:
1. Tax-friendly:
- 10% flat rate on ALL income (tied for EU's lowest)
- 10% corporate tax vs 25%+ in West Europe
- 5% dividend tax
- 0% wealth, inheritance, or gift taxes
EU tax “haven” that often goes unnoticed. As @nomadcapitalist explains, Europe often comes with complexity:
2. Fast-track EU citizenship (via Golden Visa):
- €512,000 investment
- EU passport after 5 years with basic language test
- NO physical presence requirement
- 177 countries visa-free access
@wealthyexpat breaks down one of the cheapest routes to full EU citizenship:
3. Strategic timing in 2025:
- Full Schengen member since January 2025
- Euro adoption confirmed for January 2026
- New Digital Nomad Visa launched
- Golden Visa program still under the radar
If you're quick, you're potentially getting in before the rush hits.
4. Cost arbitrage:
- 50% cheaper than Western European capitals
- Most affordable EU country in 2024
- €26/month public transport pass
First-world infrastructure at third-world prices.
5. World-Class Digital Infrastructure:
- Fastest mobile internet in Europe (4th globally)
- 65% of broadband on fiber networks
- Growing tech scene (Payhawk unicorn born here)
Better connectivity than many "developed" countries.
6. Gateway Position:
- 3.5 hours flight to London
- Borders Turkey (Middle East gateway)
- Black Sea access for trade
- Bridge between Europe and Asia
Perfect base for global business operations within the EU framework.
7. Crypto-friendly:
- Government seized 213,000 Bitcoin in 2017 (which they sold in 2018...)
- 10% flat tax on crypto gains
- MiCA-compliant regulatory framework
One of the EU's most crypto-friendly jurisdiction with clear legal framework. Shame they sold their BTC in 2018...
8. Safety & political stability:
- 21st safest country in Europe (safer than many Western capitals)
- NATO member since 2004
- Relatively stable with new coalition government
- Low crime rates outside major cities
A solid option for building your European future.
Some of the downsides:
- Language barrier (Cyrillic alphabet, limited English outside cities)
- Bureaucracy can be slow and occasionally corrupt
- Still poorest EU member (improving)
- VERY cold winters
Definitely not for tropical weather lovers, but could be perfect for some.
But Bulgaria is positioning for major growth:
Euro adoption will eliminate certain currency risks and could boost investment.
Plus, US Visa Waiver Program inclusion likely by 2026 (denial rate dropped to 6%).
Full European access before the rest of the world catches on.
I've been tracking Eastern Europe for years.
Great opportunities are getting discovered like Czechia, Poland, Serbia.
The window is still open – Bulgarian companies are the most unused secret by many seeking for low tax eu setup.
Have you considered Bulgaria for your Plan B?
P.S. The paths to citizenship are rapidly changing.
If you're considering moving to Europe...
I created a guide for The Best Paths to European Citizenship in 2025.
If you'd like it, subscribe here and you'll get it sent straight to your inbox!
https://palombo.substack.com/
