New Residents Guide (Part 1): Bansko – The Capital of Digital Nomads in the Balkans

If you think Bansko is a ghost town outside the ski season, you're wrong. Over the past 5 years, the town has undergone a quiet revolution. Today, it is home to hundreds of programmers, designers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers from all over the world.

Why Bansko? The combination of low taxes, affordable rent, incredible nature and (most importantly) community, has made it a magnet for people working remotely.

This article is your gateway to the community.

A group of women work on laptops on a sunny wooden terrace with a panoramic view of a mountain town and snow-capped peaks at sunset.

Four women use laptops for remote work, sitting around a wooden table on a spacious terrace, enjoying a stunning view of a town in the valley and high mountains at sunset.

1. Coworking spaces: The heart of the community

In Bansko you don't work alone at home. The coworking culture here is world-class.

Coworking Bansko (The Original)

This is where it all began.

  • Location: Several offices in the old town (Quiet Space) and next to the Gondola (Social Space).
  • Atmosphere: Highly social. Here you don't just work, you make friends. Daily events are organized - from barbecues to hikes in the mountains.
  • Who is it for: For solo nomads, who want to integrate quickly.

Altspace

A modern space with a focus on productivity.

  • Location: Near the park and the stadium.
  • Atmosphere: More relaxed, ergonomic chairs, professional environment.
  • Who is it for: For people who need deep concentration and stability.

Nestwork

The newest and most luxurious addition.

  • Atmosphere: Corporate chic, huge desks, high-tech equipment.
  • Who is it for: For teams and people accustomed to corporate comfort.

2. Social Life: Monday is the New Friday

What's unique about Bansko is that it's easy to not be alone. If you're new to the city, here's how to get involved:

  • Facebook groups: Join the “Bansko Notice Board” or “Coworking Bansko Community” groups. Everything is arranged there – from shared rides to Sofia to board games in the evening.
  • Events: Every week there is:
    • Board Game Nights (Board game nights).
    • Hot Springs visits (Group visits to the bathroom).
    • Community Dinner (Evenings where everyone brings food).
  • Bansko Nomad Fest: Every summer (June/July) the city hosts a festival that brings together over 700 nomads for a week of lectures, parties, and networking.

3. Why do people stay?

Besides the community, there are also purely pragmatic reasons:

  • Tax haven: 10% flat tax on personal and corporate income is the lowest in the EU. Many nomads become tax residents here.
  • Accessibility: You can live a high standard (frequent dining out, spa, sports) for a fraction of the money you would pay in Berlin or London.
  • Safety: Bansko is an extremely safe town. Children play outside until late and crime is minimal.

4. How to get started?

You don't have to jump in the deep end.

  1. Come for one week (“test period”).
  2. Get a weekly pass to one of the coworking spaces (this is the fastest way to find friends).
  3. Go to the Friday gathering at the bar.

Chances are you'll stay for a month. Or a year.

Next step: Decided to stay for the season? Great. But finding long-term accommodation at a reasonable price is an art. Forget about Airbnb prices.

Read Part 2: Finding a Long-Term Rental – Strategies and Pricing