The 2025 coworking guide for Sofia, Bulgaria: All freelancers, startup teams, and companies should know

Sofia, and by extension, its thriving startup ecosystem, have rapidly become one of Eastern Europe's most attractive destinations for freelancers, digital nomads, and many ambitious startups and established companies. With its affordable living costs, vibrant tech scene, and growing ecosystem of flexible workspaces, the Bulgarian capital is now firmly on the map as a European coworking hotspot. Whether you're relocating, scaling your startup, or simply seeking a productive base during your travels, Sofia’s coworking spaces provide a modern alternative to traditional offices. 

By addressing every question you might have about Sofia’s coworking ecosystem - from what are the benefits of coworking spaces for different user groups, to how much a desk or a private office in a coworking costs and how to book one with a free trial at Campus X - this guide will help you find the perfect space to work, connect, and grow in Bulgaria’s bustling capital.  

What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a shared office environment where individuals, teams, and companies work independently or collaboratively in a flexible, community-driven setting. 

These spaces offer the flexibility and resources that modern work demands, all without the rigid contracts or high overhead of traditional office leases. Unlike conventional office rentals, coworking spaces offer greater convenience, including short-term memberships, plug-and-play infrastructure, and access to communal amenities such as professional IT support, meeting rooms, lounges, kitchens, and event spaces.

The main thing that sets coworking apart is its culture and vibe. Coworking spaces are enclosed, bustling ecosystems designed for networking, creativity, and collaboration. Coworking hubs often host events, talks, and workshops that bring together like-minded professionals, fostering both innovation and community.

In Sofia, coworking spaces cater to a diverse range of users - from freelancers seeking a productive alternative to their homes, to startups looking for an affordable headquarters, remote employees seeking stability, and even larger companies building out hybrid work models.  

The evolution of the coworking space industry in Sofia, Bulgaria

The history of the coworking space industry in Sofia dates back to the early 2010s. For a little over a decade, the niche marked a tremendous evolution. What began with just a handful of shared office spaces has evolved into a booming industry with dozens of hubs serving freelancers, startups, creatives, NGOs, and corporations.

The real momentum began around 2015 - 2017, when Bulgaria's reputation as a tech and startup-friendly destination took off. As more international companies, VCs, and remote workers looked to Eastern Europe, Sofia emerged as a logical base thanks to its skilled talent pool, EU membership, and attractive cost of living. Coworking spaces began popping up across the city, from central neighborhoods like Lozenets and Oborishte to newer business zones like Mladost.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily slowed this growth, but also reshaped the way people work, pushing remote and hybrid models into the mainstream. Since then, the demand for flexible, scalable office solutions has surged, breathing new life into the coworking space industry.

Furthermore, in 2024, Sofia hosted Europe’s premier coworking conference, Coworking Europe. The event, co-organized by Campus X, with our member, OfficeRnD, the platinum sponsor, put Bulgaria on the map of the global coworking ecosystem, bringing unique insights and industry-leading know-how to local and international business leaders.

As a result of these developments, in 2025, we can confidently say that Sofia’s coworking ecosystem has matured, with providers offering top-class services. The spaces now serve as integral infrastructure for the city’s thriving startup and remote work economy, with many offering not just desks, but mentoring, funding access, and community support. And with the ongoing demand from digital nomads, tech startups, and global companies entering the Bulgarian market, the coworking scene in Sofia is poised for further growth, opening up a new chapter in its remarkable history.

How many coworking spaces are there in Sofia in 2025?

As of 2025, Sofia is home to over 60 coworking spaces, making it one of the leading coworking cities in Eastern Europe. This number has steadily increased over the past decade, driven by Bulgaria’s rise as a startup and innovation hub, and the global shift toward remote and hybrid work models. 

The coworking spaces in Sofia range from small creative hubs and niche industry-specific collectives to large-scale, full-service coworking campuses like Campus X, the biggest one in Sofia, with over 1,500 workspaces. In addition to traditional coworking spaces, Sofia also has numerous flexible workspace providers offering hybrid models, including serviced offices, hot desks, virtual office solutions, and dedicated event venues. Many of these spaces operate out of modern buildings with state-of-the-art facilities, catering to both local and international teams.

As a result, today, the coworking landscape in Sofia is more diverse and competitive than ever before. From open-plan flex desks to private offices, there’s a workspace solution for every need, budget, and team size. 

Why should you consider a coworking space?

In dynamic cities like Sofia, coworking spaces reflect the evolution of modern work. Professionals no longer want rigid office leases or the isolation of working from home; instead, they prefer a community, support, and space that grows with them.

Coworking spaces have emerged as the ideal solution for those seeking more than just a desk, as they provide flexibility, a ready-made professional environment, and a sense of community that’s often lacking in traditional office setups. 

From solo entrepreneurs to multinational companies piloting regional teams, a wide range of user groups now consider coworking spaces as the go-to solution for their office needs. Here is why:

Freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads

For solo professionals and freelancers, coworking offers a productive alternative to working from home or cafes. High-speed professional-grade internet, dedicated or hot desks, and access to printers, phone booths, and meeting rooms all contribute to a more professional workflow. 

Besides, it’s easier to stay motivated when you're surrounded by like-minded individuals. The freelancers at Campus X, for example, also have the opportunity to attend our community events, which opens up another avenue for acquiring know-how, networking, or exploring new business opportunities.

Furthermore, in Sofia, coworking spaces are particularly attractive for digital nomads seeking a cost-effective European base. Many spaces offer day passes or short-term memberships, and some even host events that help newcomers integrate into the local community. At Campus X, for example, we offer a free trial that freelancers and digital nomads can take advantage of to see if our cozy office spaces meet their requirements.

Last but not least, we offer freelancers and digital nomads the opportunity also to rent a private office if they require deeper focus, client confidentiality, or simply more quiet than open spaces can offer.

Simply put, coworking spaces with private office options provide freelancers with the opportunity to step away from isolation while maintaining their autonomy. 

Small teams and tech startups

Coworking spaces are especially appealing to early-stage startups because they eliminate the overhead and rigidity of traditional office leases. For early-stage startups, the all-inclusive pricing model is another significant advantage, allowing them to control costs while enjoying premium amenities and infrastructure, including enterprise-grade IT services, secure access, and tech-enabled meeting rooms. That way, teams can operate with lower financial risk while still enjoying the flexibility and energy of the coworking community. Ultimately, this plug-and-play solution helps founders focus on what matters: building the product/service and growing the business.

Another reason why startups benefit enormously from coworking environments is the access to cost-efficient, scalable office spaces. As team sizes fluctuate, coworking enables smooth transitions, whether that involves adding desks, renting a meeting room for a pitch, or relocating to a private office, all within the same location. 

We should also mention the networking opportunities. Coworking hubs, such as Campus X, are deeply embedded in Sofia’s startup ecosystem, offering connections to investors, accelerators, and top talent. Furthermore, our member companies can also explore vast opportunities for visibility within the ecosystem. This community aspect creates an environment where early-stage companies can thrive through learning, collaboration, and partnerships.

Corporations and hybrid workers

As the hybrid work model becomes the standard for many organizations, coworking spaces are filling a significant gap by providing professional-grade office environments that don't require long-term leases or complex buildouts. Large corporations can rent space (e.g. a private office) on a monthly basis, making it easy to adapt as workforce needs change. That way, teams can decentralize operations while supporting hybrid schedules.

Whether it's a satellite team, a local sales office, or a creative department seeking inspiration outside of HQ, these office spaces guarantee the infrastructure and flexibility they need.

For hybrid employees, on the other hand, coworking means access to a reliable workspace without the need for long commutes or working in distracting home environments.

Additionally, coworking spaces offer intangible benefits that appeal to corporations, including exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems, access to innovation, and enhanced employee satisfaction. By offering staff a more dynamic and inspiring workplace, companies can boost engagement and attract top talent, particularly among younger professionals who value flexibility and work-life balance.

As a result, coworking hubs in Sofia are increasingly accommodating corporate clients with enterprise-level amenities, including IT security, premium internet connection, dedicated meeting rooms, mail handling, event spaces, and 24/7 access. 

At Campus X, we even offer private branded offices within the coworking environment, combining exclusivity with flexibility. Throughout the years, this has helped us become a go-to choice for various multinational companies expanding to Bulgaria. 

Types of workspace options in a coworking space

Coworking spaces are designed to support different work styles, team sizes, and budgets. Whether you’re a freelancer needing just a desk for a few days a month or a startup planning to scale from three people to fifteen, Sofia’s coworking ecosystem will have you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options that you can choose from:

Flexible desks in an open-plan coworking

Also known as hot desks, flexible desks are non-assigned workstations in a shared office or coworking space. These desks are usually offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. However, in the case of Campus X, desks can be booked in advance through a dedicated system, ensuring that you always have a reserved desk. 

Flex desks are ideal options for freelancers, digital nomads, or remote workers who don’t need the same workspace every day.

The appeal of hot desks lies in their affordability and flexibility. In Sofia, most coworking spaces offer daily, weekly, or monthly pricing. As a result, you have the freedom not to commit to a long-term plan or pay for time you won’t use. Simply show up, pick an available desk, and get to work.

Despite their flexibility, hot desk users still enjoy all the amenities of the coworking space, such as fast Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, lounge areas, meeting rooms, and community events. This makes them ideal for professionals who want to stay productive without being tied down.

Hot desks are also great for networking. Sitting in a new spot each day introduces you to different people, which often leads to spontaneous collaboration or new business opportunities. And if you’re traveling or testing out a coworking space before making a bigger commitment, flexible desks are the perfect starting point.

Dedicated desks in an open-plan coworking

A dedicated desk is your own reserved workstation in a shared area of the coworking space. It’s an excellent option for individuals who seek consistency. Unlike flex desks, a dedicated desk ensures that your workspace is always available and complete with your personal setup, allowing you to set it up once and enjoy the convenience of your own workstation for as long as you need. That way, they promote better focus since you won’t need to switch spots or adjust your environment every day.

For freelancers, remote employees, or solopreneurs, a dedicated desk strikes the right balance - you’re part of the community but have a space that’s uniquely yours. It’s especially valuable if your work involves longer sessions, ongoing projects, or access to physical materials.

In Sofia, dedicated desks are available in most premium coworking hubs and often come with access to all shared amenities. On top of that, choosing a dedicated desk in Campus X, for example, comes with various perks, including unlimited access to amenities and professional office equipment (phone booths, printers, scanners, etc.), meeting rooms available on demand with special discounts, preferential terms for third-party partner services (e.g., health insurance, Multisport subscription, etc.), and more​.

Private offices

Private offices in coworking spaces offer a balance of complete privacy and the benefits of a shared office environment, essentially providing the best of both worlds. These enclosed, lockable offices are ideal for startups, small teams, or professionals who need confidentiality and control over their work environment.

Unlike traditional leased offices, private offices in coworking hubs don’t require long-term contracts or capital expenditures and give you access to various services (e.g., cleaning, maintenance, internet, reception, mail handling, printing) without the overhead or logistical headaches.

In Sofia, private offices are popular among fast-growing startups, legal and financial firms, creative agencies, and even multinational teams entering the Bulgarian market. Available in a variety of configurations, from one-person setups to suites for 100+ employees, private offices are fully furnished and move-in ready. 

Furthermore, at Campus X, we also offer a custom private office design service to ensure that the office space fits your team’s vision and requirements like a glove. That way, we help our members express their brand and culture, embedding a unique signature and aesthetics in the interior of their office space. Importantly, we handle everything - from creative design proposals to collaborating with leading furniture providers, and tracking the project’s progress. 

The private office is the most preferred option for Campus X members, with 95% of the full capacity (over 1,000 desks) currently booked. The smallest private office we have at our premises accommodates just one desk, while the largest one features 115 dedicated workspaces.

Coworking vs. traditional leased office in Sofia: Pros & cons

In 2025, not only freelancers and digital nomads, but also many startups and international companies consider coworking spaces the smarter choice when it comes to choosing a workspace in Sofia. Among the key reasons is that these plug-and-play solutions reduce the risk and commitment associated with traditional offices, while offering more modern, agile infrastructure. Furthermore, you won’t have to deal with utility providers, office furniture, IT security, internet contracts, or maintenance, as everything is included. This not only saves time but also reduces hidden costs and operational headaches, allowing you to get started immediately.

Moreover, the community aspect of coworking creates opportunities that traditional offices often lack. From casual coffee break conversations to organized networking events, coworking brings professionals into contact with potential collaborators, clients, and even investors. For startups and solopreneurs, for example, this exposure is often invaluable.

Additionally, the Campus X private office offering brings additional perks that are usually reserved for traditional leased offices, such as giving you the freedom to fully customize your space and pursue a standalone corporate identity.

Below are some of the benefits that have made coworking spaces an increasingly popular option for many freelancers, startup teams, and international companies operating in Bulgaria:

Coworking space	Traditional leased office
Flexible lease terms	Long-term rental contracts
Access to shared amenities	Must arrange your own services
Community & networking	Often isolated setup
Scalable as your team grows	Harder to expand quickly
Upfront costs are low	High setup and furnishing costs
Minimal administrative burden	Requires facility management and upkeep
Fast setup—move in within days	Longer timelines for furnishing and fit-out
Access to events, workshops, and mentors	Limited to internal company activities
Shared operational costs (utilities, Wi-Fi)	Separate utility contracts and service fees
Short notice termination possible	Often difficult and costly to exit early

Ultimately, the decision between a coworking space and a leased office depends on your business model, growth stage, and working style. For many modern teams, especially those embracing hybrid or remote-first setups, coworking offers unmatched convenience, adaptability, and value in Sofia’s fast-evolving business environment.

What to look for when choosing a coworking space

Not all coworking spaces are created equal, and in a growing market like Sofia, it's essential to know what to prioritize when selecting your ideal office service. Beyond top-of-the-list features like pricing and location, the ideal coworking space should also support your productivity, enhance your brand, and offer access to a thriving community that fosters your growth. Last but not least, the more value-added services it provides, the better. Here are some key features to look for:

• Shared resources and amenities: To boost your comfort and productivity, seek a space that offers modern meeting rooms, private phone booths, printers, coffee bars, event spaces, and even wellness activities. 

  
  

• Flexibility and scalability: Whether you need a desk for a day or an office for a growing team, choose a space that allows you to scale up or down without friction.

  
  

• Community and networking opportunities: Great coworking spaces host curated events, meetups, pitch nights, and informal gatherings to help you connect with collaborators, clients, and mentors.

  
  

• Tech infrastructure, 24/7 access, and premium IT security: Stable, high-speed internet, power backup, smart meeting rooms, and premium IT support are essential for seamless operations. Round-the-clock access and secure entry systems are also invaluable for remote teams working across time zones or with unconventional hours.

  
  

• Professional services: Reception, mail handling, package delivery, and admin support are value-adds that can save you time and resources. It is also advisable to seek a coworking service provider that offers additional perks, such as preferential terms for third-party partner services (e.g., health insurance, Multisport subscription, etc.).

  
  

• Design and atmosphere: Natural light, ergonomic furniture, noise control, greenery, and overall layout influence productivity and well-being. Additionally, premium coworking spaces that offer these features can enhance the perception of your business among clients, partners, and investors.

  
  

• Location and convenience: Proximity to metro and bus stations and access to bike lanes, restaurants, residential areas, and other services make commuting and client meetings easier.

  
  

• Trial options and guest policies: Seek a coworking space that offers free trial days or flexible guest access, so that you can experience the environment firsthand before committing.

  
  

What’s the cost of coworking spaces in Sofia in 2025?

In the general case, the price can depend on factors such as location, booking period, included services, and amenities. As of 2025, the price range (VAT excl.) for different coworking options in Sofia are as follows:

• Desk in a private office: €150 - €300 per month

• Dedicated desk in a coworking space: €100 - €250 per month

• Hot desk in a coworking space: €10 - €25 per day

  
  

However, there are several caveats regarding pricing that you should be aware of. For example, some coworking spaces list prices without VAT (20%), so be sure to confirm if it’s included. Regarding private offices, bear in mind that some providers have minimum requirements for the number of desks, with the majority requiring at least five desks. Besides, ensure that the perks and access to the listed amenities are included in the price you are quoted.

How much do private offices, flex, and hot desks cost in Campus X in 2025?

As of 2025, the prices at Campus X (VAT excl.) are as follows:

• Desk in a private office: €199 (no minimum desk requirement)

• Fixed desk in a coworking space: €180

• Hot desk in a coworking space: €35 administrative tax + €11/day when you use

*Get familiar with the perks and benefits included in the private office and coworking space offerings.

How to rent a desk in a coworking space in Sofia?

Making a booking for the Campus X coworking space in Sofia is simple and straightforward:

1. Fill out a quick inquiry form on our website: Tell us what you need, and a member of our team will contact and guide you through the available workspace options based on your needs and preferences.

   
   

2. Get a free trial day: Come meet us and experience the environment at our coworking space for a day at no cost.

   
   

3. Book your desk or private office online: Once you decide to become part of our thriving community, you'll gain access to our internal booking system, where you can manage your membership, reserve meeting rooms, and explore upcoming events. 

Campus X has a capacity for over 1,500 people across six office buildings. Whether you're seeking to build a long-term presence in a private office for your growing team, you’re in town for a month and need a fixed desk, or looking for a single-day hot desk option, we have a space that fits. With modern facilities, startup-friendly perks, and a vibrant community of professionals, Campus X remains one of Sofia’s top choices for coworking in 2025.