Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s permanent residency by investment program offers several unique benefits that distinguish it from other European options:

Summary Advantages

• Competitive €512,000 investment threshold
  
• Lowest EU tax rate (10%)
  
• No mandatory residence requirement
  
• Stable, EU-regulated investment vehicle
  
• Schengen and Eurozone integration

To qualify for Bulgarian permanent residency, investors must commit a minimum of €512,000 into a licensed Bulgarian investment fund (AIF or ETF).

These funds are fully regulated and managed by authorized financial institutions, ensuring transparency and compliance with EU financial standards.

Unlike property-driven programs in other European countries, Bulgaria’s fund-based structure avoids speculative real estate risks. Your capital works within Bulgaria’s real economy — no illiquid assets, no inflated property prices, and no hidden obligations.

Exit Strategy

Investors must maintain their investment for approximately five years after obtaining permanent residency. After this period, the investment can be redeemed, subject to fund terms and program rules.

This clear, time-bound structure offers significantly greater flexibility compared to many European residency schemes with indefinite lock-ins.

Bulgaria’s program is inclusive, designed to benefit investors and their families.

Main Applicant:

• Must be over 18 years of age
  
• Hold a clean criminal record
  
• Fulfill the investment requirement
  

Eligible Family Members:

• Spouse and dependent children (under 18) can be included in the same application
• Dependent parents may qualify for temporary residence

This comprehensive family coverage makes Bulgaria one of the most family-friendly European residency programs.

Pathway to Bulgarian Citizenship

Permanent residency can lead to full Bulgarian (EU) citizenship after five years of holding PR status.
To qualify for naturalization, you must:

• Maintain your permanent residency
  
• Demonstrate basic Bulgarian language proficiency (A2 level)
  
• Meet all legal and documentation requirements
  

Upon approval, Bulgarian citizenship grants full EU rights — including the freedom to live, work, and establish businesses across all 27 EU countries, plus visa-free travel to 174 countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Program Restrictions

To align with EU and international policy, Bulgaria restricts applications from citizens of:
Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and Myanmar.
Additionally, due to sanctions, citizens of Russia and certain Ukrainian regions (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk) are currently ineligible.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Month 1: Document preparation, submission, and consular signing
Month 1: Pre-approval from Invest Bulgaria Agency
Months 2–4: Transfer €512,000 into the approved fund
Months 2–4: Receive Investment Certificate
Months 5–6: Apply for Visa D at a Bulgarian Consulate
Months 5–6: First trip to Bulgaria — submit PR application
Months 7–9: PR approval and issuance of PR card

Family Applications:
Once the main applicant receives their PR ID, family members (spouse and children) can apply — processing time is typically 4–5 months with two short visits to Bulgaria.

Situated in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria blends ancient history with modern European development. The country offers a high quality of life at low cost, excellent connectivity, and one of the most investor-friendly tax regimes in the EU.

From the Black Sea coast to the snow-capped Balkan mountains, Bulgaria’s landscapes are as diverse as its opportunities. The capital, Sofia, is a vibrant financial hub attracting global businesses, while cities like Plovdiv and Varna combine culture, education, and lifestyle appeal.

With EU membership since 2007, Schengen entry (2025), and euro adoption on the horizon, Bulgaria is positioned as Europe’s next strategic hub for investors and families alike.