Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s program stands out for its accessibility, flexibility, and family inclusivity.
Here are the major advantages:

Stability and Longevity
PR holders can live, work, and study in Bulgaria indefinitely, without the need for annual renewals or local sponsors.

Schengen Freedom & EU Integration
As of 2025, Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen Area allows residents visa-free travel across most of Europe. Full euro adoption in 2026 will further strengthen financial stability.

Family-Friendly Coverage
The program allows spouses and dependent children under 18 to be included in the same application. Dependent parents can qualify for temporary residency, ensuring extended family unity.

No Physical Residence Requirement
Unlike many EU programs, Bulgaria does not require you to live full-time in the country to maintain your PR status. You can renew your card every five years while continuing to live elsewhere.

Attractive Tax Environment
Bulgaria boasts a flat 10% tax rate on both personal and corporate income—the lowest in the EU. Unless you spend more than 183 days per year in the country, only Bulgarian-sourced income is taxable.

Pathway to EU Citizenship
After five years of holding permanent residency, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship, gaining access to a top-tier EU passport that offers visa-free travel to 177 countries, including Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Secure, Regulated Investment Framework
The program operates under strict EU financial oversight. Investments are made through licensed Bulgarian Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or ETFs, ensuring transparency and capital protection.

Cost-Effective Compared to Other EU Programs
Bulgaria’s investor route requires €512,000 — a highly competitive entry point that is lower than many high-end EU programs while offering direct permanent residency.

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

These funds are authorized by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission and are designed to channel capital into local industries and development projects. The structure is fund-based rather than real estate-driven, meaning:

• You avoid property speculation or market risks
• Your assets remain liquid and professionally managed
• The investment is auditable and compliant with EU regulations

Investment Duration & Exit Strategy
Applicants are required to maintain the investment for five years. After this period, capital can typically be redeemed in line with fund rules. This transparent timeline provides a clear exit strategy without indefinite lock-ins.

Eligibility
Any investor over the age of 18 with a clean criminal record can apply.
Spouses and children under 18 can be added to the same application, while dependent parents can apply for temporary residence.

Ineligible Applicants
For compliance with EU and international policy, citizens of Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and Myanmar are excluded. Due to sanctions, Russia and certain Ukrainian regions (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk) are also ineligible.

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 177 countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, and Japan.

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 4–6 months with two short visits to Bulgaria.

Located in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria combines ancient heritage with modern progress. It borders Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Romania, and the Black Sea—making it one of the most strategically located nations in the EU.

From the vibrant capital city Sofia, a growing financial and tech hub, to scenic regions like Plovdiv, Varna, and Bansko, Bulgaria offers a dynamic blend of culture, nature, and opportunity.

Its low living costs, strong infrastructure, and rapidly developing economy make it an attractive destination for global investors, entrepreneurs, and families. The country’s EU membership (since 2007), Schengen inclusion (2025), and upcoming euro adoption position it as a gateway for global mobility and investment in Europe.