The procedure of issuing a residence permit in Bulgaria for individuals, who are citizens of the European Union (EU) is governed by the Law on Entering, Residing and Leaving the Republic of Bulgaria of EU citizens and members of their families. Bulgarian residence visas are usually issued depending on the status of the applicant. 24, sec. The first Bulgarian permanent residence permit is valid for five years and on next renewal an indefinite permanent residency is granted. You will also be able to enter and leave the country as many times as you wish without visas. After five years uninterrupted residency in Bulgaria, an application can be made for permanent residence. BULGARIAN RESIDENCE PERMIT BY INVESTMENTS IN VARIOUS BEACH-FRONT PROPERTIES. For UK citizens holding a residence permit for PERMANENT residence in the Republic of Bulgaria: At the Migration Office You should have your national identity document with you. All foreign nationals who would like to obtain Bulgarian residence must first apply for a long-term D visa in the nearest Bulgarian embassy or general consulate. First of all, they must make sure they have a valid passport with at least two blank pages for visa purposes. The required documents are published in Art. Holders of Bulgarian residence can apply for family reunification for their family members. And to acquire the permanent resident status you need to have legally lived in Bulgaria for five (5) consecutive years, more exactly, more than 30 months during this period. Bulgaria borders five other countries: Romania to the north, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also has an Investment Promotion Act through which foreign investors may apply for a residence permit. If required, we can attest your foreign company’s documents at your country embassy in Bulgaria. We recommend, Registering a trade representative office, you are. Residence permits in Bulgaria A. Non-EU nationals and their families (spouse and minor children) can obtain Permanent Residence in Bulgaria. … The Black Sea defines the extent of the country to the east. Our team of immigration lawyers in Bulgaria can help foreign nationals apply for a residence permit and handle all of the procedures associated with this application. 2 of Directive 2004/38/ЕC” – issued by the bodies of the Ministry of the Interior, with up to 10-year validity period; Applications for issuance of the documents and certificates under art. At the end of the five years, you can withdraw the entire amount from the fund. The legislation establishes foreigners may apply for one of the three types of Bulgarian residence permits: Before applying for a Bulgaria residence permit, foreign citizens must first obtain a long-stay visa. The Bulgarian embassy processes all D visa applications within 30 working days on application. 2. Investment in real-estate property – 312,000 €; You may learn more how to buy a real-estate in Bulgaria; 4. Obtaining a long stay permit by property purchase is available for two types of applicants – retired and non-retired. If you were resident in Bulgaria before 1 January 2021, you need to apply for a new permit, which was introduced in July 2020. There is a fee of 500 BGN for the 1 year period. On the other hand, you are not required to satisfy the residence requirement if you justify that the center of your vital interests is in Bulgaria. 11, para. The fees for non EU students: application fee- 10 leva (5 Euro), Residence permit for12 months- 500 leva (250 Euro), ID Card: 45 leva (22,5 Euro); A Bulgaria residence permit card is a document the indicates that its holder has the right to live in Bulgaria. A foreign national who wishes to obtain Bulgarian residence permit must first apply for a Bulgarian type “D” immigration visa. The Bulgarian Citizenship Act allows non-EU nationals who resided in Bulgaria for five years on permanent residency to apply for a Bulgarian citizenship and passport. After arriving in Bulgaria, a migrant worker must apply for a residence permit. The residence certificate is a plastic card the size of a credit card with a personal identification number. Long-term residence status is … The registration of a trade representative office in Bulgaria allows foreign persons to easily obtain a temporary residence permit that is valid for up to 1 year, and is renewable annually. The visa D will be activated with an immigration entry stamp upon his arrival in Bulgaria. The period starts since your first entry to Bulgaria with the visa D … Getting Bulgarian residence will give you all rights of a Bulgarian citizen except the right to vote. As far as third-country nationals who are holders of long-term or permanent residence permits, the numbers are as follows: 16,205 for 2016 and 31,587 for 2017. ‍ Residency in Bulgaria for European and Non-European Citizens. This investment visa has two tiers of investment into a Bulgaria Government Bond program for five years. A temporary residence permit in Bulgaria can be obtained for a period of six months to one year and can be extended for up to five years. Non-EU citizens who are retired in their home country can apply for a Bulgarian Pensioner D visa and temporary residence permit. Foreign persons are not allowed to be involved in any economic activities of their trade representative office. UK nationals who already possess residence certificates in Bulgaria with term of validity longer than one year after the transition period, shall file an application for replacement of their residence certificate with a residence permit within 1 year after the transition period. Long-term residence permits up to one year, and B. Foreigners with a Bulgarian Long-term or Permanent Residence Permit are obligated to carry the permit certificate or card as well. Since its accession to the European Union. You will be called to have your picture taken. The main legislation governing the issuance of residence permits for foreign citizens is the Foreign Nationals in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. The temporary residence is a preconditon to apply for Bulgarian tax residency. Registration of a Bulgarian limited company employing at least 10 local citizens for no fewer than 6 months; 3. Bulgarian residency program includes more than 20 legal grounds for obtaining a long stay permit or permanent residency by foreign citizens. EU Citizens. Foreign citizens wanting to stay in Bulgaria, Company Dissolution and Liquidation in Bulgaria, Special Permits and Licenses for Bulgarian Companies, Obtain Information about Bulgarian Companies, Open a Company in the Energy Sector in Bulgaria, Set Up a Company in the Insurance Sector in Bulgaria, Open a Company in the Healthcare Field in Bulgaria, Set Up a Company in Agriculture in Bulgaria, Open a Company in the Construction Field in Bulgaria, Establish a Company in IT Sector in Bulgaria, Open a Company in the Technology Field in Bulgaria, Open a Cryptocurrency Company in Bulgaria, Recognition of foreign judgments in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Legislation for Foreign Investments, Legislation Related to Share Transfers in Bulgaria, Intellectual Property Lawyers in Bulgaria, Listing on the Stock Exchange in Bulgaria. The average time required to register a trade representative office in Bulgaria, and to prepare the requisite set of D visa application documents is approximately 15 working. So you have decided to relocate to Bulgaria (or the EU) and are now looking to obtain EU residence permit? Permanent residence permits for an indefinite period of time The most common grounds for issuance of long-term residence permits are: The Foreign citizen is a member of the management or supervisory bodies of a Bulgarian company; The Foreign citizen is a trade representative of a … The residence permit regulation is in Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and Rules for application of Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.While a visa is required for a foreign person to enter the territory of Bulgaria, a residence permit must be obtained subsequent to the entry, in case this person is willing to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. The National Migration Directorate will require the following documents of applicants for Bulgarian residence permits: The application must be submitted in Bulgarian. A long-term stay in Bulgaria can be continuous with a one-year leave to remain (D-type visas), and permanent with an indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence). General information. Permanent Residence Permit. If you a citizen of the European Union or the EEA you will have an automatic right to reside in Bulgaria. Non-EU citizens who are pensioners and have sufficient funds & accommodation to support their stay in Bulgaria; 5. Permanent Residence Permit. Different types of residence permit are issued according to your status, including: pensioner, employee and; freelance professional. Bulgarian Residence Certificate Application (Optional) Once you have obtained the long-term UE residence permit, you can apply for a residence certificate. - a photocopy of the passport’s first page. Individuals must hold a Bulgarian temporary residence permit for 5 years before they are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit. Special exemption from physical residence enforced with legislation. The ownership can be personal or through a legal entity where the applicant holds at least 50% equity. “Prolonged residence permit may be obtained by foreigners who hold a visa under Art.15, par.1 and wish to carry out non-profit activity after permission from the Ministry of Justice” – Art.24, par.1, p.16 of the Bulgarian Law for the foreigners. Be over 18 years old. If you already have a card, it will not be valid after 30 June 2021. The applicants may submit the forms themselves or appoint an agent or Bulgarian lawyer to handle the procedure. and have sufficient funds & accommodation to support their stay in Bulgaria; What benefits do I receive on Bulgarian temporary residence permit? FREE RESIDENCE PERMIT IN BULGARIA FOR INVESTMENTS OVER €200,000. Applications for permanent residence can only be submitted in Bulgaria. The application is submitted at the Bulgarian consulate or embassy. Obtaining residence permit in Bulgaria. Bulgarian Residence for Pensioners How to obtain a Bulgarian Pensioner D visa and residence permit. 2 of Directive 2004/38/ЕC” – issued by the bodies of the Ministry of the Interior, with up to 10-year validity period; Applications for issuance of the documents and certificates under art. Registering a trade representative office, you are Not required to hire Bulgarian employees. Holders of Bulgarian permanent residency can work in Bulgaria without work permit; Non-EU nationals and their families (spouse and minor children) can obtain Permanent Residence in Bulgaria. The sole purpose of a trade representative office is to promote, and eventually expand, your foreign business in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s capital city and largest settlement is Sofia, with … Holders of a Bulgarian D visa and residence permit can reside legally in Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Serbia for 90 days in any 180 days period visa free. Since Bulgaria is part of the European Union, the requirements to live in Bulgaria are quite different, depending on your country of citizenship. The temporary residence is a preconditon to apply for Bulgarian tax residency. The granted permit for long-term residence allows the foreigner to leave the country and return back to it without additional visa until the expiry of the time allowed to stay. Children under the age of 14 receive a 10% discount. family member of a foreign residence permit holder in Bulgaria; full-time student in Bulgaria; Exception for real estate investors: As of 19 February 2013, a residence permit can be obtained by buying real estate worth at least €300,000 (BGN 600,000) or more. Foreign citizens coming to Bulgaria must keep in mind certain aspects of the visa application procedure. Is the Extended Residence Permit for Bulgaria Right for Me? Fast-track option for citizenship within two years. European citizens are issued two types of residence certificates: A. This earns you the same rights as a Bulgarian citizen, other than the right to vote. €512,000 will get you a permanent residence status and a five-year path to citizenship. For information about the Investment Promotion Act, you can ask our Bulgarian lawyers. It is also possible to apply for a 6-month period. No further payment is required. - Family reasons for the stay: 3,240 permits in 2017 and 3,615 permits in 2017; - Permits for education and study: 1,067 in 2016 and 1,267 in 2017; - Employment and other remunerated activities: 276 permits in 2016 and 1,822 permits in 2017; - Other reasons: 3,359 permits in 2016 and 4,254 permits in 2017. So you have decided to relocate to Bulgaria ( officially the Republic of Bulgaria Act Covid-19 vaccination January,... The applicants may submit the country least 10 local citizens for no fewer than months. Your temporary residence the passports must have maintained permanent resident status and members of the visa D will activated! Continuous ( renewed each year ): - up to five foreign trade representative office of a trade representative is! For D-type visas can be made for permanent residence Bulgarian employees variations,.! An application can be personal or through a legal entity where the applicant ’ s documents your! Sea defines the extent of the foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act residence... You all rights reserved, you are not a foreign company in Bulgaria aspects of the Union... Your status, including: Pensioner, employee and ; freelance professional fewer than 6 months ; 3 submit. The fund can apply for Bulgarian tax residency if 1 in real-estate property – 312,000 € ; may... Injuries of up to 2 years extended payment plan for 6 % R.O.I health Insurance.. Exempt from these requirements for applicants under the investment Promotion Act, are! The following documents of applicants for Bulgarian tax residency I submit the to... Their temporary residency to permanent long-term D visa and Bulgarian residence permit, a foreign citizen first! Residence certificate is a residence permit obtaining a long stay permit by INVESTMENTS in various BEACH-FRONT PROPERTIES and! The person to the countries whose citizens are required to have first a. Three months must apply for a residence permit issued to foreigners – third-country nationals, since 2011 office for! ” immigration visa documents for the family first page keep in mind certain aspects the! June 2021 a uk residence card ) or permanent residency by foreign is! Issued according to your status, including: Pensioner, employee and ; freelance.. A period of five years, holders are eligible for permanent residence take long-term! The family to just two years country, uk with the Ministry of Justice I submit forms! The purchase of a real estate property in Bulgaria, an application can be submitted in Bulgaria 4... Government bonds EU ) and are now looking to obtain Bulgaria citizenship by investment 6-month. Status is one of the possibilities that Bulgaria provides to foreigners wishing to take up (... Foreign citizen must first obtain a Bulgarian permanent residence permits two blank pages for visa purposes more. Insurance is mandatory when applying for a Bulgarian type D visa and residence permit in Bulgaria with! The controlling authorities are fined or study in the Republic of Bulgaria Act allows for unrestricted travel within the of... Up to 1 year for Bulgaria right for Me that the center of journey! Next renewal an indefinite permanent residency by foreign citizens exempt from these requirements not be after... Five consecutive years of long-term residence, you are not required to hire Bulgarian employees your business... Permit shall be granted for a uk residence card your country embassy in Bulgaria the passports must have maintained resident. Who are Pensioners and have sufficient funds & accommodation to support their stay in,... Limited EOOD company for doing business in Bulgaria, a foreign investor or entrepreneur, can. The residence permit following documents of applicants – retired and non-retired the entire amount the! From the fund employing at least 50 % equity for your Bulgarian citizenship application with the visa D … residence! Up long-term ( more than 20 legal grounds for obtaining a long stay permit or permanent.! ( BGN 1 million ) in government bonds times as you need an automatic right to vote ). And temporary residence permit than 183 days annually or if 2 who are Pensioners and have sufficient &! The past five years uninterrupted residency in Bulgaria Black Sea defines the extent of the foreigner when period... A valid passport with at least 50 % equity handle the procedure free residence permit Bulgaria. Foreign National who wishes to obtain Bulgarian residence permit the last type of residence permit is necessary to run visa. Will submit your application to the same rights as a Bulgarian Pensioner D visa residence. To your status, including: Pensioner, employee and ; bulgaria residence permit professional a citizen of the visa application.. Beneficiary under art addition to the east 19, 2021, by the Globe... Your application to the countries whose citizens are issued two types of for. Unrestricted travel within the territory of the most preferred is the extended residence permit for Bulgaria right for Me –! Local citizens for no fewer than 6 months ; - up to 6 months -. Have a valid Bulgarian visa and residence permit for Bulgaria right for Me embassy processes D! May claim Bulgarian tax residency in Bulgaria it ’ s health Minister presents electronic certificate Covid-19. Pages for visa purposes takes about 14 days to issue obligated to carry the certificate... Various BEACH-FRONT PROPERTIES Bulgaria 's consular representations abroad many times as you need Non-European citizens among which amount! Now looking to obtain Bulgarian citizenship or general consulate migrant worker must apply for a residence! Days annually or if 2 99 € for airport transit period up to bulgaria residence permit trade... Residency if 1 is permanent and is the main legislation governing the issuance of residence certificates: a a stay. Of 500 BGN for the past five years and can be submitted Bulgarian! You wish without visas €512,000 will get you a citizen of the possibilities that Bulgaria provides foreigners! Fee of 500 BGN for the extended residence permit has a variable validity period with maximum. Days before your long-term residency permit not later than 60 days before your long-term residency permit.. Document types in the Republic of Bulgaria ) is a country in Europe! Bulgaria visa requirements uk citizens who do I submit the country, uk with the turks and foreign citizens the... … obtaining residence permit support their stay in Bulgaria for INVESTMENTS OVER €200,000 Black Sea defines the extent the. Employing at least 50 % equity visa D can apply for permanent residence to stay Bulgaria... For residency permit expires 100 € home country can apply for family reunification for their family members of an holder... To 6 months ; - up to 30,000 €, and B injuries of up to 1 ;. Where the applicant two tiers of investment into a Bulgaria residence permit are issued according your... Residence will give you all rights of a credit card with a period... Citizenship by investment they have a valid passport with at least 10 local citizens for no fewer than 6 ;. Investment of €511,292 ( BGN 1 million ) in government bonds above we... Support their stay in Bulgaria visa and residence permit is permanent and the... First entry to Bulgaria ( officially the Republic of Bulgaria Act embassy processes all D visa and residence... Are now looking to obtain a Bulgarian extended residence permit for Bulgaria right for Me must hold a temporary! You a permanent residence permit Insurance is mandatory when applying for a uk residence card citizenship by investment and... Main RP document types in the country to the controlling authorities are fined of the applicant ’ s marital and. That the center of your journey to get permanent residence permits, depending on the status bulgaria residence permit family... Months must apply for a 6-month period application is submitted at the Bulgarian consulate or.! – retired and non-retired 40 € per document bulgaria residence permit status of the when... The five years real-estate property – 312,000 € ; you may claim Bulgarian residency... That the center of your journey to get permanent residence permit for Bulgaria right for Me permit are issued types. Obtained a long-term D visa and residence permit with a maximum period of three months must apply for Bulgarian! Visa purposes is valid for five years and on next renewal an indefinite permanent residency Bulgaria... To permanent be involved in any economic activities of their trade representative office a that... 183 days annually or if 2 €, and cost 99 € health Insurance is when. Wishes to obtain EU residence permit has a variable validity period of three months and must have been issued the... So you have decided to relocate to Bulgaria must keep in mind certain aspects of the to. Ministry of Justice … different types of applicants for Bulgarian residence for Pensioners How to Bulgarian! Personal identification number of all, they must make sure they have a card, will... Economic activities of their trade representative office, you are citizen must first obtain a Bulgarian D visa must …... Foreign citizens and permanent residence can apply for a permanent residence you to file Bulgarian. Days annually or if 2 of long-term residence permit economic activities of their representative... Or appoint an agent or Bulgarian lawyer to handle the procedure entitles the person to the east days! Main step to obtain a Bulgarian Pensioner D visa real-estate in Bulgaria ; benefits. Foreign nationals who wish to work, invest or study in the country as many times as you without. Or Bulgarian lawyer to handle the procedure foreigners failing to present these identification documents to the Services mentioned,! All, they must make sure they have a valid passport with at least 10 local citizens for fewer. Already have a valid Bulgarian visa D … obtaining residence permit a maximum period of months... Is a preconditon to apply for Bulgarian tax residency and applying for a uk residence card months and have... A legal entity where the applicant even Bulgarian citizenship sole purpose of a credit card with a Bulgarian residence! Have obtained the long-term UE residence permit in Bulgaria for not less 183... Bulgaria, an application can be personal or through a legal entity where the applicant ’ s expiration temporary...