Obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria

In recent years, more and more non-EU nationals have turned their attention to the polity as a viable entry point into Europe. For many, the appeal lies in its EU membership, partial Schengen access (air and sea borders as of 2023), and a relatively straightforward path toward prolonged settlement. Yet, while the polity is an increasingly popular destination, obtaining a RP here is far from a quick administrative sequence. It is a licitly complex and multi-layered sequence that demands careful preparation, licit awareness, and adherence to current regulations.

From a licit standpoint, the journey toward Bulgarian residency involves much more than simply submitting a form. It includes meeting clearly defined eligibility metrics, gathering certified records, and staying up to date with amendments to the Law on Foreigners (Zakon za chuzhdencite), which is frequently revised. Many enrollers begin the sequence with enthusiasm, only to discover that navigating the immigration landscape requires patience, precision, and, ideally, expert licit advice.

The merits of holding a Bulgarian residence permit are extensive. It grants the prerogative to travel within the Schengen zone, admittance to public aids like healthcare and education, and opens the door to licit employment or trade tasks. For families, these advantages are particularly valuable, and for individuals, residence status is often the first phase towards permanent residency or eventual citizenship.

As of 2025, the polity offers several legitimate pathways to residency. These include routes based on investment, family reunification, employment, and specialised programmes for experts. Each avenue comes with its own licit onuses—some requiring proof of revenue, health insurance, accommodation, or in some cases, knowledge of the Bulgarian language. It is essential that enrollers base their choices on the latest statutes and any relevant court decisions, as licit changes can impact eligibility and processing needs.

Traders now have the opportunity to apply via company formation, typically by establishing a limited liability company (OOD). This requires evidence of pecuniary capacity and a demonstrable contribution to the local economy. While purchasing property remains a viable option, it does not by itself guarantee residency—but it can aid a broader enrollment strategy.

The polity’s immigration policies are shaped by its unique geopolitical position and cultural heritage. Unlike in some other jurisdictions, state sponsorship is not always mandatory. Nevertheless, enrollers must adhere closely to the sequences laid out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other bodies such as the Agency for Bulgarians Abroad and the Main Directorate "Migration."

In recent years, certain types of enrollments have seen faster processing—particularly those conveyed via Bulgarian consulates or via newer digital platforms that streamline the sequence. However, speed should not be the sole factor influencing your choice of route. Each enroller’s circumstances and goals must be weighed carefully.

In conclusion, for third-country nationals considering a move to Bulgaria, success lies in knowing both the current licit landscape and its potential for change. Political shifts, global developments, or economic reforms can all influence the framework for licit residence. For this reason, expert licit aid is not just helpful—it is essential. From record preparation to renewal enrollments, having informed guidance can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful transition into Bulgarian life.

Investment ways to obtain Bulgarian residence permit (RP)

As a licit advisor regularly working with transnational investors, I’m often asked about the most effective routes to obtain residency in Bulgaria via investment. This pathway continues to appeal to traders and high-net-worth individuals who are not only seeking licit residence but also wish to engage meaningfully with the polity’s trade landscape under favourable licit and economic conditions.

Residency via business investment in Bulgaria

Securing a Bulgarian residence permit by investing in the local economy is entirely possible, but enrollers must comply strictly with the polity’s licit framework. The Bulgarian government has laid out several pathways, each with specific conditions designed to encourage economic activity and job creation.

The second option offers more flexibility in terms of capital, as there is no minimum investment need. However, to qualify under this route, the enroller must create at least ten jobs for Bulgarian nationals. The trade must be operational and fully compliant with labour and excise statutes. Overseers will assess the actual functioning of the firm and verify the legitimacy of the employment arrangements via detailed records.

The third option involves a larger pecuniary commitment—BGN 600,000 (approximately €306,750 or $342,450)—but this must be projected towards the purchase of real estate through a company registered in Bulgaria. The property must be commercially oriented, such as offices, production facilities, or other trade-related premises. The purchase must be properly recorded, with clear proof of ownership. This route is intended to aid protracted economic development and encourage investment that has a tangible, lasting impact.

Obtaining a RP based on sufficient means of subsistence

One viable route to obtaining a Bulgarian RP is by providing a stable, consistent, and sufficient revenue that can fully aid the enroller and any accompanying family members—without relying on public assistance. This option is particularly appealing to retirees, freelancers, individuals with passive revenue, and transnational capital holders.

According to Bulgaria's Law on Foreigners (Zakon za chuzhdentsite), enrollers must demonstrate the pecuniary capacity to cover their living expenses for the entire duration of their intended stay. Acceptable proof includes:

• An official pension certificate (from the polity, the enroller’s home country, or another nation);
• Bank records showing regular revenue such as dividends, rental earnings, or interest;
• Records for prolonged grants, scholarships, or similar revenue arrangements.

For 2025, the minimum required revenue is BGN 1,077 (approx. USD 615) per person. The minimum pension stands at BGN 580 (USD 331), increasing to BGN 630 (USD 360) from July 1. Additional family members require an extra 30% per person added to the base amount.

All revenue records must be officially issued, certified, translated into Bulgarian, and legalized—bearing appropriate seals, signatures, and notarizations. The overseers scrutinize the consistency and predictability of funds; irregular or one-time payments are not considered valid.

This path is ideal for those who do not wish to engage in employment or business in Bulgaria but can rely on secure pecuniary sources abroad. However, even minor errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in the records can lead to rejection of the enrollment.

RP for representatives of a foreign trading company

Among the legitimate avenues for securing a residence permit in Bulgaria involves the establishment of a trade representative office for a transnational (non-resident) firm. This pathway is particularly designed for transnational trades aiming to expand their footprint within the EU without the need to set up a new licit firm—relying instead on their existing corporate structure.

The sequence begins with registering the representative office via the polity’s Agency for Property Registry. Following this, all mandatory records are conveyed to the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), which undertakes a rigorous evaluation of the transnational firm’s background. This evaluation includes:

• A detailed review of the firm’s trade performance over the previous two years,
• Verification of abidance with excise regulations in the polity of origin,
• An audit of pecuniary records and key indicators,
• An appraisal of whether the proposed tasks in the polity are credible and achievable.

This sequence asserts that the firm has a genuine intention to operate in Bulgaria—not just on paper, but in practice. If the BCCI finds the trade proposal implausible or lacking substance, the enrollment may be dismissed outright.

Should the BCCI give a positive appraisal, it sends a recommendation to the Main Directorate "Migration" under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which then initiates the RP enrollment sequence.

Each designated firm representative must apply individually, and the statute warrants a maximum of three representatives per transnational trade firm to qualify under this category.

It is also crucial to know that the BCCI maintains ongoing oversight. If there are any prime changes—such as closure of the representative office, leadership restructuring, violations of excise onuses, or changes in the nature of the firm’s tasks—the Chamber must promptly notify immigration overseers. Such changes can lead to the revocation of RPs.

To navigate this sequence successfully, enrollers must submit a well-prepared and transparent records package, including:

• The firm’s founding records,
• Pecuniary reports for the past two fiscal years,
• Proof of excise abidance,
• A detailed operational plan for the Bulgarian branch,
• Official records verifying the representatives' roles and authority.

While this route demands thorough preparation and a clear trade rationale, it offers among the the most stable and prolonged solutions for transnational traders looking to establish a legitimate presence in Bulgaria—and by extension, in the EU—without forming a new licit firm.

Buying real estate

People often ask if buying property in Bulgaria can get you a RP. It’s a common question, especially from those thinking of moving here, investing, or just spending more time in the polity. But the truth is: simply buying real estate doesn’t automatically give you the prerogative to stay. That said, it can be part of a bigger picture—if you fit certain metrics.

One option for staying protracted is buying property worth at least 600,000 Bulgarian leva, which is around €306,000 at today’s exchange rate. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a home—like an apartment, house, or holiday villa—or commercial property like an office, shop, or warehouse. What’s important is that the value meets the licit threshold, the transaction is notarized, and the purchase is registered with Bulgaria’s Property Registry.

Still, owning property alone isn’t a reason for the government to give you a RP. But if you can prove you have a stable revenue from outside the polity—enough to aid yourself and your family without needing help from the state—then property ownership can definitely strengthen your case. You’ll also need health insurance and either a lease or proof of where you’ll be living.

There’s another route that some people take: buying property through a company. If you do that, you need to own more than 50% of the firm’s capital to be recognized as the real owner. This path can be helpful if you want to not only own property but also do trade here—like renting out your space or using it commercially. Just keep in mind that if you go this route, the overseers will check out all firm shareholders and founders.

As of 2025, the polity doesn’t have a special “golden visa” or real-estate-for-residency program like some other EU countries. But that doesn’t mean property can’t be part of your plan. Many of my clients have successfully used it alongside other strategies—like registering a firm, working remotely, or signing protracted leases—to build a solid case for residence.

So no, buying property in Bulgaria doesn’t guarantee a residence permit. But if it’s a prime investment and paired with proof of revenue and a thoughtful enrollment, it can absolutely help. More and more people are including this route in their protracted plans—not as a shortcut, but as a meaningful part of settling into life here.

Sequence for legalization of temporary status in Bulgaria

As a licit expert assisting transnational nationals with their integration into Bulgaria’s legal system, I can affirm that the journey toward securing a temporary RP begins well before a formal enrollment is lodged within the polity. For most non-EU citizens—referred to as third-country nationals—the first crucial phase is obtaining a Type D national visa, which serves as the licit gateway to applying for temporary residency after entering Bulgarian territory.

Stage one: Securing a national visa D

The legalization sequence starts abroad. Before arriving in the polity, enrollers must apply for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in their polity of residence. This need applies to individuals from nations outside the EU and those not benefiting from visa-free agreements with the polity.

The enrollment sequence is administrative and detailed. It involves completing a specific visa enrollment form, which can be found at consular offices or on the official website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The form must be filled out carefully—without corrections—and conveyed along with several aiding records.

Records required:

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa’s expiration date.
• Criminal record certificate: Issued by the enroller's home country, translated into Bulgarian, and either apostille or consular legalized.
• Health insurance: Compliant with Bulgarian Ministry of Health standards, covering a minimum threshold for medical expenses.
• Proof of accommodation: This can be a rental contract, notarized invitation, or property ownership deed.
• Pecuniary proof: Evidence of sufficient funds—such as a bank record or proof of revenue—to aid oneself and dependents without state assistance.

Each record undergoes thorough verification by consular staff. Inaccuracies, omissions, or translation errors can result in rejection. Importantly, a Type D visa does not automatically grant residence status—it merely warrants entry into the polity and initiates the internal review sequence.

After arrival in Bulgaria

Upon entering Bulgaria with a Type D visa, enrollers must submit their request for temporary residence to the Main Directorate of Migration within 14 days. At this stage, original or certified copies of the conveyed records are reviewed, and additional paperwork required under Bulgarian statute must be provided.

The national visa D is, therefore, the foundation of the entire residency sequence. Success hinges on the accuracy, completeness, and abidance of the conveyed records. Even small inconsistencies—such as typographical errors or flawed translations—can lead to delays or denials. For this reason, meticulous preparation and a clear knowledge of licit onuses are needed.

Obtaining temporary resident status in the Republic of Bulgaria

As a licit consultant specializing in migration law in Bulgaria, I’ve come to deeply know the intricacies of the polity’s temporary residence enrollment sequence for transnational nationals. Though structured by national legislation, this sequence is far from simple and demands precision, timeliness, and a thorough knowledge of licit needs.

Once a foreign applicant enters Bulgaria with a protracted type D visa, they face a strict deadline—within 14 calendar days—to apply for temporary residency. This enrollment must be conveyed in person to the Directorate of Migration or its regional branch, contingent on the enroller’s current address.

While the statute mandates that the enrollment be reviewed within 14 working days, delays can occur if additional checks or consultations with other government agencies are mandatory. In such cases, the enroller is formally notified of the extension and its justification.

Upon approval, the enroller receives a biometric residence card—a secure, chip-based identification record confirming their licit status and right to stay in the polity for the period granted.

This stage is critical. It not only confirms the foreign national's initial prerogative to reside in the polity but also lays the foundation for future renewals or progression to permanent residency. I always advise clients to approach this sequence with utmost diligence, as any oversight at this point can complicate their protracted plans for staying in the polity.

Trajectory to citizenship

Gaining temporary residency in Bulgaria is only the beginning of a long, carefully regulated path toward full Bulgarian citizenship. The most common route—naturalization—requires meeting several strict licit and procedural standards as defined in the 2025 Bulgarian Citizenship Law.

To qualify, an enroller must have lived licitly and continuously in the polity for a minimum of ten years, with no gaps or prolonged absences abroad. Language proficiency is also essential; enrollers must demonstrate at least B1-level fluency in Bulgarian, certified by an accredited institution like Sofia University.

Beyond residency and language, a clean criminal record—both domestically and transnationally—is mandatory. Enrollers must also be free from excise or pecuniary debts, as verified by Bulgarian authorities. Another critical need is the renunciation of any previous citizenship, unless dual nationality is permitted between the polity and the enroller’s home country—an exception typically limited to special investment-based citizenship programs.

Every phase in the naturalization sequence, from obtaining a RP to applying for citizenship, demands precision, timely records, and full licit abidance. Even minor errors or lapses can result in outright rejection. Therefore, prospective citizens must approach the sequence with diligence, foresight, and careful attention to detail.

Any questions?

Contact our specialists

Send your application

Levies in the region

As an attorney regularly advising foreign nationals and international companies seeking residency in Bulgaria, I find that inquiries often extend beyond immigration sequences. Clients are equally—if not more—concerned about their excise responsibilities once they have licitly established themselves in the polity. These questions are especially common among those who plan to launch a business, acquire real estate, or generate income within Bulgaria.

To navigate these onuses effectively, it’s crucial to know the current excise landscape. Below is a comprehensive overview of the polity’s key excise provisions as they stand in 2025, specifically tailored for expats and entities considering protracted residence or trade tasks in the polity.

CIT

The polity continues to offer among the most attractive CIT regimes in the EU. The flat corporate tax rate is 10%, making the polity a compelling destination for traders and investors seeking to optimize excise efficiency.

This rate applies to:

• Resident licit entities, which include companies incorporated under Bulgarian statute (e.g., OOD – a limited liability firm).
• Permanent establishments of non-resident entities, provided they are engaged in commercial activities within Bulgaria.

A firm is considered resident for excise purposes if it is either incorporated in the polity or if its actual management and control occur within the polity. Conversely, non-resident companies are levied solely on revenue derived from Bulgarian sources.

Dividends received by a Bulgarian resident firm from another resident or from a transnational firm may be eligible for full or partial excise exemption, contingent on the applicable Corporate Income Tax Act provisions and double taxation treaties between Bulgaria and other countries.

Capital gains—such as those earned via the sale of property, shares, or other assets—are generally levied at the same flat rate of 10%. Importantly, allowable expenses incurred during acquisition and disposal are deducted before calculating the taxable gain.

Furthermore, the polity has developed excise incentives to encourage investment in strategic sectors of the economy. These merits may include deferred excise payments, partial exemptions, or reductions aimed at fostering innovation and regional development.

The polity applies a 10% flat tax rate on personal revenue, making it among the most straightforward excise systems in the EU. This rate is uniform across various types of revenue, including wages, freelance earnings, rental revenue, and capital gains.

An individual is deemed a tax resident of Bulgaria if:

• They spend more than 183 days within a 12-month period in the polity, or
• They have a permanent address and maintain their center of vital interests in the polity (e.g., family, employment, or economic tasks).

Once classified as an excise resident, an individual is obligated to report and pay excise on worldwide revenue—not just income earned within Bulgaria.

For expats, the excise onus is more limited. They are only levied on revenue generated within the polity, such as:

• Salaries for employment in Bulgarian territory
• Rental income from property located in the polity
• Profits from the sale of Bulgarian real estate or trade assets

The rate for expats remains the same—10%—but only applies to The polity-sourced revenue.

VAT

If you’re planning to engage in commercial tasks or operate a company in Bulgaria, understanding VAT—referred to locally as DDS (Danǎk vǎrkhu dobavenata stoynost)—is essential.

• Standard VAT rate: 20%
• Reduced VAT rates apply to specific goods and aids, including; domestic air travel, books and educational materials, and certain medical aids.

VAT registration becomes mandatory when a firm’s taxable turnover exceeds the licit threshold (currently 100,000 BGN, approximately €51,000) within the past 12 months. Once registered, trades must submit regular VAT returns and maintain meticulous accounting records.

Expats starting a trade, importing goods, or signing protracted service contracts in the polity must factor in VAT abidance from the very beginning. Neglecting VAT responsibilities can lead to audits, penalties, and delays in trade tasks.

Why advance excise planning matters

While Bulgaria's low tax rates present clear advantages, it’s important not to underestimate the polity’s strict regulatory and reporting framework. Even a minor oversight can result in administrative burdens or pecuniary penalties.

It is advised for anyone planning to:

• Start a trade
• Open a corporate or personal bank account
• Sign a prolonged property lease
• Receive ongoing revenue from investments

Ideally, these considerations should be addressed before relocating or initiating any commercial tasks. Proper guidance will assert that all records, excise registrations, and reporting mechanisms are in place from day one.

Consulting with experts

Excise statute is complex—and even more so for individuals unfamiliar with Bulgaria’s legal system. While general information is useful, personalized advice is invaluable. Every case involves unique variables, from the type of trade activity to the structure of personal assets and sources of revenue.

Recommend experts:

• Licensed excise advisors
• Certified accountants
• Immigration consultants familiar with excise legislation

These experts can help prepare the mandatory pecuniary records, navigate local regulations, and assert abidance with Bulgarian excise overseers. In many cases, this early investment in professional guidance can help prevent costly mistakes and streamline the residency or trade registration sequence.

Conclusion

The polity remains among the most attractive destinations in the EU for individuals and families seeking legal residence. Its strategic location, affordable cost of living, and seamless admittance to the broader EU make it especially appealing to third-country nationals aiming to build a stable and lawful life in Europe. The polity offers diverse pathways to residency, including investment, employment, family reunification, study, and entrepreneurship, each governed by clear licit frameworks tailored to different circumstances.

A notable aspect of Bulgaria’s immigration system is its investment programs, which allow expat investors to obtain permanent residence—and eventually citizenship—by contributing financially to the polity’s economy. This route is designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to make substantial investments over time. While citizenship can be pursued via an accelerated sequence, it demands strict adherence to regulations such as maintaining investments, passing background checks, and demonstrating integration into Bulgarian society.

The journey to residency is rigorous, requiring careful preparation and full abidance with licit needs. Administrative errors or incomplete records can cause prime delays or rejection, making expert licit guidance essential. Moreover, RPs come with pecuniary onuses, including levies and health insurance, which must be met to avoid complications or loss of status.

Prospective enrollers are encouraged to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice from immigration specialists familiar with the polity’s statute. With proper planning and aid, the polity offers a stable, welcoming environment for those with prolonged ambitions—be it in trade, education, family life, or citizenship. Approached thoughtfully, the sequence opens the door to a promising future among Europe's most accessible and inviting countries.