BulgariaResidency By Investment
- Visa-free travel EU Schengen Area
- Investment starts from EUR 520,000
- No mandatory donations
- Low tax rates
Overview
The Investor Program for Permanent Residence in Bulgaria, administered under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act and the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, offers an ideal gateway into the European economy and lifestyle. The program’s appeal is supported by Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union since 2007, NATO since 2004, and the Schengen Area since 2025.
To participate in the Bulgarian Permanent Residence program, applicants must make a minimum investment of EUR 520,000 in units of an investment fund licensed by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission and established per the requirements set by the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act.
The investment must be deposited for a minimum of 5 years from the date of permanent residence approval, and no further payment is required.
Family Inclusion
Once Permanent Residence applications are approved, investors can extend their permanent residency to their immediate family members, including spouses and children through family reunification. Dependent parents may obtain a temporary residence permit in Bulgaria, valid for from several months to up to 5 years, depending on the reason for the stay.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Investor Program for Permanent Residence Bulgaria, applicants must fulfill the investment requirement and meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU/EEA national.
- Possess a valid passport or other foreign travel document.
- Possess a personal net worth exceeding EUR 520,000.
- Submit documentation verifying the legal origins of the declared and invested funds.
- Have a clean criminal record
- Pass a preliminary verification and obtain approval by Invest Bulgaria Agency – the government body overseeing foreign investments in the country.
- Pay application fees
Applicants must also make the minimum statutory trips to Bulgaria.
Residency in Bulgaria provides an ideal gateway into the European economy and way of life. The country is diverse, culturally rich, and strategically located for working and traveling within and around the continent. Bulgaria’s appeal lies in its excellent environment that supports both professional and personal growth, making it a highly desirable destination for those seeking residency in the European Union.
The Bulgarian Permanent Residency Application processing time may last from 6 to 9 months. Applicants are exempt from physical residence in the country and there is no language requirement. The status of a permanent resident (PR) is granted for a lifetime and can be passed on to further generations.
Bulgarian citizenship through naturalization can be obtained after holding permanent resident status for 5 years.
Benefits
Visa-free travel
Hedge Against Instabilities
Gateway to Europe
Healthcare & Education
Low Taxes & EU Free trade
High Living Standards
Investment Options
Applicants for Bulgaria’s Permanent Residence program must invest in shares or stocks worth a minimum of EUR 520,000 in Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) established in the Republic of Bulgaria. These funds should be managed by entities located in Bulgaria and operating in compliance with the Law on Collective Investment Schemes and Other Collective Investment Enterprises.
| A minimum net asset value of a fund must be at least EUR 5 million; |
| Licensing by the Financial Supervision Commission of Bulgaria; |
| Investment strategies of AIF or ETF must be primarily oriented on Bulgarian assets, with exclusive investments in shares, stocks, and bonds of Bulgarian companies, including special purpose investment joint-stock companies. |
Applicable Fees
| Government application fees required for processing the application. |
| Legal and translation fees associated with document preparation and compliance. |
| Service fees covering background verification and validation of the source of funds. |
Application Process
Bayat Legal Services’ compliance team will conduct an internal due diligence check, which entails a background security screening of the applicant, Preparation of KYC (Know Your Client) and a qualification assessment.
Bayat Legal Services will meticulously analyze the client's case. Once this is done, the client will proceed to sign a retainer agreement with the firm. Subsequently, Bayat Group will curate a customized list of necessary documents – recognizing that each client's situation is unique – to facilitate the application preparation process.
Bayat Group will assist in preparing all required documents and scheduling an appointment at a Bulgarian consulate for document signing. To qualify, applicants must undergo preliminary verification and obtain approval from the Invest Bulgaria Agency, the government authority overseeing foreign investments. Bayat Group offers complete assistance and representation throughout this pre-approval process. Once approval is received, applicants must proceed with making the required investment, after which an Investment Certificate will be issued. At this stage, a second appointment is arranged at the consulate for the D Visa application.
Applicants must travel to Bulgaria and file their application for Permanent Residency (PR) in person. 
The application process may take between 6 to 9 months. After the approval of Permanent Residency, applicants must travel to Bulgaria a second time to file their application for a PR Card, which will be issued within 3 days.
Once the investor receives a Bulgarian PR card, the process for qualifying family members can commence. Obtaining a Bulgarian ID typically takes 4-5 months, which includes two mandatory trips to Bulgaria for each qualifying family member.