“A year ago I bought a studio in Nessebar remotely from Israel through Vita Lifshitz. Everything was simple and transparent, without unnecessary intermediaries. When I arrived and saw the apartment, I decided to keep it and rent it out.”
Information checked and updated on 12 July 2026
Residence and relocation to Bulgaria
Choose the right residence route: through property, investment, remote work, business, employment, or family reunification.
Pay on successful outcome
- Property: A residence permit may be available when purchasing property from €306,775.13 and meeting additional requirements.
- Residence / permanent status: The right to live in Bulgaria and make short stays in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Investment: Remote work, business formation, and investment routes.
Bulgaria in two minutes
EU country
Fully part of the Schengen Area
Currency
The official currency is the euro
Status types
Residence permit, long-term residence, permanent residence
Property
Buying ordinary property does not always grant a residence permit
D visa
Most routes require a national D visa
Travel in Europe
A Bulgarian residence permit allows short stays in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but does not automatically grant the right to live and work throughout Europe.
Does Bulgaria have a Golden Visa?
Bulgaria does not have a single official Golden Visa programme on the Greek model. The term is used as a general name for investment-based residence and permanent residence routes.
What actually works
- ✓Residence permit through a substantial property purchase
- ✓Residence permit through investment and job creation
- ✓Separate investment-based permanent residence routes
What does not work
- ✗Buying any apartment automatically grants a residence permit
- ✗Property immediately grants permanent residence
- ✗An investment guarantees citizenship
What has been cancelled
- −Accelerated citizenship-by-investment programme
Interactive route finder
Answer two questions to find a suitable route to residence or permanent residence in Bulgaria.
What is your main goal?
Residence and permanent residence route comparison
A summary of the main immigration routes. Select a programme card to review its details.
Property
For whomInvestors who want to buy a home
Requirementfrom €306,775.13
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years of residence (up to 10 months absent)
Digital Nomad
For whomRemote employees and freelancers
RequirementIncome ≈ €27,533/year (2026)
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceDoes not count directly towards permanent residence
Business investment
For whomEntrepreneurs and investors
Requirementfrom €255,645.94 + 10 jobs
Status and termPermanent residence (Permanent)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceImmediate permanent residence
Investment (less-developed region)
For whomBusiness owners
Requirementfrom €127,822.97 + 5 jobs
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Substantial investment
For whomLarge capital and funds
Requirementfrom €511,292 (AIFs, shares) to €1M
Status and termPermanent residence (Permanent)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceImmediate permanent residence
Startup Visa
For whomIT startup founders
RequirementMinistry of Innovation certificate, stake from 50%
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Representative office
For whomForeign companies
RequirementRegistration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Standard business
For whomEntrepreneurs
RequirementLtd (OOD) registration + 10 jobs
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Employment (Single Permit)
For whomEmployed professionals
RequirementContract with a Bulgarian employer
Status and termResidence permit (1–3 years)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
EU Blue Card
For whomHighly qualified professionals
RequirementSalary from 1.5× average, degree/experience
Status and termResidence permit (Up to 5 years)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years (accelerated EU mobility)
Retirees
For whomForeign retirees
RequirementPension certificate, bank account
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyYes
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Family
For whomResidents' family members
RequirementMarriage, minor children
Status and termResidence permit (Synchronized with the main applicant)
Family—
Path to permanent residenceAfter 5 years
Study
For whomStudents
RequirementFull-time university admission
Status and termResidence permit (1 year)
FamilyNo
Path to permanent residenceYears count at 50%
| Programme | For whom | Main requirement | Status | Term | Renewal | Family | Path to permanent residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Investors who want to buy a home | from €306,775.13 | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes (while the property is maintained) | Yes | After 5 years of residence (up to 10 months absent) |
| Digital Nomad | Remote employees and freelancers | Income ≈ €27,533/year (2026) | Residence permit | 1 year | For one more year | Yes | Does not count directly towards permanent residence |
| Business investment | Entrepreneurs and investors | from €255,645.94 + 10 jobs | Permanent residence | Permanent | Indefinite | Yes | Immediate permanent residence |
| Investment (less-developed region) | Business owners | from €127,822.97 + 5 jobs | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| Substantial investment | Large capital and funds | from €511,292 (AIFs, shares) to €1M | Permanent residence | Permanent | Indefinite | Yes | Immediate permanent residence |
| Startup Visa | IT startup founders | Ministry of Innovation certificate, stake from 50% | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| Representative office | Foreign companies | Registration with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| Standard business | Entrepreneurs | Ltd (OOD) registration + 10 jobs | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| Employment (Single Permit) | Employed professionals | Contract with a Bulgarian employer | Residence permit | 1–3 years | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified professionals | Salary from 1.5× average, degree/experience | Residence permit | Up to 5 years | Yes | Yes | After 5 years (accelerated EU mobility) |
| Retirees | Foreign retirees | Pension certificate, bank account | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | Yes | After 5 years |
| Family | Residents' family members | Marriage, minor children | Residence permit | Synchronized with the main applicant | Yes | — | After 5 years |
| Study | Students | Full-time university admission | Residence permit | 1 year | Yes | No | Years count at 50% |
Residence through property purchase
Buying Bulgarian property can provide a basis for a residence permit if the transaction value is at least €306,775.13 (the equivalent of BGN 600,000). This basis allows an application for renewable residence, subject to a migration-authority review of all requirements.
Property below €306,775.13
A foreign national may buy property below this threshold, but the purchase itself does not qualify for a residence permit on the property basis.
Residence through investment from €127,822.97
A special route for investment in economically less-developed regions of Bulgaria. It allows an application for a residence permit.
- ✓ Investment in the capital of a Bulgarian company
- ✓ Ownership stake of at least 50%
- ✓ Investment in new tangible and intangible assets
- ✓ Creation of at least five jobs for Bulgarian citizens
- ✓ The conditions must be maintained throughout the residence period
Permanent residence through business investment from €255,645.94
This is a direct route to permanent residence, bypassing the residence-permit stage. The funds do not automatically ‘buy’ permanent residence — the investment undergoes strict verification.
Programme requirements
€255k+
Minimum investment>50%
Company ownership stake10
Minimum jobs for Bulgarian citizensAssets
Investment in real business assetsInvestment →Company →Assets & jobs →BAI review →Permanent residence application
Other investment-based permanent residence routes+
The Foreigners Act provides permanent residence options for substantial investors (from €511,292 to €1M+) in the following areas:
- Investment funds (AIFs, ETFs) focused on Bulgarian assets.
- Capital of private Bulgarian companies.
- Priority investment projects under the Investment Promotion Act.
- Concession rights in Bulgaria.
All routes require source-of-funds checks and certification by government authorities.
Digital Nomad (freelance visa)
Income requirement
The threshold is calculated as 50 Bulgarian minimum monthly salaries from the previous calendar year and changes annually.
Indicative level for applications in 2026
≈ €27 533 per year
(Calculation: 50 × BGN 1,077 minimum wage for 2025)
- ✓ Issued for one year
- ✓ One renewal for another year
- ✓ No services may be provided to Bulgarian clients
- ✓ Does not lead directly to permanent residence
Other popular routes
Startup Visa
For founders of innovative or high-technology projects.
- • High-technology project certificate from the Ministry of Innovation.
- • Founder ownership of at least 50%.
- • Company formation in Bulgaria after certification.
Business and representative office
Company registration alone does not automatically grant a residence permit.
- • Representative office: registration of a foreign company with the BCCI (without the right to conduct commercial activity).
- • Company (Ltd): requires hiring at least 10 Bulgarian citizens for the director to obtain residence.
Employment and EU Blue Card
Based on a contract with a Bulgarian employer.
- • Single Permit: standard employment contract after a labour-market test.
- • EU Blue Card: for IT and highly qualified professionals (salary from 1.5× the national average, relevant degree or experience).
Retirees and family
Routes for passive income and family reunification.
- • Self-sufficient retiree: a pension in the home country and a Bulgarian bank account with at least 12 minimum salaries.
- • Reunification: for the spouse and minor children of a residence or permanent residence holder (housing and income are required).
Digital Nomad income calculator
Calculate the documented monthly income required for your family composition.
Bulgaria is a popular destination for remote workers thanks to its low taxes and comfortable climate.
Family composition
1
Main applicant
€3,500 / month
Spouse
+20% of income
0
Children
+15% per child
Income calculation
Family composition:
1 adult (main applicant)
Annual equivalent:
€42,000 / year
Required monthly income:
€3,500
net after tax
Calculation: €3,500 (main applicant)
Important: Income must be regular (received monthly) and supported by documents.
Startup, employment, and business relocation
In addition to Digital Nomad and investor routes, Bulgaria offers strong options for active businesses and highly qualified professionals. Explore the main relocation routes through business and employment.
10%
Corporate tax
One of the lowest in the European Union
10%
Income tax
Flat rate for all residents
Startup Visa
A dedicated route for founders of innovative technology projects with growth potential in the European market.
Requirements
- Detailed business plan
- Innovative element of the project (patent or technology)
- Approval from the relevant ministry or innovation agency
- Financial means for the first year of residence
Benefits
- Streamlined residence permit process
- Access to the EU ecosystem and grants
- Ability to relocate your family
- Lower taxes for the IT sector (Bulgaria has a 10% corporate tax)
Processing time:Around 3–4 months, including business-plan assessment.
100% coverage
for immediate family members
Family reunification in Bulgaria
Bulgarian immigration law allows investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads to relocate their immediate family. Your family receives the same residence rights as you.
Spouse
Officially registered marriage. The spouse receives a residence permit for the same period as the main applicant.
Minor children
Unmarried children under 18 are automatically eligible for family reunification and receive residence status.
A European future
Children can study at European schools and universities, and after five years of residence the whole family may qualify for permanent residence and EU citizenship.
Procedure:The main applicant first receives their status (a D visa, followed by a residence permit). Once the residence card is issued, the family reunification documents are submitted. Family members apply for a reunification D visa and receive their own residence cards.
Comparing the routes to permanent residence
The standard route usually requires five years of residence with annual permit renewals. Another route can lead to permanent residence immediately after a business investment is verified.
Start
D visa issued
Consular review
Year 1
Bulgarian residence permit
One-year residence card issued
Year 2
Residence permit renewal
Eligibility confirmed
Year 3
Residence permit renewal
Status maintained
Year 4
Residence permit renewal
Penultimate year
Year 5
Bulgarian permanent residence
Language exam, permanent status
Start
D visa issued
Consular review
Year 1
Bulgarian residence permit
One-year residence card issued
Year 2
Residence permit renewal
Eligibility confirmed
Year 3
Residence permit renewal
Status maintained
Year 4
Residence permit renewal
Penultimate year
Year 5
Bulgarian permanent residence
Language exam, permanent status
What happens after five years?
You may apply for permanent residence or EU long-term residence. The main requirement is no more than 10 months absent from Bulgaria in total over five years, and no more than six consecutive months.
Step-by-step application process
A D visa is used for long-term relocation and is usually obtained before applying for residence status in Bulgaria.
1
Identify the basis and check the requirements
2
Prepare the core document package
3
Meet the investment, employment, or family condition
4
Submit the national D visa application
5
Attend the consular appointment
6
Receive the D visa and enter Bulgaria
7
Prepare and translate the remaining documents
8
Apply for residence permission (residence/permanent residence)
9
Receive the personal residence card
10
Maintain the basis and renew the status
Which documents are required?
This minimum list may expand depending on the route (translations and apostilles are required for foreign documents):
General documents (for everyone)
- • Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
- • Completed application
- • Colour photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
- • Criminal-record certificate (for applicants over 18)
- • Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
- • Health insurance (coverage from €30,000)
- • Proof of financial means (bank statement)
Route-specific documents
- • Property: Notarial deed, bank statements, and source-of-funds declaration.
- • Digital Nomad: Contracts with foreign clients, proof of income, and tax returns.
- • Business: Incorporation documents, chamber-of-commerce certificate, and employee hiring documents.
Processing timelines
Timing depends on the route, consulate, application region, and completeness of the documents.
- Document preparation: 1–2 months (translations, certificates, bank accounts).
- D visa review: 35–45 business days.
- Residence permit in Bulgaria: up to 14 business days after submission.
- Card issuance: 3–30 days depending on the service level (standard or expedited).
- Renewal: the application must be filed no later than 14 days before the card expires.
Presence requirements
How many days do you need to live in Bulgaria?
- Keeping residence: There is usually no strict 183-day requirement for a simple renewal, but the qualifying basis must remain valid.
- Permanent residence route: Absence of no more than 10 months over five years (and no more than six consecutive months) is allowed.
- Tax residence: Arises after more than 183 days in a year or when Bulgaria is the centre of your vital interests.
What a residence permit does and does not grant
A residence permit grants the right to
- • Live legally in Bulgaria while the card is valid.
- • Renew the status while maintaining the qualifying basis (for example, property ownership).
- • Make short trips to other Schengen countries (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
- • Include family members in the status where provided by law.
A residence permit does not grant the right to
- • Automatically live (for more than 90 days) in another EU country.
- • Automatically work in another EU country or Bulgaria (a specific authorisation is required, except for a Blue Card).
- • Automatically obtain permanent residence or citizenship simply through the passage of time.
Path to permanent residence and citizenship
After the required period of lawful residence (usually five years), or while maintaining a substantial investment, an applicant may become eligible to apply for long-term or permanent status if the presence and income requirements are met.
Important: The accelerated citizenship-by-investment programme has been cancelled. An investment or property purchase does not automatically guarantee a passport.
Application costs
Consider not only the government fee, but also document translation, insurance, notary, apostille, and support costs (especially for business and investment routes).
Individual estimate
Get a preliminary estimate tailored to your situation (route, number of adults and children, and support services).
Request an expense estimateComparing Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus
Bulgaria and Greece are fully part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is an EU country, but it is not yet part of Schengen.
| Criterion | Bulgaria | Greece | Cyprus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen | Yes, fully since 1 January 2025 | Yes | No |
| Property | From €306,775.13 via the special investment route | €250,000 for special categories; €400,000 or €800,000 for standard categories | From €300,000 + VAT for new-build property |
| Status | Renewable residence permit | Investor residence permit for 5 years, renewable | Indefinite permanent residence |
| Residence | Depends on the route and planned long-term status | No residence is required to renew the Golden Visa | Visit at least once every 2 years |
| Family | Spouse and minor children through family reunification | Spouse, children up to 21, and parents of both spouses | Spouse and children under 18; ages 18–25 subject to specific conditions |
| Work | Purchasing property alone does not grant the right to work | Employment is not permitted; business ownership is possible | Employment is restricted; company ownership and director roles are possible |
| Citizenship | Usually around 10 years to the residence permit → permanent residence → citizenship route | After 7 years of actual residence and meeting the requirements | After 8 years of actual residence and meeting the requirements |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What you need to know about residence and permanent residence in Bulgaria.
No. Buying property at any price does not automatically grant a residence permit. For a purchase to qualify as an immigration basis, the property value must be at least €306,775.13.
Information checked against official sources on 12 July 2026
- Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, Article 24 (State Gazette)
- Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: D visas and travel in Schengen
- Regulation on the 2025 minimum wage (Council of Ministers of Bulgaria)
- EU Council decision on Bulgaria's full accession to Schengen (from 1 January 2025)
How to choose property
and a residency route
in Bulgaria?
- Clear requirements and costs
- Step-by-step instructions
- Current conditions in 2026
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