Bulgaria Joins Schengen Fully: A New Era of Seamless Travel

Private Clients, Citizenship and Immigration, Citizenship by Investment

The European Union has officially welcomed Bulgaria and Romania as full participants in the Schengen Area, following the adoption of the EU Council Decision dated 12 December 2024. As of 1 January 2025, land border controls between Bulgaria, Romania, and the rest of the Schengen Area have been eliminated, marking the culmination of Bulgaria’s journey to full Schengen membership. This milestone builds upon the integration achieved in March 2024, which saw the removal of border checks at air and sea borders.

What This Means for Bulgarian Residents and Travellers

Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen Area represents a significant shift for residents, businesses, and international travellers. By becoming a full Schengen member, Bulgaria has seamlessly integrated into a region of 28 European countries that collectively allow free movement without routine border checks. This change dramatically enhances the travel experience, eliminates logistical hurdles, and fosters deeper economic and cultural ties across the continent.

The full implementation of the Schengen Agreement also brings specific advantages for non-EU nationals holding Bulgarian residence permits. Under Article 21 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA), these individuals now enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Crucially, this provision now extends to land travel and not only to airports and sea, enabling residents to travel by car to neighboring Schengen countries such as Greece, Romania, and beyond, without delays or additional documentation requirements.

Key Benefits for Residence Permit Holders

• Unrestricted Land Border Travel: Bulgarian residence permit holders can now cross into any Schengen country by road without the need for additional visas. This change offers unparalleled convenience for personal and business travel.
• Enhanced Mobility Across Europe: With the removal of land border checks, residents and visitors alike can enjoy seamless connectivity between Bulgaria and popular European destinations, whether for leisure or work.
• Recognition of Bulgarian Residence Permits Across Schengen: Holders of Bulgarian residence permits now benefit from the same privileges as other Schengen residents, granting them easier access to the economic and cultural opportunities offered by one of the world’s largest free movement zones.

Bulgaria’s Residence by Investment Program: A Gateway to Schengen

For non-EU nationals seeking to take advantage of these developments, Bulgaria’s Residence by Investment program provides an attractive pathway to permanent residence. The program requires a minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (~€512,000) in approved Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). These investment vehicles, which must have a net asset value of at least BGN 5,000,000 (for UCITS) or at least BGN 3,000,000 (for AIFs) and a primary focus on Bulgaria, offer a secure and streamlined route to acquiring Bulgarian permanent residence.

With permanent residence in Bulgaria, individuals gain unrestricted access to the Schengen Area, eliminating the need for separate visas and significantly enhancing the value of Bulgarian residence as a gateway to Europe.

Economic and Cultural Impacts

Bulgaria’s full integration into the Schengen Area is expected to have wide-ranging economic and cultural benefits. The removal of land border checks will bolster tourism, stimulate cross-border trade, and facilitate deeper collaboration between Bulgaria and its European neighbors. Businesses will benefit from reduced logistical challenges, while residents will enjoy the convenience and opportunities that come with enhanced mobility.

As Bulgaria embraces its new status as a full Schengen member, the country is poised to play an increasingly integral role within the European Union. For residents, businesses, and investors, the benefits of Schengen membership are clear: greater freedom, expanded opportunities, and a stronger connection to the heart of Europe.

For further details on the implications of Bulgaria’s Schengen membership or to learn more about the Residence by Investment program, please contact us at [email protected].