Startup Visa
Bulgarian Startup Visa Programme
The Bulgarian startup visa programme is a government initiative created to attract highly skilled and innovative non-EU entrepreneurs who wish to establish and grow their businesses within Bulgaria and the wider European Union.
Designed for founders of high-tech or innovation-driven projects, the programme provides a recognised pathway to long-term residence and business operation in Bulgaria — one of Europe’s most dynamic emerging economies.
Who It Is For
The programme is aimed at third-country nationals developing scalable, technology-based, or innovative ventures who seek entry to the EU market through a supportive, business-friendly jurisdiction. It is an ideal route for founders in sectors such as technology, fintech, biotech, clean energy, and digital innovation.
Bulgaria offers a compelling combination of EU and Schengen membership, access to skilled technical talent, competitive operational costs, and a 10% flat corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in the European Union. Its thriving start-up ecosystem, reinforced by growing investor and venture capital interest, makes it a natural base for founders seeking sustainable expansion across Europe.
Overview of the Process
Under the Bulgarian startup visa programme, applicants submit their business projects for evaluation to the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. Projects are assessed on the basis of innovation, market feasibility, scalability, and financial robustness.
Once the project is approved, the applicant is issued a Startup Visa Certificate, which serves as the foundation for applying for a Type D visa and subsequently a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria. There is no fixed minimum investment requirement, allowing flexibility for genuinely innovative founders to progress according to their project stage.
Our team combines deep expertise in Bulgarian immigration, corporate, and investment law to deliver a seamless, strategic solution for entrepreneurs entering the Bulgarian and European markets. By aligning innovation with sound legal structure, we enable founders to build lasting and scalable success through the Bulgarian startup visa programme.
Our Services
- Evaluating project eligibility and ensuring compliance with programme criteria
- Preparing and reviewing supporting documentation for submission to the Ministry of Innovation and Growth
- Advising on corporate formation, shareholder arrangements, and intellectual property protection in Bulgaria
- Assisting with Type D visa and residence permit applications under the startup visa pathway
- Providing ongoing legal, tax, and regulatory guidance for start-ups operating in Bulgaria and throughout the EU