Citizenship and Immigration

Strategic advice on Bulgarian and EU residence, citizenship and mobility

We advise individuals and families planning for their future, their mobility and their legacy. Immigration and citizenship matters are often complex, sensitive and deeply personal. Our role is to guide clients through every stage of the process with clarity, discretion and practical focus.

We combine legal precision with a human approach, helping clients identify the most suitable immigration or citizenship route and achieve the best possible outcome in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Our team has extensive experience across visas, residence permits and citizenship pathways, with a particular strength in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters, where immigration status, family planning and tax considerations intersect.

Our Immigration and Citizenship Services

We advise on the full spectrum of Bulgarian and EU immigration matters, including:

• Visas and residence permits in Bulgaria
• Citizenship and residence by origin
• Citizenship and residence by investment
• Citizenship through residence and naturalisation
• Family reunification and dependent applications
• Tax and structuring considerations linked to relocation

Visas and Residence in Bulgaria

Residence rights for EU and non-EU nationals

There are several legal grounds on which individuals and families may obtain a visa or residence permit to live, work or study in Bulgaria. Certain residence statuses may also lead to eligibility for Bulgarian citizenship over time.

EU citizens may rely on their right to freedom of movement to settle in Bulgaria and may sponsor qualifying family members.

Non-EU citizens generally require an appropriate visa prior to entry and must subsequently apply for a residence permit. After five years of lawful residence, non-EU nationals may be eligible for EU long-term residence, granting the right to live, work and study across the EU on terms broadly comparable to those of EU citizens.

Our Approach

We advise on:

• The most suitable residence route for your circumstances
• Application strategy and timing
• Document preparation and compliance
• Family members’ rights and extensions

Our team supports clients throughout the entire process, ensuring that applications are accurate, complete and strategically structured from the outset.

Bulgarian Citizenship

Routes to Bulgarian and EU citizenship

Bulgarian citizenship may be acquired through several pathways, including:

• Origin or descent
• Long-term residence and naturalisation
• Investment

Applications are typically submitted through a Bulgarian consulate abroad, though some routes may require residence in Bulgaria or language proficiency. Other pathways do not.

We advise on eligibility, procedural requirements and the most efficient route based on your objectives, personal circumstances and timeframe. Our experience with complex citizenship cases allows us to minimise delays and avoid common pitfalls.

Benefits of Bulgarian Citizenship

Bulgarian citizens are also citizens of the European Union, with rights including:

• Freedom of movement and residence across all EU Member States
• Visa-free travel within the EU and to many third countries
• The right to establish and operate businesses across the EU and EEA
• The right to acquire land and real estate in Bulgaria and other EU states
• Access to education systems across the EU, often at domestic or EU fee rates
• Access to healthcare in Bulgaria and throughout the EU

Residence by Investment leading to Citizenship

Bulgarian citizenship through qualifying investment

Bulgaria offers a structured investment route directly leading to permanent residence with a way to citizenship.

Key features include:

• Investment of as low as ~€250,000 (in active company investments) or ~€500,000 (in passive investments in managed fund vehicles) 
• Limited physical presence in Bulgaria (short visits only)

No Requirement to:

• Reside permanently in Bulgaria (but as a permanent resident once should make sure that they visit Bulgarian and/or other EU Member States at least once every 12 months)
• Open a Bulgarian bank account
• Make non-recoverable donations
• Have personal details publicly disclosed

This makes Bulgaria one of the most discreet and flexible EU RBI Programmes investment citizenship frameworks.

Citizenship and Residence by Origin

Bulgarian citizenship based on ancestry

Bulgaria applies a relatively broad concept of origin. Individuals with Bulgarian ancestors up to the third generation(parents, grandparents or great-grandparents) may qualify.

Nationality, historical residence within Bulgarian territory or legal ties to the Bulgarian state may be sufficient. We regularly advise and review cases for descendants of Jewish and Turkish Bulgarians which are not always straightforward, as well as for families whose links to Bulgaria were disrupted by migration, border changes, or political developments, providing tailored guidance on eligibility and documentation.

Application Process and Timeframes

Applications based on origin require careful historical and documentary analysis. While the process involves long-term planning, decisions are typically issued within 18–30 months, with faster outcomes possible if you decided to challenge the Ministry of Justice for inactivity 

Where appropriate, applications may combine origin with merit-based grounds to accelerate review.

Residence Before Citizenship

In certain circumstances, applicants may obtain residence rights in Bulgaria while a citizenship application is pending. We assess eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Tax and Relocation Considerations

Immigration and citizenship decisions often have significant tax and structuring implications. We work closely with our tax and corporate teams to ensure that residence and nationality planning aligns with broader wealth, business and family objectives.

Why Work With Us

• Deep experience in Bulgarian and EU immigration law
• Strong cross-border and multi-jurisdictional capability
• Strategic, discreet and client-focused approach
• Clear advice grounded in practical outcomes