Understanding Bulgarian Temporary and Permanent Residence

Private Clients

Bulgaria offers two main types of residence permits for non-EU citizens: Bulgarian temporary residence and Bulgarian permanent residence. These options cater to different needs and durations of stay, with distinct benefits and obligations.

Bulgarian Temporary Residence

Bulgarian temporary residence permits are issued for specific purposes such as work, study, or family reunification. They are valid for 6 months to 1 year and can be renewed. Applicants must demonstrate financial means, health insurance, and a legitimate reason for their stay. While this permit allows legal residence, access to public services and EU mobility rights is limited.

One of the most common ways to obtain Bulgarian temporary residence is setting up a trade representative of a company incorporated abroad. For more information, please check our article The Trade Representative Route for Digital Nomads Seeking EU Residence via Bulgaria. 

Applicants who wish to invest at least BGN 600 000 in real estate in Bulgaria would also be eligible to obtain Bulgarian temporary residence. For more information, please check our article How to obtain a Bulgarian residence by way of purchasing property for only € 310,000?.

Bulgarian Permanent Residence

On the other hand, Bulgarian permanent residence is designed for long-term integration. It can be obtained after 5 consecutive years of temporary residence, through Bulgarian ancestry, or substantial investment. Holders of Bulgarian permanent residence enjoy unlimited stay, full access to healthcare, education and the labour market, and freedom of movement within the EU. Additionally, they may apply for Bulgarian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements.

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.

The key distinction lies in duration and benefits. Bulgarian temporary residence is ideal for short-term stays with limited rights, while Bulgarian permanent residence offers stability, broader privileges, and a pathway to citizenship. Understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice based on individual goals.

For more information please contact our team at [email protected]