Bulgarian law offers several pathways to directly acquiring permanent residence. They lead to an indefinite residence status and, after five years, open a path to Bulgarian citizenship.
The investment pathways
Among the most commonly used grounds are:
- acquiring units in Bulgarian collective investment schemes, with a value not lower than BGN 1,000,000 (EUR 512,000);
- acquiring units in alternative investment schemes, with a value not lower than BGN 1,000,000 (EUR 512,000);
- investment in shares or bonds of Bulgarian public companies traded on a regulated market, with a market value of at least BGN 2,000,000;
- contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian company for the implementation of a certified priority investment project, of at least BGN 2,000,000.
Advantages
This regime is particularly attractive because it:
- leads directly to permanent residence;
- does not require physical presence in the country beyond maintaining the investment;
- after five years of permanent residence, opens the possibility of applying for Bulgarian citizenship.
The procedure in outline
The procedure comprises several main steps — 1. preliminary review by the Bulgarian Investment Agency, 2. making the investment through a licensed investment intermediary, 3. certification of the completed investment, 4. obtaining a Visa D, and 5. obtaining a permanent residence permit.
Points to keep in mind
Not every investment meets the statutory requirements and will lead to the acquisition of permanent residence. Furthermore, investment schemes require detailed checks on the source of funds (AML and KYC), correctly drafted declarations and strict compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.
How we can help
Structuring the investment is key — the client's nationality, risk profile and desired outcome must all be taken into account. Contact us for an analysis of your specific case and full legal handling of the procedure.
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Cases from practice
Frequently Asked Questions
- What investment is required for permanent residence in Bulgaria?
- The law provides two main routes: an investment of at least BGN 1,000,000 in shares or bonds of Bulgarian companies, or maintaining an average annual deposit of at least BGN 1,000,000 in a licensed Bulgarian bank.
- How quickly can permanent residence be obtained through investment?
- Unlike the standard 5-year route, investment-based permanent residence can be obtained as soon as the investment is verified — without any prior residence requirement in Bulgaria.
- Does permanent residence in Bulgaria allow free employment?
- Yes. A permanent residence permit holder has the right to work freely in Bulgaria without a separate work permit.
Note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Legislation changes over time — for current, binding guidance on your case, please contact us.
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