How to Get Bulgarian Golden Visa

Your Strategic Guide to EU Residency in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, offers a Golden Visa program that grants non-EU citizens permanent residency in exchange for a qualifying investment. This program, which replaced the previous direct citizenship-by-investment scheme in 2022, provides a streamlined path to European residency. It also offers eligibility for eventual Bulgarian, and thus EU citizenship, after five years. The main route involves a significant capital investment in a government-regulated fund, offering a secure and transparent process for investors and their families. For high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and IT professionals, this is a strong solution for tax optimization and global mobility.

Bulgarian Golden Visa Investment Requirements

The main investment requirement for the Bulgarian Golden Visa is a minimum commitment of BGN 1 million (approximately €512,000). This capital must be placed into an investment fund that is licensed by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission. The fund is required to invest exclusively in Bulgarian assets, such as shares and bonds of Bulgarian companies. This investment must be maintained for at least five years from the date of receiving permanent residency approval. A key advantage is that the investment can be made from a bank account in any FATF compliant jurisdiction, removing the need to open a local Bulgarian bank account.

Mandatory Pre-Approval and Due Diligence

Before making the investment, applicants must successfully complete a mandatory pre-approval and due diligence process. The Bulgarian Investment Agency handles this crucial stage. They verify the applicant’s background, check the source of funds, and ensure there is no criminal record or status as a politically exposed person. This preliminary step, which usually takes between eight to ten weeks, provides a layer of security for investors, confirming eligibility before they commit a large sum of money.

Procedures and Residency Card Issuance

IOnce pre-approval is granted, the investor subscribes to their chosen qualifying fund and transfers the investment amount. After receiving an official certificate confirming the investment from the Bulgarian Investment Agency, the applicant can apply for a type “D” investor visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country. This visa is necessary for entering Bulgaria to finalize the residency application. After arriving, the main applicant applies for a permanent residency card at the local migration office. The processing time for the permit is typically a few months, and successful applicants receive an indefinite residency status.

Minimal Stay Requirement and Family Inclusion

A significant benefit of the program is that there is no physical stay requirement in Bulgaria to maintain the permanent residency status. This makes it ideal for international investors and business owners who travel frequently or do not wish to relocate full-time. The program also offers comprehensive family reunification options. Once the main applicant has their permanent residency card, their immediate family members, including spouses and children under the age of 18, can also apply for permanent residency status. The application process for family members typically takes a few months to complete.

Pathway to EU Citizenship

While the direct “golden passport” route is no longer available, the Golden Visa offers a strong path to full Bulgarian, and thus EU citizenship, through naturalization after five years of holding permanent residency status. To become eligible for citizenship after this period, applicants must meet additional requirements. These include demonstrating basic Bulgarian language proficiency and proving their ability to support themselves financially. This makes the Bulgarian Golden Visa a viable long-term strategy for those seeking full EU citizenship and its benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Benefits of a Bulgarian Citizenship and Passport

EU Freedom – Live, work, study, and travel freely within the EU.

Business Opportunities – Start a business anywhere in the EU.

Access to Education – Study at European universities, often at lower tuition rates.

Healthcare – Access to healthcare in Bulgaria and other EU countries.

Potential Risks

While Bulgaria offers an attractive path to EU citizenship, it’s important to be aware that the process can take time, and there’s always a chance of delays or complications. Having expert help is crucial.

Start your European relocation journey with RELOC8 ONLINE

Understanding the specifics of the Bulgarian Golden Visa program, including the required fund investment and the two-stage process for residency and citizenship, demands specialized knowledge. We provide expert guidance on Tax Structure and Tax Migration. We will help you assess your eligibility for the program, manage the complex pre-approval and investment compliance steps, and ensure your second residency application is successful.

If you are a high-net-worth individual, entrepreneur, business owner, digital nomad, or IT professional looking for a secure and direct path to European permanent residency with minimal stay requirements, the Bulgarian Golden Visa is a prime option. We can help you build custom strategies to protect your wealth and achieve your global mobility goals. Optimize your tax strategy and redefine your international presence. Start Your Journey Today. Right Place, Right Tax, Right Now. Book a Consultation to explore how Bulgaria can benefit you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and was obtained from verifiable sources at the time and date of publication. It is not in any shape or form financial or investment advise and should not under any circumstances be treated as such. This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. RELOC8 ONLINE is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies that might be present in the content published here and readers are advised to carry out their own research on the topics discussed before making deceisions that might impact their circumstances. For the latest information and most accurate details, please refer to our Latest News page or contact us directly.