Bulgaria Residence by Investment

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Program Type:

Residence by Investment

Processing Time:

3-6 months

Citizenship Timeline:

5 years

Permanent Residency Timeline:

Upon approval

Physical Presence Required:

None

Citizenship Visa-Free Access:

173 countries

Minimum Contribution:

BGN1 million (€512,000)

Contribution Options:

Business Investment, Fund Investment, Securities Investment

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Bulgaria Residence by Investment IMI

Program Overview

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

The Bulgarian Residence by Investment Program provides an expedited route to permanent residency to those who invest BGN 1 million in approved investments.

Since March 31st, 2024, Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen area.

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

How to Qualify

Successful applicants obtain residency which can lead to citizenship in about six years if they meet the requirements and maintain their investment.

Eligible investments

To qualify, applicants must invest BGN 1 million in either:

  • Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS); or
  • Alternative Investment Funds

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

Salient Benefits

  • Increased visa-free travel
  • No physical presence requirement
  • Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
  • Path to citizenship
  • Permits dual/multiple citizenship
  • Lower taxes
  • Lower cost of living
  • Enhanced business access to large economies
  • Short processing time

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

Citizenship Timeline and Requirements

  • Go through pre-approval
  • Make a qualifying investment
  • Procure an investment certificate
  • Apply in person for a Type D visa at a Bulgarian Consulate
  • Apply in person for a permanent residence status and Bulgarian permanent resident’s ID in Bulgaria
  • Apply for Bulgarian citizenship

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

Program Authority and Legal Basis

Applications for this program may be directed to Bulgarian Investment Agency.

Legislation upon which this program is based The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Programme is based on provisions in the Bulgarian Citizenship Act (“Citizenship Act”) and the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (“Foreigners Act”).

Bulgaria Residence by Investment

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Bulgaria Residence by Investment

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Bulgaria Residence by Investment

Program Statistics

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