European regional framework
Bulgaria is an European residence jurisdiction and joined the regional short-stay area for land borders in 2025.
Residence by Investment
Bulgaria Residence by Investment
Permanent residence in an European residence jurisdiction through qualifying investment.
Bulgaria offers a residence pathway for non-EU applicants who invest in approved instruments and satisfy immigration, documentation and due diligence requirements.
EU jurisdiction
regional access
Permanent residence
Program Snapshot
Bulgaria Residence Route
Minimum investmentApprox. EUR 512,000
Residence typePermanent residence
Processing timeVaries by application
Physical stayNo minimum stay requirement
Program Overview
Residence in Bulgaria
The program is structured for non-EU nationals seeking Bulgarian permanent residence through approved investment routes.
Information is presented as a high-level program reference and should be confirmed against current law before filing.
Permanent Residence
Successful applicants may obtain permanent residence following the required visa and application steps.
Family Included
The main applicant may include a spouse and children under 18 in the residence plan.
Long-Term Pathway
Citizenship may be possible after five years, subject to language and nationality rules.
Investment Options
Qualifying Routes
WIMA summarizes four qualifying routes, with minimum investment levels depending on the selected structure.
Traded Company Securities
Shares or bonds of Bulgarian companies traded on a regulated market, from approx. EUR 1.03 million.
Collective Investment Schemes
Shares in qualifying Bulgarian collective investment schemes, from approx. EUR 512,000.
Alternative Investment Funds
Shares in Bulgarian alternative investment funds, from approx. EUR 512,000.
Bulgarian Company Capital
At least EUR 256,000 with 50% ownership, fixed assets and job creation conditions.
Investment routes, eligible instruments and documentary requirements can change. Applicants should obtain licensed legal, tax and investment advice before making commitments.
Key Advantages
Program Benefits
The Bulgaria route is positioned around permanent residence, family inclusion and European mobility benefits.
Permanent Residence
A qualifying investment may support a permanent residence application.
Regional Mobility
Residence can support short-stay travel across the regional short-stay area.
No Stay Minimum
WIMA notes no minimum physical residence requirement for this route.
Family Route
Spouses and dependent children may be included in the applicant's file.
Application Process
From Preparation to Residence
The process begins with eligibility review and documentation, then moves through visa issuance, investment execution and residence filing.
01
Preliminary Due Diligence
Confirm eligibility, family scope and source-of-funds readiness.
02
Investment Selection
Select a qualifying investment route and prepare supporting documentation.
03
Investment Execution
Complete the selected qualifying investment before immigration filing.
04
Visa D Application
Apply for the required Bulgarian long-stay visa for entry.
05
Residence Filing
Submit the permanent residence application after entry into Bulgaria.
Requirements
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should expect investment, immigration and integrity checks as part of the residence process.
The list below is a program overview, not a complete legal checklist.
Qualifying Investment
Make the required investment in an approved investment category.
Long-Stay Visa
Hold a valid Bulgarian Type D visa for the residence process.
Due Diligence
Provide clean records, lawful funds evidence and required supporting documents.
EUR Bank Account
Hold a euro account in an international compliance-standard jurisdiction.
Compliance
Timeline and Important Notes
The program should be approached through careful legal, tax, investment and immigration review.
Key notes
- Processing times vary and depend on file quality and WIMA review.
- Residence does not automatically grant citizenship or regulated professional status.
- Citizenship may be possible after five years, subject to legal conditions.
- Language and current nationality requirements may apply at the citizenship stage.
| Category | Program Reference | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital | Approx. EUR 512,000 | Confirm exact instrument, amount and holding rules before investing. |
| Residence outcome | Permanent residence | Dependent on successful visa, investment and residence filing. |
| Residence card | Five-year card, renewable | Permanent residence status is evidenced by a renewable residence card. |
| Physical presence | No minimum stay noted by WIMA | Confirm any renewal or citizenship-stage implications separately. |
| Family | Spouse and children under 18 | Documentary proof of family relationship and dependency may be required. |
WIMA Review Notes: WIMA Bulgaria Residence by Investment overview and WIMA Bulgaria long-stay residence review. This page is informational and not legal, tax or investment advice.
Bulgaria Residence
Assess Bulgaria Residence by Investment
Review eligibility, investment route, family scope, documentation and due diligence before proceeding with any residence application.
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