There are several ways to obtain residency in Bulgaria, depending on the circumstances, such as work, business, study, or investment. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of Bulgarian residency.

The three main types of residence permits

Extended Residence Permit
Non-EU nationals must first obtain a long-stay Type D visa before applying. Also known as a prolonged residence permit, it is valid for up to one year.

Long-Term EU Residence Permit
EU citizens with a valid passport or ID card may stay in Bulgaria for up to three months without registration. This permit, once issued, is valid for up to five years.

Permanent Residence Permit
Applicants must first hold an extended residence permit for at least five years. This permit is granted indefinitely and is a key step toward Bulgarian citizenship.

Criteria for the Bulgarian Extended Residence Permit

Suitable for non-EU citizens. To apply for an extended residence permit (also called a prolonged or continuous residence permit), eligible applicants must first obtain a long-term Type D visa. The permit is valid for up to one year and may be renewed annually, provided the original conditions remain in place.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may qualify for an extended residence permit under various categories, including:

• Accredited representatives of foreign media
• Retired foreign nationals with sufficient financial means
• Family members of Bulgarian citizens
• Foreign nationals who invest in underdeveloped regions via a company with at least BGN 250,000 in capital and a minimum 50% shareholding
• Family members of foreign nationals holding an extended residence permit
• Individuals who invest in real estate worth over BGN 600,000 or in a Bulgarian company with registered capital of at least BGN 600,000
• Students admitted to Bulgarian institutions or recognized by other EU countries
• Individuals whose business activities in Bulgaria are expected to create jobs for at least 10 Bulgarian citizens.

Criteria for the Bulgarian Long-Term EU Residence Permit

Suitable for non-EU citizens. Applicants must submit all required documents within three months of entering Bulgaria. The permit is typically valid for up to five years, though the exact validity of the residence card may depend on the expiration dates of the submitted documents. If eligibility requirements continue to be met, the permit may be renewed.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may qualify for a Long-Term EU Residence Permit under the following conditions:

• Financial self-sufficiency
• Employment or self-employment
• Enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution
• Family ties (EU or non-EU nationals) with an EU citizen

Criteria for the Bulgarian Permanent Residence Permit

Both EU and non-EU nationals may be eligible to apply for a Bulgarian Permanent Residence Permit. Applicants may qualify under several categories, including:

• Foreign citizens of Bulgarian origin
• Individuals who have deposited at least BGN 1,000,000 in a licensed Bulgarian credit institution for a minimum period of five years
• Individuals who have invested over BGN 1,000,000 in Bulgaria, or have increased their investment in Bulgarian assets by the same amount
• Individuals who have invested at least BGN 6,000,000 in a privately held Bulgarian company (not listed on a regulated stock exchange)
• Foreign nationals who have made a venture capital investment of over BGN 500,000 in a Bulgarian company

Emigration office Varna

ul. San Stefano 1

9000 Varna

Telephone +35 952652344