Bulgaria Golden Visa

Ultimate Guide to the Bulgaria Golden Visa

The Bulgaria Golden Visa program offers an attractive opportunity for non-EU investors to gain permanent residency and potentially citizenship in Bulgaria through a secure investment pathway. Launched in 2023, the program is designed to promote economic growth while providing global investors with unique advantages within the European Union.

Key Features of the Bulgaria Golden Visa

Immediate Permanent Residency

Gain permanent residency from the start, eliminating temporary residency stages. Invest EUR 512,000 for immediate benefits.

No Physical Residency Requirement

No need to reside in Bulgaria during or after the process. Citizenship applications also do not require physical residency.

Family Inclusion

Extend benefits to your spouse, children, parents, and parents-in-law, ensuring peace of mind for your loved ones.

Access to Schengen Zone

Enjoy seamless travel within the Schengen Area as Bulgaria is part of the EU and soon to join the Schengen Zone.

Pathway to Citizenship

Apply for Bulgarian citizenship after five years, gaining access to 177 visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries worldwide.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Bulgaria Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Personal Requirement

Pass a pre-approval stage with the Bulgarian Investment Agency.

Investment Requirement

Make a minimum investment of €512,000 in a government-regulated Bulgarian Investment Fund.
Maintain the investment for a minimum of five years.

How Difficult is it to Pass the Pre-Approval Stage?

Passing the pre-approval stage is relatively straightforward. As long as you are not listed on any prohibition lists, are not a politically exposed person (PEP), and can provide a clear justification for the origin of your funds, you can confidently expect to pass this stage.

Application Process

Step	Details
Pre-Approval Stage	Submit the required documents for initial review. Gain approval from the Bulgarian Investment Agency and National Security authorities.
Make the Investment	Transfer the investment amount to a regulated Bulgarian fund. Investment can be completed remotely, ensuring convenience for applicants.
Apply for the D Visa	Submit your D visa application to the Bulgarian Embassy in your home country. This process typically takes up to two months.
Permanent Residency Application	Upon receiving your D visa, apply for permanent residency in Bulgaria. Once approved, visit Bulgaria to provide biometrics.
Family Reunification	Start the process for family members to join under the program.

The process leading to permanent residency takes no longer than 8 months. Once you receive your PR, you can begin the family reunification process to bring your loved ones to Bulgaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bulgaria Golden Visa program?

The Bulgaria Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to gain permanent residency by investing €512,000 in a government-regulated Bulgarian Investment Fund.

How difficult is the pre-approval process?

Passing the pre-approval stage is straightforward as long as you are not listed on any prohibition list, are not a politically exposed person, and can justify the origin of your funds.

Can my family members join me in Bulgaria?

Yes, the program allows family reunification for spouses, children, parents, and parents-in-law, ensuring that your loved ones can benefit from the residency program.

Do I need to visit Bulgaria to maintain the permanent residency?

No, there is no requirement to reside or visit Bulgaria to maintain your permanent residency status under the program.

Do I need to visit Bulgaria to renew my residency card?

Yes, you will need to visit Bulgaria to provide your biometrics when renewing your residency card.

Do I need to visit Bulgaria to apply for citizenship?

No, physical residency in Bulgaria is not required to apply for citizenship. However, you may need to visit for final steps such as providing biometrics.

Can I invest in any Investment Fund managed by a Bulgaria Fund Management company?

Not all Funds satisfy the requirements of the Bulgaria Golden Visa. The Fund should invest only in assets based in Bulgaria. There are a few Bulgaria Golden Visa Funds that invest in private equity, which are low risk and efficient for generating good profits.

If the Bulgaria Golden Visa program is so advantageous, why do people invest the same 512,000 EUR in the Portugal Golden Visa program for only temporary residency?

The answer is simple: Portugal Golden Visa funds often offer high commissions to promoters, which significantly increases their operating costs. This practice can create challenges for these funds to repay their investors after the lock-in period, potentially compromising the long-term financial return on investment.

Feel free to reach out to us for any assistance with the Bulgaria Golden Visa program.