Complete guide: Residence Permit in Bulgaria in 2024

Any foreign citizen who is planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than three months must apply for a Bulgaria residence permit. This is valid both for EU Citizens and Non-EU Nationals.

In this current article, we'll present the full guide for navigation throughout the residence permit system in Bulgaria. Here, we will review the options for Non-EU Nationals, which can apply on the basis of provided options under the Bulgarian legislation. The types of permits may vary:

• prolonged residence permits with a maximum validity period of one year; may be used by investors and other interested parties;

• permanent residence permits granted after a certain period in the country or on the basis of special conditions;
  

For all first-time applicants, a long-stay visa type D is mandatory.

What are the types of legal bases for the residence permits?

I. PROLONGED RESIDENCE PERMIT

The options vary from residence visas for foreign employees, freelancers, and retirees, throughout residence permits for family members, children, studying or penguin an NGOs. Alternatively, the investors whose plan is to open or relocate their business in Bulgaria, can apply through the options for real estate buying, company incorporation with hired employees, certification under the Investment agency policies or a few other types of investment.

As the Bulgarian law is always adapting and changing, a few more options were added in the recent years, including:

• EU Blue card residence permit for highly qualified employees;

• Start up visa for entrepreneurs

The prolonged residence permit has a validity period between 6 months and 5 years, deepening on the legal basis for application.

II. PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT

The permanent residence permit is usually the second step after obtaining a prolonged residency. In order to apply for a permanent residence permit in 2024, a foreign citizen must first obtain a Bulgarian extended residence permit and legally stay in the country for more than 5 years.

Permanent Bulgaria residence permits could be requested also in the following cases:

• to foreign nationals of Bulgarian descent;

• to foreigners who have been married for more than five years to a foreigner who has been living on the country uninterruptedly for five years;

• minors of foreign nationals with permanent residence in Bulgaria, who are unmarried;

• family members of a Bulgarian citizen, when they have been living in the country uninterruptedly for five years.

• investors with bigger investments in the country

Our team can provide all foreign nationals with all of the details regarding Bulgaria residence permit and their rights and obligations when holding this permit.

III. CONDITIONS AND DOCUMENTS

Non-EU citizens who are first time applicant for a residence permit in Bulgaria and Europe can apply for an entry visa, and then for a prolonged or permanent residency depending on the status.

For non-EU citizens arriving in Bulgaria from other EU countries where they have legally resided, the process is streamlined. These individuals can make use of their residency cards to smoothly transition into Bulgaria. Furthermore, they have the option to pursue Bulgarian residency based on these existing documents, simplifying their relocation procedure.

Also, it is imporantt to note that holders of  Bulgarian temporary residence permits can also reside in Cyprus, Croatia, and Romania without any the need for a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-days period.

Last but not least, as Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen zone is almost full, Bulgarian residence permits will also open the door to all EU countries. Thus, holders of Bulgarian residence permit cards could easily travel between all EU countries without the need for a visa.

In order to start, the following documents of applicants for Bulgarian residence permits are requested:

• a valid passport,

• proof of accommodation in Bulgaria,

• proof of financial support,

• an insurance policy,

• documents supporting the legal basis.

IV. STATISTICS

Bulgaria boasts significant economic potential and promising growth opportunities, making it an attractive destination for relocation. With its thriving economy and favorable business environment, Bulgaria offers ample prospects for professional advancement and financial prosperity. Additionally, its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, coupled with competitive living costs and an expanding job market, makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life.

According to the latest information from 2022, over 15 000 new immigrants (non-EU nationals) were granted a residency in Bulgaria. The percentages are as follows:

• 35 % were labor migrants;

• 25 % were family members (including accompanying relatives);

• 20 % were migrants seeking education;

• 30 % were other migrants. 

You can contact us or book a consultation, so we can professionally navigate you throughout the entire process of obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria.

Residence Permit in Bulgaria in 2024 - Full guide and navigation