Sofia, Bulgaria
London, United Kingdom
Bulgaria provides two principal residence routes for non-EU citizens: temporary residence and permanent residence. Each option is designed to meet different needs, depending on the purpose and duration of stay, and comes with its own set of advantages.
Bulgarian Temporary Residence
A Bulgarian temporary residence permit may be granted for specific reasons such as employment, study, or family reunification. It is generally valid for 6 months to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.
Applicants must show sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and a legitimate ground for residence. While this permit allows lawful residence in Bulgaria and travel across the Schengen area, access to public services remains limited.
Common routes to temporary residence include:
Trade Representative Office: Many applicants establish a trade representative office of a foreign company. [Read more: The Trade Representative Route for Digital Nomads Seeking EU Residence via Bulgaria].
Investment in Real Estate: Non-EU citizens who invest at least BGN 600,000 (approx. €310,000) in Bulgarian property may qualify. [Read more: How to Obtain Bulgarian Residence by Purchasing Property].
Bulgarian Permanent Residence
Permanent residence offers a far more secure and long-term solution. It may be obtained:
after five consecutive years of holding temporary residence;
on the basis of Bulgarian ancestry; or
by making a qualifying investment.
Holders of permanent residence benefit from:
the right to stay in Bulgaria without limitation;
full access to healthcare, education, and the labour market;
freedom of movement across the EU; and
eligibility to apply for Bulgarian citizenship once requirements are met.
Residence by Investment: A Gateway to Schengen
Bulgaria’s Residence by Investment programme is a highly attractive pathway for non-EU nationals seeking permanent residence. The programme requires a minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (~€512,000) in approved investment funds:
UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) with a net asset value of at least BGN 5,000,000; or
AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds) with a net asset value of at least BGN 3,000,000.
These vehicles must be focused primarily on Bulgaria, offering a structured and regulated means of acquiring permanent residence.
Once obtained, Bulgarian permanent residence provides unrestricted access to the Schengen Area, removing the need for separate visas and significantly enhancing the appeal of Bulgaria as a gateway to Europe.
Choosing the Right Route
The difference lies mainly in scope and duration:
Temporary residence is best suited for shorter stays and limited rights.
Permanent residence offers stability, wider privileges, and a clear pathway to citizenship.
Understanding these options ensures that individuals can make informed decisions aligned with their personal and business objectives.
For further details or personalised guidance, contact us at or via our contact form.