Sofia, Bulgaria
London, United Kingdom
Bulgaria is back at the forefront of global residence and citizenship opportunities with a renewed programme offering a fast-track route to Bulgarian Permanent Residence by Investment — now with the added advantage of Schengen membership.
An EU member since 2007, Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025. Holders of Bulgarian temporary or permanent residence permits now enjoy visa-free travel to all remaining Schengen states, removing the inconvenience of visa applications and border checks. For investors, this means direct access to the EU’s opportunities and lifestyle.
Why Choose Bulgarian Permanent Residence by Investment?
The programme offers flexibility with a range of qualifying investments, allowing you to select assets that match your investment profile:
Stocks in a listed company on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange-Sofia – BGN 2,000,000
Units in Bulgarian market-focused mutual funds, ETFs, or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) – BGN 1,000,000
Certified Priority Investment Projects – BGN 2,000,000
Companies employing Bulgarian staff – BGN 500,000 + 10 employees
Private companies in any sector – BGN 6,000,000
Other Investment Projects – amount depends on the sector
(Note: The Bulgarian lev (BGN) is pegged to the euro at BGN 2 = EUR 1.)
Many investors choose the mutual funds, ETFs, and AIFs route for its balance of risk, accessibility, and return potential.
Mutual Funds and AIFs: Popular Options for Investors
Bulgaria currently offers over 140 mutual funds and AIFs.
Mutual funds issue units granting rights to a share of the fund’s assets. To qualify for the Bulgarian Permanent Residence by Investment programme, a fund must:
Have net assets above BGN 5 million (~EUR 2.6 million)
Be licensed in Bulgaria
Focus on equity and corporate bonds of Bulgarian companies, traded on regulated markets
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) pool capital to invest in a defined strategy — often in property, private equity, or venture capital. Eligible AIFs must:
Have net assets above BGN 3 million (~EUR 1,5 million)
Be licensed in Bulgaria
Invest solely in shares, stocks, and bonds of Bulgarian companies, including REITs
Our team can connect you with licensed fund managers in Bulgaria who can guide you through these investment options.
Pre-Clearance: Your First Step
Before investing, applicants must complete pre-clearance through the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BIA). This step ensures compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Required documents include:
Bank reference (Bulgarian lev or euro account) showing available funds
CV or professional profile
Criminal record certificate from country of origin or residence
From Visa to Permanent Residence
Once pre-clearance is approved and your investment is certified:
Apply for a Long-Term D Visa (approx. 1 month processing)
Visit Bulgaria to submit your permanent residence application (processing usually under 2 months)
Return for issuance of your Bulgarian Permanent Residence ID card
Pathway to Bulgarian Citizenship
After five years of holding permanent residence, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship. The process involves:
Review by the Citizenship Council
Recommendation by the Minister of Justice to the Vice President
Issuance of a decree granting citizenship
Unlock EU and Schengen Benefits
With Bulgarian Permanent Residence by Investment, you gain:
Visa-free Schengen travel
Access to the EU’s business and lifestyle opportunities
A pathway to EU citizenship
For further details or personalised guidance, contact us at or via our contact form.