Key program details
Visa-free countries (after citizenship): 179
Visa-free access to Schengen: Yes
Minimum Investment: €316,000
Residency requirement: No Physical stay requirement but if invested through the real estate route, the main applicant will be required a one two-week visit per year.
Leads to Permanent Residency: Direct PR, but through the Real estate route, the PR will be eligible after 5 years of temporary residency.
Leads to citizenship: After 5 years
Investment holding period: 5 years
Eligible Family Members:
- Spouse
- Minor children
- Dependent Parents
For personal assistance, contact ROC Citizenship to schedule a free consultation. Our team will assess your eligibility and guide you through every stage of the application process.
Benefits of Bulgaria Residency
- Schengen Access granted immediately with PR
- No Physical stay requirement
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Full Inclusion of Spouse, minor children, and dependent parents
- Low investment threshold compared to other EU programs
- Stable economy and EU legal protection
- Cost-effective living and tax benefits
- Strong real estate growth and fund performance
- Path to citizenship after 5 or 10 years
Investment Options
Real Estate Route – Minimum Investment of €316,000
- Property held for 5 years
- Rental returns: typically, 3%–6% annually
- In Strategic cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas
- Full legal support included
Regulated Investment Fund Route – Minimum Investment of €512,000
- Into a government-approved Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
- Permanent Residency granted after full process (~8 months)
- No relocation or presence requirements
- Returns up to 7% annually, with multiple risk-based sub classes being introduced soon
- Strong legal and regulatory framework aligned with EU norms
Application Process
Step-by-Step Application Procedure (Real Estate Route)
- CONSULTATION AND PROPERTY SELECTION: Choose qualifying property with legal and tax guidance.
- LEGAL PURCHASE AND FUND TRANSFER: Complete purchase through notary; funds transferred via licensed process.
- D VISA APPLICATION: Apply via Bulgarian consulate with required documents (passport, insurance, proof of funds, etc.)
- TEMPORARY RESIDENCY: Issues upon arrival and biometrics (~14 business days processing)
- Permanent Residency Eligibility: After 5 years of continuous temporary residency and must retain property for the duration.
- CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION: After 5 years of PR and Basic Bulgarian language required (A1/A2 level); exemption possible via completion of a language course leading to A1.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure (Investment Fund Route)
- PRE-APPROVAL & BACKGROUND CHECK: Submit documents to the Bulgarian Investment Agency (~2 months).
- FUND TRANSFER TRANSFER: €512,000 to the regulated fund; obtain investment certificate.
- D VISA APPLICATION: Submit visa application at a Bulgarian embassy (processing ~2 months).
- PERMANENT RESIDENCY ISSUED: Upon biometrics appointment in Bulgaria (~2 months)
- TOTAL TIMELINE: End-to-end process takes approximately 8 months, accounting for administrative and client response delays.
- CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY: After 5 years of PR (5 years from start) and Basic Bulgarian language required (A1/A2 level); exemption possible via completion of a language course leading to A1.