How to Get a Residence Permit in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide to Moving
For those planning to move to Bulgaria , one of the key tasks will be obtaining a residence permit (RP). What grounds are necessary for this, and what documents will need to be prepared? You will find the answers to these questions in this material. We will also examine the main advantages that a RP in Bulgaria provides .
The Fastest Way: Bulgarian Citizenship by Origin
If you have Bulgarian roots, obtaining citizenship may be the easiest and fastest option. The process includes several stages:
- Preparation of documents : collecting evidence of your Bulgarian origin.
- Obtaining a category D visa : required for further obtaining permanent residence.
- Obtaining a permanent residence card : allows you to reside in Bulgaria on a permanent basis.
- Obtaining a citizenship certificate : the final stage of the procedure.
What to do if you don’t have Bulgarian roots?
Don’t worry – there are other options for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners. Below we will look at the main ones and their features.
What is a residence permit in Bulgaria?
A residence permit (RP) is a permit to stay in Bulgaria, which is issued in the form of a personal card. It gives the right to:
- Stay in the country during the validity period of the card;
- Free crossing of the Bulgarian border;
- Possibility of using various advantages.
The residence permit card is issued for a period of 6 or 12 months with the possibility of extension.
Advantages of a residence permit
After receiving a residence permit in Bulgaria, you will be able to:
- Stay in the country for the duration of the card’s validity with an unlimited number of entries and exits;
- Place children in kindergarten or school for free;
- Enroll in universities on a fee-paying basis;
- Buy a car for a company or sales representative;
- Visit countries like Cyprus, Romania and Croatia without a visa;
- Start your own business;
- Invite other persons (for example, relatives) for temporary residence.
What rights does a residence permit in Bulgaria provide?
Although a residence permit opens up many opportunities, the rights under this status have some limitations:
- Official employment : in most cases, work under an employment contract is not available;
- Business : You can open and register a Bulgarian commercial company;
- Education : access to kindergartens, schools and universities;
- Financial transactions : simplified interaction with banks;
- Travelling in the Schengen area : certain benefits when travelling.
How to obtain a residence permit status?
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria consists of two main stages:
- Preparation and submission of documents for a D visa : documents are submitted to the Bulgarian Embassy in the country of your citizenship.
- Entry into the country and registration of a residence permit : upon arrival in Bulgaria on the basis of a D visa, you must contact the migration service at your place of residence to obtain a residence permit card.
Options for obtaining a residence permit
According to the Law of the Republic of Bulgaria “On Foreigners”, there are several grounds for obtaining a residence permit:
- Marriage : with a citizen of Bulgaria, an EU country or a foreigner who already has a residence permit.
- Employment contract : employment opportunities in Bulgaria.
- Education : full-time education at a Bulgarian university.
- Purchase of real estate : subject to certain conditions.
- EU Blue Card : for highly qualified workers.
- Investment : Ownership of at least 51% of the shares of a Bulgarian company that has invested at least €300,000 in real estate.
- Wealthy pensioner : having a pension and an account in a Bulgarian bank with an amount of at least €3,000, as well as housing (own or rented).
- Treatment : upon presentation of certificates of the need for long-term treatment and an agreed treatment plan with a Bulgarian hospital.
- Trade representative office : registration through a representative office of a foreign company is one of the most popular methods of legalization.
What documents are needed to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria?
The most popular method remains registration through a trade representative. However, changes in legislation are expected that may tighten this process.
The main documents for obtaining a residence permit include:
- Certificate of no criminal record from your country of citizenship;
- A certificate from a Bulgarian bank confirming the availability of the required amount in the account;
- Documents confirming the availability of housing (own or rental agreement);
- Medical insurance.
Additional documents depend on the specific reason for obtaining a residence permit.
What amount should be in the account to obtain a residence permit?
According to the current legislation, for a D visa it is necessary to have in a Bulgarian bank account at least 6 minimum salaries (7,000 leva) or 6 minimum pensions for pensioners (4,000 leva). When submitting documents to the migration service after entry, the amount must be twice as much.
What pension is needed to obtain a residence permit?
If your pension is not less than the minimum pension in Bulgaria, this will simplify the process of obtaining a residence permit. If the pension is less, you can show a larger amount in your bank account to compensate for the shortfall.
Is it possible to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria through the purchase of real estate?
Yes, foreigners can obtain a residence permit by purchasing real estate worth at least 600,000 leva. This could be an apartment, a villa, a parking space or a garage.
Is it possible to work with a residence permit in Bulgaria?
Working with a residence permit is possible if the basis for obtaining it is related to an employment contract or the EU Blue Card. In other cases, official employment is not available, with the exception of spouses of residence permit holders.
Which countries can you visit with a Bulgarian residence permit?
After Bulgaria joins the Schengen area, residence permit holders will be able to move freely between the countries of this area.
How much does it cost to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria?
The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria depends on the reason. Approximate costs:
- Standard bases: from €3,000;
- For pensioners: from €1,500.
Each case is individual, so it is important to take into account all the details.
What is the difference between a temporary residence permit and a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria? What is a permanent residence permit? What does a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria provide for foreigners?
Residence permit – a permit to stay in the country – a temporary status that gives the right to stay in Bulgaria, conduct business activities, live, raise children, i.e. there are no problems when moving the center of vital interests. This status requires annual confirmation for 5 years.
Permanent residence or permanent residence in Bulgaria is an indefinite status, having received it once and observing the requirements for staying in the country and crossing the border, it is valid for the rest of your life. To obtain permanent residence, you must be in Bulgaria for five years with the status of a temporary residence permit, but you can be absent for up to half of this period, and the duration of each period of absence is not regulated.
The advantages of permanent residence include:
- Renewal of the Bulgarian personal card only once every five years;
- The right to officially work under an employment contract or civil contract;
- Registration of a car to an individual;
- Receiving medical care from a health fund.
A foreigner has all the rights and obligations of a Bulgarian citizen, with the exception of the right to vote and serve in the armed forces.
How long can you be absent from Bulgaria with a permanent residence permit?
In order not to lose the permanent residence status and the migration service not to cancel it, a person must cross the border of Bulgaria at least once a year and come for at least 1 day. Over the past 12 months on the control date, a person must cross the border of Bulgaria at least once.
Long-term residence and permanent residence in Bulgaria: what is the difference?
PMZh is a purely Bulgarian status, while DVZh stands for “long-term residence permit” – a pan-European one. Both statuses are permanent, this is clearly stated in the Bulgarian law on foreigners. Foreign citizens with both statuses receive the same rights.
But there are also differences in these statuses. For example, if students with permanent residence pay the same tuition fees as Bulgarian citizens, then students with long-term residence often have to pay a higher rate for foreigners. However, students with permanent residence never face such problems and can choose any educational institution.
On the other hand, the status of a long-term resident makes it easier for its holders to obtain a residence permit in other EU countries. To do this, it is necessary that the laws of the chosen state provide for such an opportunity.
How many years do you need to live in Bulgaria to obtain citizenship by naturalization?
To naturalize, a foreigner must live in Bulgaria for at least 10 years – 5 years with a temporary residence permit and 5 years with a permanent residence permit. After that, the person has the right to apply for Bulgarian citizenship. But in practice, it turns out to be more than 13 years.
Conclusion
Moving to Bulgaria and obtaining a residence permit is a process that requires careful preparation and compliance with all procedural nuances. Knowing the specifics of the statuses of temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit and long-term residence permit, as well as their differences, will help you choose the most suitable option depending on your situation.
A residence permit opens up many opportunities for you: legal residence in the country, running a business, studying, the possibility of inviting your family. Permanent residence (PR) provides even more rights, bringing you closer to the status of a Bulgarian citizen and making life easier in the long term.
If you are considering Bulgaria as a country to live in, it is important to define your goals in advance and choose the most suitable basis for obtaining a residence permit. Whether it is business, study, family circumstances or investment, each category has its own advantages and requirements.
Please remember that the process may change depending on current legislative amendments, so it is recommended to contact specialists or check the latest information before submitting documents.
We hope that this material was useful for you. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or contact us for additional advice. Good luck on your way to moving and settling in Bulgaria!
