Bulgaria Golden Visa

What is Bulgaria Golden Visa

The Bulgaria Golden Visa is a permanent residency by investment program that requires a €512,000 investment in a Bulgaria government-regulated fund. The fund must be managed by a Bulgarian Fund Management Company and is strictly mandated to invest exclusively in Bulgarian assets. At present, only a limited number of funds meet the rigorous criteria outlined in the Bulgarian Citizenship Act to qualify for this program.

Compared to Portugal’s Golden Visa, Bulgaria’s program offers greater investment flexibility, as funds are also permitted to invest in real estate. In contrast, real estate-focused programs like Greece’s Golden Visa may present challenges, such as inflated property prices driven by local agents. The Bulgarian Golden Visa stands out with its transparent, government-regulated framework, making it a secure and attractive choice for investors looking to obtain EU residency or citizenship.

Stay Updated on the Latest Developments in the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program

🏆 Steps to Obtain Bulgaria Golden Visa & Permanent Residency

Step 1: Due Diligence & Eligibility Check (⏳ 10 Weeks)

📌 Conducted by the Bulgarian Investment Agency
Requirements:

  • Bank statement showing €512,000+ in an EUR or BGN account
  • No criminal record
    🚀 Outcome: Pre-approval to proceed with the investment

Step 2: Investment & Visa Application (⏳ 2 Months)

💰 Make the Investment

  • Subscribe to a Bulgarian Fund by transferring the €512,000
    📄 D Visa Application
  • Submit documents to the Bulgarian Embassy in your home country
  • Processing time: Up to 2 months
    🚀 Outcome: Issuance of a D Visa (valid for 6 months)

👉 Why the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program Is Not Publicly Advertised?


Step 3: Permanent Residency Application (⏳ 3 Months)

🛂 Apply for Permanent Residency

  • Must be done within 3 months before the D Visa expires
    Visit Bulgaria for biometrics submission
    📅 Residency Card Issued in 10 Days
    🚀 Outcome: Permanent Residency Granted

Step 4: Family Reunification

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Initiate Family Reunification

  • Once permanent residency is granted, family members (spouse, children, and parents) can apply to join you

Step 5: Citizenship Eligibility (After 5 Years)

Maintain Investment for 6 Years
🏛 After 5 Years – Option to apply for Bulgarian Citizenship or keep PR status

👉 Do I Need to Renounce My Citizenship to Obtain Bulgarian Citizenship?

Bulgaria Vs Portugal Golden Visa Comparison

Feature Bulgaria Golden Visa Portugal Golden Visa
Minimum Investment Requirement €512,000 €500,000 (varies by investment type)
Investment Options Investment in Bulgarian Fund Real estate, investment funds, job creation
Permanent Residency Granted Immediately ✅ Yes, immediately upon approval ❌ No, initially temporary residency
Time to Permanent Residency 8 months 5 years after PR is granted
Time to Citizenship Eligibility 5 years 5 years
Physical Residency Requirement ✅ No, no mandatory stay required 🚨 Yes, minimum 7 days per year required
Visa-Free Travel ✅ Yes, visa-free travel within EU & Schengen ✅ Yes, visa-free travel within EU & Schengen
Family Inclusion ✅ Yes, includes spouse, children & parents ✅ Yes, includes spouse, children & dependent parents
Renewal Frequency Every 5 years 🚨 Every 2 years
Language Requirement for Citizenship ✅ No, exemption possible (basic A1/A2 level required) 🚨 Yes, full Portuguese A2 language test required
Tax Benefits ✅ Low tax rates, 10% corporate & personal tax ✅ Tax incentives (NHR tax regime for 10 years)
Citizenship Processing Time 12-18 months 12-18 months
Is the Fund Allowed to Invest in Real Estate? ✅ Yes, funds can invest in real estate ❌ No, funds cannot invest in real estate

Bulgaria Golden Visa Investment Process

Bulgaria Golden Visa Funds

1. Direct Investment Route

Investors can directly transfer their investment into a Fund, bypassing brokers and intermediaries. This streamlines the process and enhances efficiency.

2. No Bulgarian Bank Account Required

Investments can be made from abroad, provided that the investor’s bank complies with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. This eliminates the need to open a bank account in Bulgaria, simplifying the application process.

3. Fast & Efficient Processing

Once the funds are received, investment certificates are issued promptly, enabling a faster Golden Visa application process.

For expert guidance on your Bulgaria Golden Visa application, please contact our dedicated Golden Visa team.

 

Who Can Apply for the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program?

The Bulgaria Golden Visa Program is open to applicants of all nationalities, with no restrictions based on country of origin. However, to qualify, individuals must meet specific financial, legal, and procedural requirements.

A key requirement is financial eligibility. Applicants must hold a bank account denominated in EUR with a minimum balance of €512,000, opened in a FATF-compliant jurisdiction. Please find all requirements of the Bulgaria Golden Visa program. If your country does not fully comply with FATF requirements, our team can connect you with a consultant who will assist in opening an eligible EUR account in a FATF-compliant jurisdiction.

Why Choose Us?

🔹 Results-Oriented Approach – We only take on cases where we have proven experience and confidence in achieving the desired outcome. We understand that when you invest in a premium service, you expect premium results.

🔹 Transparent Expectations – You will have a clear understanding of your chances before committing. No false promises, no hidden surprises—only straightforward, informed decision-making.

🔹 Commitment to Excellence – We work exclusively with trusted partners and legal professionals who share our dedication to delivering results.

🔹 End-to-End Assistance – From investment structuring to legal support, we handle every step of your Bulgarian Golden Visa application, ensuring a smooth and successful process.

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204, 2025

Upcoming Bulgaria Golden Visa Webinar

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Explore Bulgaria’s Golden Visa Program: Exclusive Webinar on 11 April 2025Presented by Advocate Markov and JA Partners As global interest in European residency options continues to grow, Bulgaria is quickly gaining attention for its streamlined and investment-friendly Golden Visa program. On 11 April 2025, Advocate Markov, in partnership with JA Partners, will be participating [...]

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New Nationality Added to the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program The Bulgaria Golden Visa Program continues to expand with the inclusion of a new nationality in its applicant pool. Advocate Markov is now processing the first Ukrainian applicant, marking another milestone in the program’s development. While the first Russian applicant was successfully processed six months [...]

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IMC publication

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Advocate Markov Featured on IMC: The Bulgaria Golden Visa Program and the Bulgaria AIF - Fund The 7th edition of the IM Yearbook 2025 has recently been published, offering a comprehensive and unbiased overview of global Golden Visa programs. Among the highlights is a dedicated section on the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program, featuring insights [...]

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