19 August 2026
Obtain Residency by Investment in Bulgaria
If you are interested in obtaining Bulgarian residency by investment, contact us. Our Bulgarian lawyers are at your service.
Obtaining residency by investment in Bulgaria is one of the fastest ways to move to this country. If you plan to apply for an investor visa, you can rely on our experienced lawyers.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted in the program | Non-EU nationals |
Business investment option (YES/NO) | Yes, under the form of stock purchase in public companies. |
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | No |
| Other options (if available) | Yes, investment in securities, alternative investment funds (AIFs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) |
| Living requirement in Bulgaria (YES/NO) | No |
| Direct permanent residency availability (YES/NO) | Yes, permanent residency is granted after the processing of the residence permit. |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | Yes, it is possible to relocate with the family, if the main applicant wants to live in Bulgaria. |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Spouse and children |
| Residence visa processing time (approx.) | 3 to 6 months |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | No, there are no additional financial requirements for family members. |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship after getting residency by investment | 5 years |
| Access to tax residency (YES/NO) | Yes, provided the applicants decide to live in Bulgaria. |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | Yes, provided an agreement between Bulgaria and the applicant’s home country is in place. |
| Reasons to choose Bulgaria | – low personal income tax, – immediate access to permanent residency, – free travel within the Schengen Area (by air, sea and land since 1 January 2025) |
| Visa-free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | Approx. 170 countries |
Who can apply for Bulgarian residency by investment?
The program addresses non-EU/EEA citizens only, as they are subject to specific visa requirements when it comes to immigration to Bulgaria. This visa opens an easier relocation pathway.
What are the conditions to meet in order to obtain residency by investment in Bulgaria?
Apart from having the financial means to apply for a residence permit under this program, people who want to relocate to Bulgaria must also meet other requirements:
- the person must have a clean criminal record;
- the applicant must also bring proof of the legitimacy of the money to invest.
Apart from these, when filing the papers, the passport must be valid for another 6 months (in order for the applicant to enter Bulgaria and obtain the residence permit), and health insurance with the minimum coverage imposed at EU level must also be secured.
What is the minimum amount and what can I inject the capital into to qualify for an investor visa for Bulgaria?
The minimum investment is EUR 511,292 (formerly BGN 1 million), and you can invest it in a regulated investment fund (Alternative or Exchange-Traded Investment Fund) that is approved by the Bulgarian Government.
Note: As of 2026, Bulgaria switched to the euro as an official currency, which makes this program more appealing to investors from all over the world.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
Are there any specific requirements applicable to the investment option?
Yes, there are specific conditions to meet for the eligible funds, as follows:
- the fund must be established in Bulgaria;
- the management companies must also be set up in Bulgaria and must operate in accordance with the Collective Investment Schemes Law;
- the minimum value of the assets of the funds cannot be lower than BGN 3 million (about EUR 1.53 million);
- the funds’ investment strategies must rely mainly on Bulgarian assets;
- the funds and management companies must be authorized by the Financial Supervision Commission in Bulgaria;
- only funds that invest in stock, shares, and bonds issued by Bulgarian companies are accepted into the program.
If you need assistance in identifying an investment fund that meets these criteria, our Bulgarian lawyers can assist.
How long does it take to obtain residency through the Bulgarian investor program?
The entire procedure (due diligence and visa processing) takes 6 to 8 months to complete. At the end, you will be issued a permanent residency card.
What are the documents required to apply for Bulgarian residency by investment?
- valid passport;
- clean criminal record issued in your home country;
- medical insurance that is valid in Bulgaria;
- investment certificate;
- proof of legitimate source of funds.
Can I relocate to Bulgaria with my family? If yes, which relatives can I bring?
Yes. You can even include them on the same application. You can move with your spouse and children (adult children can also live with you, as long as they are not married and they depend on you financially).
You must also add their personal information: passports, marriage certificate, and birth certificates.
Must I live in Bulgaria if I obtain residency?
No, you are not required to live in the country.
If you need help in applying for residency by investment, our Bulgarian law firm is at your disposal with a wide range of immigration services. Contact us for a personalized consultation right away!