21 April 2026
Immigrate to Bulgaria from the USA
If you plan to immigrate to Bulgaria from USA, we are at your service. Contact our lawyers in Bulgaria for guidance and assistance.
US citizens can relocate to Bulgaria by completing several visa formalities in accordance with the reason for relocation, which can include employment or business creation.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Support in moving to Bulgaria from the US | Our immigration lawyers are at the service of American citizens who want to relocate to Bulgaria. |
Visa requirements for American citizens | Not for stays below 3 months. |
Relocation options | – employment, – business, – investment, – family reunion |
| Types of residence permits available | Temporary and permanent residence permits are available. |
| Temporary residence permit validity | 6 months to one year, depending on the reason for relocation |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – valid passport, – application form, – proof of local address, – proof of sufficient funds, – valid health insurance, – support documents for the reason for immigration |
| Relocation steps | – document drafting, – rental/leasing apartment/house, – document submission and approval. |
| Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | Around 30 days |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Yes, a temporary residence permit based on investment is available. |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | – valid passport, – valid temporary residence permit, – health insurance, – proof of income made in Bulgaria |
| Naturalization requirements | 5 years of permanent residency |
| Easiest ways to move to Bulgaria from the USA | Business and employment |
| Bulgaria – USA double tax treaty (YES/NO) | Yes, signed in 2007 and in force since 15 December 2008 (applicable from 1 January 2009) |
| Why move to Bulgaria as an American citizen? | – low taxes, – great business and employment opportunities, – access to EU residency and citizenship |
If you are interested in how to immigrate to Bulgaria from the USA, our lawyers are at your service.
What are the available visas that American citizens can apply for in Bulgaria?
American citizens need a visa only if they want to move to Bulgaria from the USA for long periods; short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days are visa-free. The main types of visas that can be obtained when relocating to Bulgaria from the USA are:
- the Type C visa, which is issued for short-term stays,
- the student visa can also be obtained by those enrolled in a Bulgarian-approved education facility,
- the Type D visa, which is available for those seeking long-term relocation.
What does short-term immigration to Bulgaria from the US imply?
The Type C visa is one of the most sought-after when it comes to American citizens who want to stay in Bulgaria for no more than 90 days. American citizens do not need it (they can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days); other nationals are required to file a request with the Bulgarian Embassy in the US in order to obtain it.
This type of visa is usually requested for various reasons, including: tourism, business, and family reunification.
Here is also an infographic on this topic:
Is it possible to immigrate to Bulgaria from the USA as an employee?
Yes, you can relocate to Bulgaria as an employee under the same rules that apply to non-EU citizens. This means you need to apply for a work permit before coming here.
What are the main types of work permits I can apply for as an American employee in Bulgaria?
Here are the types of work visas that you can apply for when relocating to Bulgaria from the United States:
- the seasonal work permit, which has a validity that ranges from 90 days to 9 months, and through which you can complete temporary work related to agriculture, for example;
- the single work and residence permit, which is the most employed, according to the Bulgarian Migration Office, which enables you to stay and work here for up to 3 years;
- the intra-company transfer visa you can obtain only if an American company sends you to a Bulgarian branch or subsidiary;
- the EU Blue Card, which is available if you are a highly-skilled employee and is linked to specific salary requirements; however, it also has an up to 4-year validity.
Do I need a local sponsor as an American?
No, you don’t need a local sponsor to immigrate to Bulgaria as an American. The only case where sponsorship-like requirements apply is related to employment. In this case, the employer will act as your sponsor when moving here. However, this means easier procedures for you to complete, which is why you do not need to worry.
What are the long-term residence options in Bulgaria for American citizens?
Those who want to immigrate to Bulgaria from the United States and stay there for more than 3 months have several options for obtaining a residence permit. These are:
- long-term EU residence permit which gives certain rights to move to other EU states and has a validity of 5 years,
- the extended residence permit, which consists of a visa issued for a period of one year,
- the permanent residence permit, which can be obtained after 5 years of living in Bulgaria.
What are the documents I need when moving to Bulgaria?
Here is a list of the documents you need to prepare when relocating to Bulgaria from the USA:
- the standard application form: you can download it from the Bulgarian Embassy’s website;
- the valid passport: make sure you have a minimum validity period of 1 year;
- proof of accommodation: you can lease or rent a property and use the contract as proof;
- a valid health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 (this is the standard amount applicable at EU level);
- bank account statements to indicate you have the financial means to support your stay in Bulgaria (the minimum wage in Bulgaria is EUR 620 per month);
- a clean criminal record certificate no older than 6 months is also required.
Other supporting documents, such as an employment offer, a university enrolment letter, or proof of qualifications, may also be required.
Our lawyers can offer information on the documents to prepare when moving to Bulgaria from the USA under one of the residence permits presented above. All paperwork must be filed with the Ministry of Interior.
Where is the Bulgarian Embassy in the United States?
For applications, you can address:
- the Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 22nd St NW, 1621;
- the Bulgarian General Consulate in New York, 121 East 62nd Street, NY 10065.
Do I need to speak Bulgarian when moving there?
The language requirement is not mandatory if you do not plan to apply for Bulgarian citizenship. This means you do not need to take lessons before coming here. Also, English is spoken in important cities in Bulgaria, especially in business and work-related places.
If you are interested in how to immigrate to Bulgaria from the United States, do not hesitate to contact us for tailored services, no matter the way you choose to relocate here.