Retire to Bulgaria

Foreign citizens who want to retire to Bulgaria can apply for a special visa dedicated to them. The retirement visa is available for non-EU/EEA citizens only, as EU/EEA nationals can enter the country based on valid travel documents (ID or passport).

Below, our law firm explains the main conditions for obtaining a Bulgarian retirement visa. We can help those interested in this relocation option to file for their residence permits.

Eligibility conditions for Bulgaria’s retirement visa

Also known as the D or pensioner visa, this is in fact a Bulgarian residence permit available for the following categories of people:

• retirees whose main income is pension obtained in accordance with Bulgarian law;
• persons who are already retired in their countries of origin;
• those who have sufficient funds to sustain their stay in Bulgaria.

When we refer to the duration of stay, it is important to note that the Bulgarian retirement visa has a one-year validity period.

Our lawyers in Bulgaria can offer detailed information about retirement regulations in this country to ensure you meet this eligibility criterion.

Steps to apply for a Bulgarian retirement visa

Those interested in immigration to Bulgaria through the pensioner visa must complete the following steps:

• apply for an entry visa (if necessary);
• file for a national visa;
• apply for a retirement residence permit.

The first two steps must be completed while in the country of origin, while the last one after entering Bulgaria. 

Documents required to retire to Bulgaria

Applications for retirement visas and temporary residence permits in Bulgaria are processed by the Ministry of Interior and require the submission of the following documents:

• the standard application form;
• recent photographs;
• valid passport;
• a bank account statement;
• the document indicating retirement in the applicant’s home country which must be translated into Bulgarian and notarized;
• proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (a rental agreement suffices);
• valid medical insurance;
• clear criminal record.

Our Bulgarian lawyers can help you prepare your dossier to apply for a pensioner visa. It takes about one month for the visa to be processed.

Minimum income requirement

One of the conditions to obtain a retiree visa in Bulgaria is to meet the minimum income requirement applicable in this country. Currently, the minimum monthly income is about EUR 620 per month (the 2026 national minimum wage), so a pension at this amount is the lowest to secure retirement in Bulgaria.

Please note that you need to have a local bank account to receive your pension. Our Bulgarian law firm can assist in this endeavor as well.

Validity of the retirement visa in Bulgaria

The pensioner visa has a validity of one year, however, it can be extended up to reaching the minimum period to secure permanent residency, which is 5 years. After 5 more years of permanent residence, applicants can also become eligible for Bulgarian citizenship, should they want to relocate here permanently.

An advantage of this visa is that it can be used for family reunification. Once the main applicant relocates to Bulgaria, he or she can bring the spouse and minor children. Our immigration lawyers in Bulgaria can assist with all the formalities involving family reunion.

Living expenses in Bulgaria

If you plan on retiring to Bulgaria and need information on the living costs here, the advantage is that they are lower compared to Western European countries, as follows:

• the monthly living costs for a single person are on average EUR 600, no rent included;
• for a family of 4, the costs increase to about EUR 2,000 per month;
• the average monthly rent starts at EUR 400 for a studio apartment and can go up to nearly EUR 800 for a 4-bedroom apartment.

If you want to apply for a Bulgarian retirement visa, please contact our local law firm.