Residency /
Citizenship by Investment

BULGARIA CITIZENSHIP / RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT

EU Residency & Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. Peace of mind.

Welcome! In an effort to stimulate the country's economy through job creation and capital, Bulgaria (EU) is offering foreign nationals investment programs that can lead to Bulgarian permanent residency and Bulgarian citizenship. The Bulgarian passport is similar to the passports of Germany, France, or any other EU country; Bulgaria passport holders may live, work or study in any country belonging to the European Union.

International business executives, investors, VIPs as well as affluent citizens worldwide consider the Bulgaria citizenship (Bulgaria passport) a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.

*** Bulgaria Citizenship & Residency Update, April 2022: As a consequence of external and internal political factors, the Bulgarian Parliament has adopted amendments to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act. The bill removes sections 12a and 14a, specifically the provisions related to the "Fast Track" 18-months application processing option. The option to obtain permanent residency on the basis of investment remains, so does a route to citizenship after 5 years in residency status. The only remaining alternative to receiving citizenship in under 2 years is the Malta (EU) "Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations". ***

Live, work or study in any of the EU countries

The Bulgarian Immigration by Investment programs provide for affluent persons of impeccable standing and repute, including their families, to receive the Bulgarian citizenship (EU passport) on the basis of an investment in Bulgaria. Once citizenship is granted, the applicant and his/her family may live, work or study in any of the member countries of the European Union.

Applicants are not required to continuously live in Bulgaria before or after citizenship approval.

Visa free travel to over 150 countries

Bulgarian citizenship offers full European Union benefits, including Schengen borderless travel. This means visa-free travel to more than 150 countries in the world.

A better quality of life for the family

Bulgaria is a safe country that enjoys a low cost of living index. Bulgaria is rich in tourist sights and historical artifacts which are located throughout the country's easily accessible territory. Bulgaria is also known for its seaside and winter resorts and offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking.

Bulgaria Permanent Residency

Residency allows the applicant to live in Bulgaria as long as desired, but there is no obligation to do so. Citizenship may be applied for after 60 months (5 years) in permanent residency status. The applicant can select from various investment options. The investment must be maintained for 5 years in total. The processing time for residency is about six months.

Bulgaria (EU) Citizenship

Bulgarian citizenship, meaning the EU passport, allows the applicant to live, work, and study in any of the EU member countries, not just Bulgaria. In addition, Bulgarian citizens can live in the USA by applying for an E2 Visa.

While as of April 2022 there is no longer an option to apply under the previous "fast track processing" option, an applicant may still apply for citizenship after 60 months (5 years) in permanent residency status. The applicant selects one of several investment options to be held for at least 5 years. The processing time for residency is about six months, and citizenship may be granted after 5 years.

Bulgaria Citizenship / Residency Program DETAILS

The government of Bulgaria is offering Bulgarian residency and citizenship (European citizenship) to foreign investors who contribute to the country's economic development.

Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is a stable, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2007. The country has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU residents may obtain a residence permit - and citizenship if so desired - based on investment.

The Bulgarian permanent residency program allows the applicant to live in Bulgaria as long as desired. Citizenship may be applied for after 60 months (5 years) in permanent residency status. The processing time for residency is about six months.

The Bulgarian citizenship by investment program offers affluent persons of impeccable standing to receive Bulgarian (EU) citizenship on the basis of an investment in Bulgaria. EU citizenship grants the permission to live, work or study in any country of the European Union.

There are no donations, and no minimum stay requirements. Applicants will need to pass a test of basic Bulgarian and might be required to renounce their existing citizenship. There are certain exceptions to the renunciation requirement. Specifically, no renunciation of the original citizenship is required if the applicant has another EU citizenship, is married to a Bulgarian citizen, or of Bulgarian origin among others.

Applicants are not required to continuously live in Bulgaria before or after citizenship approval. All investment options to citizenship allow for one application to cover the husband, wife, parents, and all children or grandchildren of any age.

In addition, Bulgarian citizens can live in the USA by applying for a E2 Visa due to the country's E2 reciprocity agreement with the United States.

Qualified candidates include international business executives, investors, public figures / VIPs, and private citizens who meet the minimum application requirements.

Application Requirements / Eligibility

To qualify for any of the immigration by investment programs the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. The main applicant may also add dependents to a residency or citizenship application, including his/her spouse, parents, children, and grandchildren.

The following provides a summary of the minimum investment requirements. Please use our contact form to obtain a complete checklist of application documents which depends on the number of family members to be included.

A) Bulgaria Permanent Residency. This program offers permanent residency in Bulgaria, meaning the permission to live in Bulgaria as long as desired. The applicant selects an investment option from the list below, to be held for a minimum of five years. Residency is granted usually within 6 months of filing an application.

B) Bulgaria (EU) Citizenship. This program offers Bulgarian citizenship, the European passport, and all benefits of full EU citizenship. As a EU citizen you are allowed to live, work, study in any of the 26 European Union countries. EU citizenship also grants you access to all investment opportunities throughout the EU member nations, as well as visa-free travel to more than 150 countries in the world. The investment must be maintained for an extra 2 years past grant of citizenship, and 5 years in total.

An applicant receives permanent residency in about 6 months, and then may apply for citizenship by naturalization after 60 months (5 years) in residency status.

Investment Options

The following investment options and their minimum amounts are available for permanent residency and/or citizenship:

    A) Stocks traded in Bulgaria: EUR 1,024,000
    B) UCITs (EU regulated fund vehicles) including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with a focus on Bulgaria: EUR 513,000
    C) Alternative investment funds (AIFs) (including private equity, venture and hedge funds), a part of whose focus is on Bulgaria: EUR 513,000
    D) Bulgarian company investment, Certified Priority Investment Project (CPIP) – similar to USA EB-5 Regional Centers: EUR 1,024,000
    E) Bulgarian company employing 10 Bulgarian persons or more: EUR 257,000
    F) Bulgarian private company, invested in any sector or geography: EUR 3,075,000
    G) Certified Investment Project (CIP) - not the same as CPIP above: Exact amount and conditions are project-dependent.

Bulgaria Immigration by Investment Benefits

Reasons for an alternative residency or citizenship include providing a better quality of life for the investor and his/her family, arranging for international tax planning, and establishing a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.

Free Movement of Persons

The whole family can obtain Bulgarian citizenship i.e. the main applicant, his/her spouse, and children and grandchildren of any age, and they can all travel, reside, study or work freely within the EU.

Free Movement of Services

Individual citizens and their companies can offer services within EU member states without obstacles.

Free Movement of Capital

Bulgarian passport holders can transfer funds between EU member states, purchase property in any preferred EU country, and invest in any type of business venture.

Free Movement of Goods

All goods produced in EU member states can be freely transferred between countries of the European Union.

No Requirement to Physically Reside in Bulgaria

The applicant and his/her dependents are not required to reside in Bulgaria before the filing of an application, or after obtaining Bulgarian citizenship.

Attractive Tax System

Becoming a citizen of Bulgaria does not mean the investor automatically becomes a Bulgarian tax resident. However, becoming a tax resident in Bulgaria may be attractive to the investor because of the country's low personal and corporate income tax rate which is only 10%; the lowest in the European Union.

Visa Free Travel

Bulgarian passport holders do not require a visa to travel within the EU and also to travel to many non-EU countries.

Option to Settle in the USA

Bulgarian citizens can live in the USA by applying for a E2 Visa due to the country's E2 reciprocity agreement with the United States.

Bulgaria's Standing in the European Union

Bulgaria is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union, located at the crossroad between Europe and Asia and origin of the earliest European civilizations. A relatively small country of approximately seven million people, Bulgaria is considered very safe and boasts a low crime rate.

Bulgarians have developed their culture and enriched it over the millennia, and they preserve it and continue to develop it to the present day. Bulgarian is the main official language, but English is also widely spoken, particularly by younger people and especially in the tourist regions.

Bulgaria is also good choice when it comes to education and healthcare. High quality education is provided by the government at no cost. After the first 6 years of schooling, children can attend government schools which only teach in English, French, Spanish, or German. In addition to the education system, Bulgaria also offer free healthcare covered through the basic health insurance system.

The economy of Bulgaria is an open market economy with a developed private sector and a limited number of state enterprises. Bulgaria has been a member of the World Trade Organization since December 01, 1996, and the country has been a member of the EU since January 01, 2007.

The Bulgarian economy is and characterized by economic, political and financial stability. The country offers a strategic geographic location, liberal access to markets consisting of more than 560 million consumers, and the lowest corporate tax in the EU; the personal and corporate income tax rate is only 10%.

Its farsighted fiscal policy and stable business environment make Bulgaria one of the most stable countries in the EU. The country is rich in tourist sights and historical artifacts, and it is internationally known for its seaside and winter resorts.

Our Qualifications

Our associated attorneys, a full service commercial law firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria, provide comprehensive legal and tax services and solutions to multinational corporations operating in Bulgaria, closely held foreign and Bulgarian businesses, local entrepreneurs, organizations and individuals.

In addition to immigration law the firm is providing advisory services covering company formation, business restructuring, corporate & commercial law, dispute resolution, real estate, taxation, and merger & acquisitions law.

Services offered:

• Advising you on your chances of success before filing your application.
• Providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice.
• Guiding you with the preparation of supporting documentation.

Next Steps:

Step #1: Contact Us. Please use our contact form to receive a detailed cost estimate for you and your family. There is no fee for this initial consultation.

Step #2: Document Preparation. Should you wish to proceed with an application you would sign a service agreement to allow our associated immigration law firm in Bulgaria to commence the application procedure. The firm will gather all required application documents from you and assist with opening your bank account. There is no need to travel to Bulgaria at this time.

Step #3: Investment Funding. The investor wires the investment funds to his/her bank account in Bulgaria.

Step #4: Visa & Permanent Residency Application. The investor applies for a Visa-D at any Bulgarian embassy in his country of residence. With this visa, the investor travels to Bulgaria to apply for the Permanent Residency card in person. This is the only time travel to Bulgaria is required.

Step #5: Citizenship Application & Passport. After 5 years in permanent residency status, the investor may file for Bulgarian (EU) citizenship. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria during this 5 year period. Upon naturalization, the investor may collect his Bulgarian (EU) passport at any Bulgarian embassy in the world.

Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about all of Bulgaria's Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following are questions frequently asked about the Bulgarian Immigration by Investment programs. If you don't find your answers here, please contact us at your convenience.

Q: What are some of the reasons the Bulgaria citizenship by investment program is attracting so many international investors?

A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.

Applicants realize that the Bulgarian citizenship provides several benefits, including:

   • Visa free travel to over 150 countries
   • Option to Settle in the USA due to the country's E2 reciprocity agreement with the United States
   • Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
   • A better education for the applicant’s children
   • Children and grandchildren gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
   • A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
   • Relatively low real estate prices
   • Personal security
   • Tax advantages
   • Freedom associated with having multiple passports

Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Bulgarian residency?

A: The minimum expense to obtain permanent residency is EUR 257,000 plus legal fees. Permanent residency allows applicants to live in Bulgaria. Residency is granted usually within 6 months of filing an application. Investment options include:

    A) Stocks traded in Bulgaria: EUR 1,024,000
    B) UCITs (EU regulated fund vehicles) including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with a focus on Bulgaria: EUR 512,000
    C) Alternative investment funds (AIFs) (including private equity, venture and hedge funds), a part of whose focus is on Bulgaria: EUR 512,000
    D) Bulgarian company investment, Certified Priority Investment Project (CPIP) – similar to USA EB-5 Regional Centers: EUR 1,024,000
    E) Bulgarian company employing 10 Bulgarian persons or more: EUR 257,000
    F) Bulgarian private company, invested in any sector or geography: EUR 3,075,000
    G) Certified Investment Project (CIP) - not the same as CPIP above: Exact amount and conditions are project-dependent.

Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Bulgarian citizenship (EU citizenship)?

A: The minimum expense to obtain citizenship (the European passport) is EUR 257,000 plus legal fees under the 5-year standard processing program. Please note that as of April 2022 the "fast track" option has been eliminated by the Bulgarian government. As an EU citizen you are allowed to live, work, study in any of the 26 European Union countries.

To qualify for citizenship, the primary applicant must be over 18 years of age and select one of the following options:

Q: Will the Bulgaria citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?

A: Yes. Because Bulgaria is a member of the European Union its citizens are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Europe.

Q: Under the citizenship program, can I include my family in my application?

A: Yes. All investment options to citizenship allow for one application to cover the husband, wife and all children and grand children of any age.

Please note that citizenship is awarded in stages: During the first stage, all family members receive Bulgarian permanent residency status, at the same time, which means all family members can live together in Bulgaria if they wish to move to the country (not required).

During the second stage, applicants receive the Bulgarian citizenship (EU passport) as follows:

1) The children of the main applicant will receive citizenship 6-9 months after the main applicant receives citizenship.
2) The spouse of the main applicant will receive citizenship about 1 year after the main applicant receives citizenship.

Q: As a citizen, am I required to live in Bulgaria?

A: No. Bulgaria does not require you to be present or reside in Bulgaria before or after approval of your citizenship application.

Q: Under the citizenship program, am I required to own real estate in Bulgaria ?

A: No. Bulgaria does not require the applicant to purchase real estate in the country.

Q: Will my citizenship expire?

A: No. When you acquire citizenship under the Bulgaria citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Q: What is the process to apply for citizenship, and how long does it take?

A: An applicant may file for citizenship after 5 years in permanent residency status.

Step #1: Contact Us. Please use our contact form to receive a detailed cost estimate for you and your family. There is no fee for this initial consultation.

Step #2: Document Preparation. Should you wish to proceed with an application you would sign a service agreement to allow our associated immigration law firm in Bulgaria to commence the application procedure. The firm will gather all required application documents from you. There is no need to travel to Bulgaria at this time.

Step #3: Investment Funding. The investor wires the investment funds to his/her bank account in Bulgaria.

Step #4: Visa & Permanent Residency Application. The investor applies for a Visa-D at any Bulgarian embassy in his country of residence. With this visa, the investor travels to Bulgaria to apply for the Permanent Residency card in person. This is the only time travel to Bulgaria is required.

Step #5: Citizenship Application & Passport. After 5 years the investor may file for Bulgarian (EU) citizenship. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria during this 5 year period. Upon naturalization, the investor may collect his Bulgarian (EU) passport at any Bulgarian embassy in the world.

Q: Does Bulgaria allow me to keep my original citizenship?

A: Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Bulgaria.

Q: How will new citizens be taxed?

A: Becoming a citizen of Bulgaria does not mean the investor automatically becomes a Bulgarian tax resident. However, becoming a tax resident in Bulgaria may be attractive to the investor because of the country's low personal and corporate income tax rate which is only 10%; the lowest in the European Union.

Q: Can you help me with finding a job?

A: Sorry, the immigration by investment programs were developed by the government to attract high net worth individuals, business owners, VIPs and other individuals with the financial means to support themselves and the local economy. Please note: New citizens do not need any work permission; they may work in any of the EU member countries. New residents may apply for a work permit, but would need to find their own employment opportunities.

Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?

A: Sorry, we cannot assist with tourist or student visas. However, if your intent is to file an application for residency or citizenship we may assist with the initial travel visa to schedule an in-person appointment at our offices.

Q: What are some of the most popular immigration by investment programs worldwide?

A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.

The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers several investment options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.

The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) permanent residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.

The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship & passport for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property purchase or rental, and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees.

The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco permanent residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.

The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a property investment starting from EUR 280,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status.

The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) permanent residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.

Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Turkey, Vanuatu, Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:

Turkey offers the Turkish citizenship and passport for a property purchases of at least USD 400,000.

Vanuatu offers the Vanuatu citizenship and passport for a donation starting at USD 130,000.

Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.

The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 200,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 100,000.

Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?

A: The Bulgarian citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: Wikipedia

Please contact us using the contact form below for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Bulgaria Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Contact us for a free, detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation by email (or phone / office visit, if preferred). To start the application process online please register here.

We will reply to your inquiry by email within one hour!

If you prefer to meet in person at any of the offices please send us your dates of travel so that we may coordinate a time most convenient for you.

Our team of associates in Bulgaria includes immigration specialists working exclusively on citizenship & residence matters and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. The team will work with you until your residence or citizenship by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence certificate or Bulgarian (EU) passport.

Do you have any questions? Use our contact form to receive a reply today.

*** Bulgaria Citizenship & Residency Update, April 2022: As a consequence of external and internal political factors, the Bulgarian Parliament has adopted amendments to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act. The bill removes sections 12a and 14a, specifically the provisions related to the "Fast Track" 18-months application processing option. The option to obtain permanent residency on the basis of investment remains, so does a route to citizenship after 5 years in residency status. The only remaining alternative to receiving citizenship in under 2 years is the Malta (EU) "Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations". ***

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Please select which program you are interested in:
I am interested in the Bulgarian residency only program, starting at €257,000 plus legal fees. The residency program offers Bulgaria residency and European travel benefits. I am interested in the Bulgarian (EU) citizenship program, starting at €257,000 plus legal fees. This program allows for applying for Bulgarian citizenship and the EU passport after 5 years of residency. Other: describe your interest in the box below, or use our automatic Product Finder Tool to find a global Immigration by Investment program that best fits your budget and timeline. Unfortunately we cannot assist with asylum cases, tourist visas, passport renewals, citizenship by family descent, or job referrals.

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Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

Bulgaria Office: Sofia

394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta

Phone: +356 9950 5515
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