VIEN

Bulgaria Residency by Investment

Introduction

The Bulgaria residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining permanent residency in Bulgaria through the Golden Visa programme – a pathway to accessing the European Union and the Schengen Area at a competitive cost.
Invest €511,292 EUR into an investment fund licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of Bulgaria, covering spouse, children, and parents. No requirement for frequent residency. Processing time is 6–9 months. EU citizenship pathway after 5 years of legal residency.
Introduction to Residency by Investment in Bulgaria

Programme Overview

Investment level

€511,292 EUR into an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) or a collective investment scheme (UCITS) licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of Bulgaria. Capital must be maintained for at least 5 years, after which it can be withdrawn.

Processing time

From 6 to 9 months from the date of full application submission. The D-visa is processed in 30 working days, and the permanent residence card is processed in 45 working days after arrival in Bulgaria.

Benefits

Permanent residency (PR) in an EU and Schengen member state. The right to live, work, and study in Bulgaria, and free movement throughout the entire Schengen Area.

Residence requirement

No requirement for frequent residency. Bulgaria is one of the few EU countries with a legal exemption from mandatory residency. You only need to visit Bulgaria once to collect the card and provide biometrics.

Family

Includes spouse, minor children, and dependent parents. Each family member applies for their own PR after the main investor receives theirs. No additional investment required for dependents.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency. Requires maintaining the investment for at least 5 years and passing a Bulgarian language exam. The language exam exemption for investors was abolished on 05/04/2022. A Bulgarian (EU) passport provides visa-free access to over 174 countries.

Benefits of the Bulgaria Golden Visa

Permanent EU residence
Bulgaria is one of the few EU countries that grants permanent residency from the outset – not temporary residence like Portugal or Greece. The ID card is renewed every 5 years, but the PR status is indefinite.
Schengen member since 2025
Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area on 01/01/2025 – permanent residents can travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within every 180-day period. This is a major advantage compared to the past.
Euro currency from 2026
Bulgaria will adopt the euro on 01/01/2026 with a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 leva per euro – eliminating exchange rate risk, increasing investment reliability, and raising the national credit rating. Capital is invested, managed, and returned in a single currency.
Benefits of the Bulgaria Golden Visa
Lowest taxes in the EU
Bulgaria has the lowest tax rates in the entire European Union – a flat personal income tax of 10% and a corporate tax of 10%. Inheritance tax is waived for direct heirs. Annual property tax is 0.1–4.5 per thousand, set by the municipal council. Suitable for HNWI tax optimisation.
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Bulgaria is approximately €700 – €1,200 EUR/month (depending on the city) – 60–70% lower than in Germany or France. Real estate, healthcare, and education costs are among the most competitive in the EU.
Clear EU citizenship pathway
After 5 years of permanent residency, you are eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship. A Bulgarian (EU) passport grants the right to live, work, and conduct business in any EU country. Visa-free access to over 174 countries, including Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Residency by investment pathway

Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)

Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)

Invest €511,292 EUR (1 million BGN) into an Alternative Investment Fund licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) of Bulgaria. The fund must have a minimum of 3 million BGN in assets and be managed by a Bulgarian fund management company. This is the most popular option; capital is maintained for 5 years and can then be withdrawn. The value of fund units fluctuates according to the portfolio and is not capital-guaranteed by any agency.
Collective investment scheme (UCITS)

Collective investment scheme (UCITS)

Invest €511,292 EUR into units of a collective investment scheme under Article 25, paragraph 1, point 6, letter c of the Foreigners Act. The fund must have net assets of at least 5 million leva and invest in Bulgarian businesses.
Certified investment project

Certified investment project

Participate in a Bulgarian government-certified investment project in priority sectors such as tourism, industry, or the development of underdeveloped regions. Article 25, paragraph 1, point 7 stipulates a minimum of 2 million leva, approximately €1,022,584 EUR. Suitable for investors who wish to participate directly in a real-world project.

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Prove the legal source of all investment capital. Provide a confirmation letter from a bank in a FATF-compliant country showing a minimum balance of €511,292 EUR. There is no need to open a bank account in Bulgaria – funds can be transferred directly from a bank in your home country.

Investment level

Minimum of €511,292 EUR (1 million BGN) into an AIF or UCITS licensed by the Bulgarian FSC. Capital must be maintained for at least 5 years from the date of receiving PR. After 5 years, capital can be withdrawn according to the fund's regulations.

Net worth

Prove a minimum personal net worth of €520,000 EUR. Documentation includes bank statements, certificates of real estate ownership, corporate shares, or other financial assets.

In-depth background check

A preliminary background check at the Invest Bulgaria Agency is mandatory before investing. This is a crucial step that helps reduce risk – investors know their profile is accepted before committing capital.

Education and language

No requirement for Bulgarian or English language proficiency, academic degrees, or a maximum age limit when applying. Investors must be at least 18 years old. Bulgarian language proficiency is only required when applying for citizenship (after 5 years).

Background

No criminal record. Must not be on any international sanctions lists. Provide a criminal record certificate issued within the last 2 months. Note: the programme currently does not recognise same-sex spouses (LGBTQ+) for family reunification applications.

Implementation process

Obtain Bulgarian permanent residency for the whole family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and preliminary profile assessment

PLI specialists assess financial conditions, residency goals, and family size. Advise on selecting a suitable AIF or UCITS fund. PLI coordinates with Bulgarian lawyers to conduct a preliminary due diligence at the Invest Bulgaria Agency. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Complete investment into the fund

After passing due diligence, the investor transfers €511,292 EUR directly into the fund's account (no intermediary required). Receive an investment certificate from the fund management company. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Apply for a D-visa at the Embassy

PLI prepares the D-visa application package (long-term visa type D), including the investment certificate, criminal record, health insurance, and supporting documents. Submit the application at a Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate. Duration: 30 working days.

Arrive in Bulgaria to apply for a permanent residence card

After receiving the D-visa, the investor travels to Bulgaria and applies for a permanent residence card at the local Immigration Office. Biometric data is collected. Processing time: 45 working days. Receive the permanent residence ID card approximately 10 days after approval.

Family reunification and citizenship pathway

After receiving PR, the main investor proceeds with family reunification for their spouse, children, and parents. Each member follows a similar process (D-visa – PR). After 5 years of permanent residency and maintaining the investment, they are eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship. Requires passing a Bulgarian language exam and renouncing current citizenship; the exemption for investors was abolished on 05/04/2022. A Bulgarian (EU) passport provides visa-free access to over 174 countries.
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Bulgaria residency by investment programme. If you need more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

€511,292 EURO (BGN 1 million) into an alternative investment fund (AIF) or collective investment scheme (UCITS) licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of Bulgaria. Capital must be maintained for at least 5 years, after which it can be redeemed. This is a real investment (not a non-refundable contribution).

Yes. Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen area on 01/01/2025. Bulgarian permanent residents can travel freely throughout all 29 Schengen countries without a visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is one of the greatest advantages of the current programme.

The overall process takes from 6 to 9 months. The Visa D is processed within 30 working days, after which the investor travels to Bulgaria to submit the application for a permanent residence card (processed within 45 working days). Bulgaria has a much faster process than many other EU Golden Visa programmes.

The Bulgarian Golden Visa includes the spouse, minor children, and dependent parents. However, each family member must apply for PR separately after the main investor receives PR (via a similar process: Visa D → PR). No additional investment is required. Note: the programme does not recognise same-sex spouses (LGBTQ+).

No. Bulgaria is one of the few EU countries with a statutory exemption from mandatory physical residence. Investors only need to visit Bulgaria once to submit the application for the card and provide biometrics. To apply for a national residence card or citizenship, actual physical residence for 3 consecutive years is required. Note: on 28/07/2026, the Bulgarian Government submitted a bill to Parliament requiring permanent residents to be physically present for a minimum of 6 months and 1 day per year; the bill has not been passed.

AIF and UCITS funds are strictly supervised by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). Unlike donation programmes, this is a real investment — capital remains owned by the investor. The value of fund units fluctuates according to the portfolio and capital is not guaranteed by any authority. Capital can be redeemed after 5 years in accordance with the fund’s regulations.

Bulgaria offers the lowest tax rates in the EU — a flat personal income tax of 10% and corporate tax of 10%. Inheritance tax is exempt for direct heirs. Annual real estate tax ranges from 0.1–4.5 per thousand as determined by local municipal councils. According toCouncil of the European Union, Bulgaria will adopt the euro from 01/01/2026 at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 leva per euro. Ideal for HNWIs seeking tax optimisation.

After 5 years of permanent residence while maintaining the investment, applicants are eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must pass a Bulgarian language test, prove income, and renounce their existing citizenship. The obligation to renounce citizenship is only waived for citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, persons of Bulgarian origin, and spouses of Bulgarian citizens, so Vietnamese nationals must consider this requirement in advance. A Bulgarian (EU) passport offers visa-free access to over 174 countries.