Which residence route fits you?
Answer up to five questions and see the route that usually fits people in your situation, with a link to the guide that explains it.
Which citizenship do you hold?
Do you have Bulgarian roots?
Do you have close family in Bulgaria?
What will be the main reason for your stay?
Is it a highly qualified job paying at least 1.5 times the Bulgarian average gross salary?
Which describes your plan best?
The route that usually fits
No permit needed: register your stay
As an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can live and work in Bulgaria without a residence permit. If you stay longer than three months, you obtain a residence certificate from the migration office, and after five years you can apply for permanent residence.
The route that usually fits
You may already be Bulgarian
If a parent was a Bulgarian citizen when you were born, you may hold Bulgarian citizenship by birth. You do not need to naturalise, only to have your citizenship confirmed and your documents issued.
The route that usually fits
Citizenship by Bulgarian origin
People with an ancestor of Bulgarian origin, up to the third degree, can apply for citizenship on facilitated terms, without the usual five years of residence. The application stands or falls on documents proving the link.
The route that usually fits
Residence as family of a Bulgarian citizen
Spouses, children and parents of Bulgarian citizens can obtain long-term residence on this ground. Spouses can later naturalise on easier terms.
The route that usually fits
Family reunification
The spouse and minor children of a foreigner who already holds long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria can join them on this ground.
The route that usually fits
Single permit through your employer
Your Bulgarian employer applies for a combined residence and work permit once the Employment Agency approves the position. Allow three to six months.
The route that usually fits
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified jobs paying at least 1.5 times the national average gross salary. Your employer starts the procedure; the card makes family reunification and a later move within the EU easier.
Read the guide Hiring a Non-EU Worker in Bulgaria — the Single Permit for Employers and Candidates Discuss your case
The route that usually fits
Digital nomad residence
For non-EU nationals working remotely for employers or clients outside Bulgaria, with a minimum income. The permit is granted for up to a year and can be renewed once.
The route that usually fits
Trade representative office
The company you work for registers a representative office in Bulgaria, and its foreign representatives can obtain long-term residence through it.
The route that usually fits
Residence through your own company
Your own company gives residence only if it creates at least 10 full-time jobs for Bulgarian citizens for each foreign partner or manager. If that is out of reach, another ground, such as a representative office, often fits better.
View service Residence Through a Trade Representative Office — How the Route Works Discuss your case
The route that usually fits
Residence through buying property
Buying real estate in Bulgaria worth at least EUR 306,775 gives long-term residence, renewable while you own the property.
The route that usually fits
Permanent residence for investors
Qualifying investments give permanent residence straight away, without five years of prior residence: for example EUR 511,291.88 in fund units, or EUR 1,022,583.76 in listed Bulgarian securities or a certified priority investment project.
The route that usually fits
Residence for pensioners
If you receive a regular pension, you can apply for long-term residence as a pensioner. The overview guide explains how long-term residence works; ask us about the documents your case needs.
The route that usually fits
Study or medical treatment
Students, and patients admitted for medical treatment, have their own long-term residence grounds. The overview guide explains the system; ask us about the documents your case needs.
This is a first orientation, not legal advice. Many people qualify on more than one ground, and the best choice depends on details we check in a consultation.
All routes at a glance
Every route the finder can suggest, with the guide that covers it.
No permit needed: register your stay
As an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can live and work in Bulgaria without a residence permit. If you stay longer than three months, you obtain a residence certificate from the migration office, and after five years you can apply for permanent residence.
You may already be Bulgarian
If a parent was a Bulgarian citizen when you were born, you may hold Bulgarian citizenship by birth. You do not need to naturalise, only to have your citizenship confirmed and your documents issued.
Citizenship by Bulgarian origin
People with an ancestor of Bulgarian origin, up to the third degree, can apply for citizenship on facilitated terms, without the usual five years of residence. The application stands or falls on documents proving the link.
Residence as family of a Bulgarian citizen
Spouses, children and parents of Bulgarian citizens can obtain long-term residence on this ground. Spouses can later naturalise on easier terms.
Family reunification
The spouse and minor children of a foreigner who already holds long-term or permanent residence in Bulgaria can join them on this ground.
Single permit through your employer
Your Bulgarian employer applies for a combined residence and work permit once the Employment Agency approves the position. Allow three to six months.
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified jobs paying at least 1.5 times the national average gross salary. Your employer starts the procedure; the card makes family reunification and a later move within the EU easier.
Digital nomad residence
For non-EU nationals working remotely for employers or clients outside Bulgaria, with a minimum income. The permit is granted for up to a year and can be renewed once.
Trade representative office
The company you work for registers a representative office in Bulgaria, and its foreign representatives can obtain long-term residence through it.
Residence through your own company
Your own company gives residence only if it creates at least 10 full-time jobs for Bulgarian citizens for each foreign partner or manager. If that is out of reach, another ground, such as a representative office, often fits better.
Residence through buying property
Buying real estate in Bulgaria worth at least EUR 306,775 gives long-term residence, renewable while you own the property.
Permanent residence for investors
Qualifying investments give permanent residence straight away, without five years of prior residence: for example EUR 511,291.88 in fund units, or EUR 1,022,583.76 in listed Bulgarian securities or a certified priority investment project.
Residence for pensioners
If you receive a regular pension, you can apply for long-term residence as a pensioner. The overview guide explains how long-term residence works; ask us about the documents your case needs.
Study or medical treatment
Students, and patients admitted for medical treatment, have their own long-term residence grounds. The overview guide explains the system; ask us about the documents your case needs.
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