Bulgarian Golden Visa Requirements
Eligibility & Requirements for European Residency Through Real Estate Investment
The Bulgarian Golden Visa provides international investors with a structured pathway to European residency through qualifying real estate investment in an EU Member State.
Bulgaria has become increasingly attractive to investors from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Southeast Asia due to its clear legal framework, competitive investment threshold, and asset-backed residency structure.
Below you will find the key eligibility criteria and requirements for obtaining Bulgarian residency and progressing toward permanent residency and potential citizenship.
Minimum Investment from €310,000
Real Estate Ownership | EU Residency | Family Inclusion
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a clean criminal record
- Make a qualifying real estate investment in Bulgaria
- Demonstrate lawful source of funds
Family members may be included under the main applicant’s residency application, subject to eligibility requirements.
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse or legally recognized partner
- Dependent children under 18
- Adult dependent children meeting legal dependency requirements (subject to assessment)
Investment Requirements
To qualify for Bulgarian residency through real estate investment, applicants must:
- Invest from €310,000 in qualifying Bulgarian real estate
- Purchase property compliant with immigration requirements
- Complete the investment using funds originating from outside Bulgaria
- Maintain ownership of the investment during the residency qualification period
Unlike donation-based programmes, investors retain full ownership of the property asset.
Bank Account & Administrative Setup
Before submitting a residency application, investors typically complete several administrative steps, including:
- Invest from €310,000 in qualifying Bulgarian real estate
- Obtaining a Bulgarian personal identification number (if required)
- Opening a Bulgarian bank account (where applicable)
- Transferring investment funds in compliance with local regulations
Our advisory team coordinates these steps alongside legal professionals to ensure a smooth process for overseas investors.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to prepare the following documentation:
- Valid passport copy
- Completed residency application forms
- Proof of qualifying real estate investment
- Property purchase agreement or title deed
- Proof of funds and source of wealth
- Criminal record certificate from country of residence
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Proof of residential address
- Government processing fee confirmations
Documents issued abroad must typically be translated into Bulgarian and legally certified in accordance with local requirements.
Application Process
The Bulgarian Golden Visa process generally follows these stages:
- 1. Selection of qualifying real estate investment
- 2. Completion of property acquisition
- 3. Preparation and submission of residency application
- 4. Biometric registration and administrative processing
- 5. Issuance of Bulgarian residence permit
Our team provides coordinated support throughout each step.
Residency Requirements
The programme begins with temporary residency, which is renewable in accordance with Bulgarian immigration law.
Key advantages include:
- No full-time relocation requirement
- Flexibility for internationally based investors
- Residency maintained alongside global business activities
Documents issued abroad must typically be translated into Bulgarian and legally certified in accordance with local requirements.
Pathway to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
After maintaining residency and meeting statutory requirements, investors may apply for:
Permanent Residency
Following the required residency period and renewals.
Citizenship Eligibility
After permanent residency and satisfaction of Bulgarian naturalization criteria, applicants may become eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, subject to legal conditions.
Designed for International Investors
The Bulgarian Golden Visa is particularly suited to investors seeking:
- European Union residency
- Asset diversification beyond Asia
- Long-term family mobility planning
- Education opportunities within Europe
- A secure European base without relocation obligations
Begin Your Application
Our advisory team provides end-to-end guidance — from investment selection to residency approval.