Bulgaria Golden Visa Program
Bulgaria's residency by investment program offers access to the EU through real estate or business investment. With Schengen Area membership and competitive investment thresholds, Bulgaria is an emerging destination for global investors.
Explore all European Golden Visa programs: All Golden Visa programs | About us | All destinations
Request Full Program Guide
Why Bulgaria
EU & Schengen Access
Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area, granting residence permit holders visa-free travel across member states.
Competitive Threshold
One of the more affordable EU residency programs with growing investor interest.
Family Inclusion
Include spouse and dependent children in your residence permit application.
6–9 Month Processing
Standard residence permit applications are processed within approximately 6 to 9 months from submission.
Investment Options
Government Bonds
From €512,000Investment in Bulgarian government bonds held for a minimum of 5 years. Capital is returned at the end of the holding period, making this the most capital-efficient route.
Alternative Investment Fund
From €256,000Investment in a licensed Bulgarian alternative investment fund focused on Bulgarian securities. Reduced threshold introduced to attract institutional-grade investors.
Bulgarian Company Investment
From €1,000,000Direct investment in a Bulgarian company, with capital deployed in priority economic sectors and meeting job creation requirements.
From Application to Residency
Initial Consultation
Confidential assessment of your eligibility and EU residency objectives.
Investment & Documentation
Complete your qualifying investment and prepare application documentation.
Application Submission
Submit your residence permit application to the Bulgarian Migration Directorate.
Residence Permit
Upon approval, receive your residence permit with pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
Non-EU/EEA national
Clean criminal record
Valid health insurance
Qualifying investment completed
Documented legal source of investment funds
Bulgaria Golden Visa — Common Questions
Bulgaria's residency by investment program allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence through qualifying investments in government bonds, alternative investment funds, or Bulgarian companies. Bulgaria is a full EU member and joined the Schengen Area in 2024, granting permit holders visa-free travel across member states.
The most popular route is a €512,000 investment in Bulgarian government bonds held for 5 years, with the capital returned at maturity. A reduced €256,000 threshold is available via licensed alternative investment funds. Direct company investment requires €1 million.
Yes. Bulgaria offers a pathway to citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency, granting full EU citizenship and one of the strongest passports in Europe. Citizenship requires meeting residency, language, and integration requirements.
Ready to Explore Bulgaria?
Our advisors will guide you through every step of the Bulgaria Golden Visa process. Book a confidential consultation to get started.
Request Full Program Guide