Bulgaria

Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria this southeastern European country is bordered by Romania, Serbia, Macedonia Greece and Turkey with a a coast on the Black Sea and it is Europe’s 16th-largest country. It is one of the youngest EU member states and boasts a diverse culture and climate.

About Bulgaria’s Citizenship Program

The programme is based on the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, . For the residency option, investment is made in a government bond portfolio and held for five years. After this time the full amount of BGN 1 million (€511,292) is returned to the investor without any accrued interest. The investment is fully guaranteed by the government bonds. A reduced amount of €195,000 can be paid that will be used to finance the government bond. A loan is then initiated and repaid at no further cost to the investor. The Investor Programme for Residence and Citizenship in Bulgaria also offers a fast-track citizenship option where, after completing at least one year of permanent residency, citizenship can be applied for after one year, by doubling the amount of investment. The fast track investment option can also be financed for an additional €100,000.

Bulgaria’s Investor Program for Residence and Citizenship offers interested parties a host of benefits including:

  • Residency within six to nine months.
  • Fast-track option for citizenship within two years.
  • Special exemption from physical residence enforced with legislation.
  • Government-approved investments and available financing options from banks.
  • No language requirements.
  • No obligation to relinquish current nationality.
  • Lowest tax rates and free-trade environment within the EU.

The country also offers attractive benefits for Permanent Residents including:

  • Free movement within the Schengen zone after Bulgaria becomes a member state.
  • Access to high-quality health care in Bulgaria and the EU.
  • Conditional tax exemption on world income.

Bulgarian Citizens are privy to additional benefits such as:

  • Unrestricted right to live, work and study in Europe.
  • Right to own land in any EU country.
Am I Eligible ?

Offered in accordance with the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, the Investor Program for Residence and Citizenship includes a fast-track citizenship option and is one of the fastest programs which leads to residence.

To qualify for residency or citizenship, applicants must fulfill one of the investment options below in addition to meeting the following criteria:

  • Be a non-EU citizen
  • Possess a valid passport or another foreign travel document
  • Provide documents supporting the source and origin of invested funds
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Attest the power of attorneys and the investment agreement
  • Make the minimum statutory trips to Bulgaria (2 mandatory trips during application process)
Investment Options

Full Investment

Applicants choosing this option must deposit BGN 1 million (€511,292) in a Governmental Bond Portfolio for an investment period of five years with no further payment required. At the end of the five-year period, the full amount will be returned to the investor without any accrued interest. The investment is fully guaranteed by the government bonds.
Financed Investment

Clients can leverage their capital by choosing to finance the required investment amount through a European bank. Please contact us for the cost of financing and further details.

Fast-Track To Citizenship

The fast-track option allows investors to apply for citizenship by doubling their investment. The requirements for this option are as follows:

  • Have at least one year of permanent residency status.
  • Double the investment by purchasing €512,000 in government bonds or in the capital of a Bulgarian company that is carrying out a Priority
  • Investment Project (as defined in the Investment Promotion Act).
  • Hold a second additional investment for a period of two years.
  • Financing options are available to qualified applicants. Applications for the fast-track program are examined under express procedure.
Citizenship Requirements

In accordance with the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, foreign investors who hold a permanent resident permit for at least five years are eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship. The requirements for those who opt for the regular program are as follows:

  • Be over 18 years old.
  • Must have maintained permanent resident status and a valid residential address for the past five years.
  • Must have never been sentenced by a Bulgarian court for a capital offence or accused in criminal proceedings for such a crime (unless he/she has been rehabilitated).

Investors will need to file a citizenship application and pass medical tests in their current country of residence.