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Entry visa for non-EU nationals planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. Issued for purposes including employment, study, or family reunion; must be converted to a residence permit once in Bulgaria.
For highly qualified non-EU professionals with a university degree and a Bulgarian job offer. Minimum annual salary of approximately 2x the average gross salary applies; provides a pathway to long-term EU residency.
For investors making qualifying investments in Bulgaria (minimum BGN 1,000,000 in government bonds or a Bulgarian company). Grants a 5-year residence permit; investing BGN 2,000,000 can qualify for permanent residence.
For non-EU spouses and dependent children of Bulgarian citizens or lawful non-EU residents. The sponsor must demonstrate stable income and adequate accommodation. Work rights are generally included.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work freely. Register with local authorities within 3 months of arrival.
Bulgaria is an EU member but not yet fully part of the Schengen area (joining for air and sea borders in 2024). EU/EEA citizens have full freedom of movement. Non-EU nationals need a Type D long-stay visa or residence permit, with relatively straightforward pathways through employment, investment, or the popular long-stay option that has historically attracted non-EU residents. Bulgaria also has a well-known investor citizenship pathway.
Non-EU nationals working in Bulgaria must obtain a work permit (Blue Card for highly qualified workers, or standard work permit via employer sponsorship). The employer applies to the Employment Agency and must demonstrate that the position could not be filled locally. Bulgaria has actively attracted remote workers and IT professionals due to its low taxes and low cost of living.
Spouses and dependent children under 18 of Bulgarian residence permit holders can apply for family reunification residence permits. The sponsor must meet income requirements (generally 120% of the national minimum wage per family member) and provide adequate housing.
Bulgaria has a very favorable flat income tax rate of 10% — one of the lowest in the EU. Corporate tax is also 10%. VAT is 20%. Bulgaria has approximately 70 tax treaties. The low tax environment combined with EU membership makes Bulgaria particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and investors seeking an EU base.
Bulgaria has a compulsory national health insurance system (NHIF) covering all residents who contribute. Quality varies significantly, with Sofia having better facilities than rural areas. Private clinics in Sofia offer solid care; international health insurance is recommended for specialized treatment or care outside Sofia.
Opening a bank account in Bulgaria requires a residence permit or EU identity document, passport, and local address registration. Major banks include UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank (OTP Group), Raiffeisen Bank Bulgaria, and First Investment Bank. Banking services are modern and EU-standard.
Bulgaria's Investor Immigration Program has historically been one of Europe's most accessible citizenship-by-investment programs, though it has faced EU scrutiny. Investment of BGN 2 million (approximately EUR 1 million) in state bonds or in a Bulgarian company qualifies for permanent residency in approximately 5 years, with citizenship possible after that. Direct citizenship investment (higher amounts) was effectively ended under EU pressure in 2022, but residency investment continues.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Residency Program | — | No | No |