Bulgaria, a European Union (EU) member since 2007, provides investors with access to a growing economy and a stable political landscape. The country offers residency and citizenship programs through investment, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking opportunities within the EU. These programs are designed to enhance economic development and offer investors visa-free access to Schengen and other EU countries.
Criteria for Qualification
To qualify for the Bulgarian Permanent Residency and Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must meet the following criteria in addition to fulfilling one of the investment options:
- Character and Conduct: Must be of outstanding character and demonstrate good moral standing.
- Criminal Record: Hold no criminal record and provide a certificate of good conduct.
- Health: Be in good health, with no communicable diseases or serious health conditions.
- Language: For citizenship, a basic knowledge of the Bulgarian language is required.
- Due Diligence: Applicants and dependents may undergo thorough background checks to ensure the legitimacy of their finances and compliance with Bulgarian laws.
Why Choose Bulgaria?
Bulgaria offers a blend of historical charm and modern opportunities, making it an attractive destination for investors and their families. Here are the key benefits of Bulgaria’s residency and citizenship programs:
- No Physical Residency Requirement: Investors are not required to reside in Bulgaria to maintain permanent residency or during the citizenship process.
- Dependent Inclusion: The program includes the main applicant’s spouse, dependent children, and parents, providing residency or citizenship for the entire family.
- Access to EU Benefits: Permanent residency in Bulgaria grants visa-free access to Schengen countries, with Bulgarian citizenship offering full EU mobility and rights.
- Low Corporate Tax Rates: Bulgaria has a flat corporate tax rate of 10%, making it one of the most tax-efficient countries in Europe for businesses.
- Stable Economy and Political Environment: As a member of the EU, Bulgaria provides a secure environment for investors with access to European markets.
Investment Options
The Bulgarian government offers two main investment options for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship:
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- Minimum investment: EUR 512,000.
- Permanent residency is granted after the investment is made, with an option to apply for citizenship after 5 years if the investment is maintained.
- Applicants must pass a Bulgarian language test for citizenship.
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- Establish a company in Bulgaria with a minimum investment of EUR 255,000.
- The business must create at least 10 new jobs for Bulgarian citizens.
- Permanent residency is granted, and citizenship can be applied for after 5 years if the company remains operational and job creation conditions are met.
Updated yearly, the Arton Index is an overall assessment and comparative benchmark of the country and its investment program.
7,144,653
Population Growth: -0.60%
20,100 USD
GDP (per capita)
GDP (purchasing power parity)
143.1 billion USD (2013)
171
Visa free countries
LOCATION
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey
CAPITAL
Sofia
DIFFERENCE
UTC+2
TOTAL AREA
110,879 sq. km.
AGE DEMOGRAPHICS
0-14: 14.54%, 15-24: 9.73%, 25-54: 43.33%, 55-64: 13.38%, 65+: 19.03%
LANGUAGE
Bulgarian (official): 76.8%, Turkish: 8.2%, Roma: 3.8%, Other: 0.7%, Unspecified: 10.5%
RELIGIONS
Eastern Orthodox: 59.4%, Muslim: 7.8%, Other (includes Catholic, Protestant, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox and Jewish): 1.7%, None: 3.7%, Unspecified: 27.4%
GOVERNMENT TYPE
Parliamentary republic
CURRENCY
Bulgarian lev (BGN), tied to the euro
EXCHANGE RATE
1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN