Long-stay visas (Type D)
Bulgarian Long-Term and Permanent Residence Permit
The settlement status for foreigners who have lawfully lived in Bulgaria for five years, including recognised EU long-term resident status.
Important information
- Issued by
- Migration Directorate, MVR
- General qualifying period
- 5 years of continuous, lawful residence
- Absence limit
- Only limited absences allowed over the qualifying period
- Two forms
- National permanent residence and EU long-term residence (with intra-EU mobility)
- Shortcuts
- Certain family and higher-value investment grounds can shorten or replace the 5-year rule
Who it's for
- Foreigners who have lawfully and continuously resided in Bulgaria for five years
- Residents wanting settled status without annual renewal of a work/study/other ground
- Those planning to apply later for Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
- Certain family members and qualifying investors on shortened grounds
Requirements
- Five years of continuous, lawful residence in Bulgaria (subject to the permitted absence limits)
- Stable and regular means of subsistence
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Proof of accommodation
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport and existing valid residence status
What you can do
- Reside in Bulgaria on a settled, long-duration basis without annual renewal of the underlying ground
- Enjoy near-equal treatment with nationals in many areas of life and work
- Under EU long-term resident status, move more easily to other EU member states
- Apply, when eligible, for Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
How to apply
Confirm that you meet the five-year continuous-residence rule (or a qualifying shortened ground) and gather proof of residence history, income, insurance and accommodation.
Apply in person at the regional Migration Directorate, which examines and decides the application within the statutory timeframe.
Choose between national permanent residence and EU long-term residence depending on whether you want intra-EU mobility rights, and follow the specific document list for that status.
Documents
- Valid passport and current residence card
- Evidence of five years' continuous lawful residence (or the qualifying shortened ground)
- Proof of stable, regular means of subsistence
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate and completed application forms
Frequently asked questions
Generally five years of continuous, lawful residence, with only limited absences allowed. Some family and investment grounds shorten or replace this requirement.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Bulgarian visas
- WORKJOB OFFERNON-EUSingle Residence and Work PermitA combined work-and-residence permit for non-EU nationals hired by a Bulgarian employer under a local labour contract, covering both the right to live and to work in one document.View visa details
- WORKHIGHLY SKILLEDEU-WIDEEU Blue CardAn EU-wide work-and-residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals employed in Bulgaria above a set salary threshold, recognised across member states.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDNON-EUPermit for Freelance (Self-Employed) ActivitiesA permit for non-EU professionals who want to work independently in Bulgaria as freelancers rather than as employees of a local company.View visa details