Long-stay visas (Type D)
Bulgarian Residence Permit by Investment (Golden Visa)
Residence, and a fast track to permanent residence, for non-EU nationals making a qualifying investment in Bulgaria under the golden-visa route.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Migration Directorate, MVR, on statutory investment grounds
- Investment forms
- Company capital, government securities / regulated funds, or defined property/company-ownership thresholds
- Outcome
- Continuous residence; larger qualifying investments can lead directly to permanent residence
- Citizenship-by-investment
- Abolished in 2022 — this is a residence, not a passport, programme
- Thresholds
- Set in the Foreigners Act; redenominated in euro from 2026
- Verify current amounts before relying on any figure
Who it's for
- Non-EU nationals able to make a substantial qualifying investment in Bulgaria
- Investors seeking EU/Schengen-based residence and a fast track to permanent residence
- Entrepreneurs investing in the capital of a Bulgarian company that meets the statutory conditions
Requirements
- A qualifying investment in one of the statutory forms (company capital, government securities/funds, or defined property/company ownership)
- Proof of the lawful origin of the invested funds
- The investment maintained for the period required by law
- Valid passport and type 'D' visa
- Health insurance and clean criminal record
What you can do
- Obtain Bulgarian residence on the basis of the investment
- Access permanent residence directly where the investment meets the higher qualifying level
- Enjoy Schengen short-stay mobility as a Bulgarian resident
- Include family members through the relevant residence grounds
How to apply
Confirm which statutory investment ground fits and make the qualifying investment, keeping full documentary evidence of the funds and their origin.
Apply for a type 'D' long-stay visa at the competent Bulgarian consulate on the investment ground.
After arrival, apply at the Migration Directorate for the continuous or permanent residence permit corresponding to the investment. Given the sums and legal detail, verify current thresholds and conditions with the authorities or qualified counsel first.
Documents
- Valid passport with type 'D' visa
- Evidence of the qualifying investment (company documents, securities/fund statements, or property title)
- Proof of the lawful origin of funds
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Criminal record certificate and completed application forms
Frequently asked questions
No. Bulgaria abolished its citizenship-by-investment scheme in 2022. Investment can lead to residence and, at higher qualifying levels, permanent residence, not directly to a passport.
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.
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