Overview
Bulgarian legislation provides an opportunity for eligible non-EU nationals to obtain temporary residence through a qualifying real estate investment of at least EUR 312,000.
This route allows investors to obtain permanent residence after maintaining and renewing their temporary residence status for approximately 5.5 years.
One of the key advantages of this program is its minimal physical presence requirement. There is no obligation to reside in Bulgaria during the temporary residence period. Investors are generally required to visit Bulgaria once per year to renew their residence card.
After obtaining permanent residence, holders are required to maintain their status by ensuring they are not absent from Bulgaria or another EU Member State for more than 12 consecutive months. This should not be confused with the Bulgaria Golden Visa by Fund Investment, which grants direct permanent residence and does not impose an ongoing physical presence requirement.
Our team provides comprehensive legal assistance throughout the entire process—from selecting and acquiring a qualifying property to preparing and submitting all immigration documentation.
To qualify under this program
- The property must be fully completed and eligible under the applicable legislation.
- The full investment amount of EUR 312,000 must be paid to the seller via bank transfer.
- As the program is available only to non-EU nationals, certain restrictions apply to the acquisition of land. Consequently, investors seeking a straightforward transaction typically choose apartments rather than houses built on agricultural land.
Who Is This Program Suitable For?
- Conservative investors who prefer tangible real estate assets.
- • Families looking for a residence they can use on a part-time basis.
- Negotiation and closing support
- • Investors seeking rental income while benefiting from Bulgarian residence rights.
This option is particularly attractive for:
Considerations and Risks
Unlike Bulgaria's fund investment route, this program grants temporary residence initially, rather than permanent residence from the outset.
As with any temporary residence program, future legislative changes could affect renewal requirements or the long-term availability of this pathway. Similar considerations exist in other European residence-by-investment programs, including Portugal's Golden Visa, where investors first receive temporary residence.
Applicants seeking the greatest degree of long-term certainty may wish to consider the Bulgaria Golden Visa by Fund Investment, which provides direct permanent residence. Permanent residence is generally more secure and indefinite in nature.
That said, the real estate investment route has demonstrated considerable stability. Introduced in 2013, it has remained in force for more than 13 years, providing investors with a well-established residency pathway.
Our Services Include
- Legal due diligence and verification of property title.
- Review and negotiation of the purchase agreement.
- Representation throughout the acquisition and closing process.
- Preparation of the complete D Visa and residence permit application package.
- Assistance with family reunification applications..
- Ongoing tax, compliance, and administrative support for your Bulgarian property.
- Post-acquisition property management services, where required.
Ready to move forward?
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