The Bulgarian government fully supports immigrants, giving them the opportunity to live in a safe and relatively inexpensive EU country. Thanks to a loyal migration policy, qualified professionals, investors, businessmen, family members of citizens and residents, freelancers, retirees and other categories of foreigners can move to Bulgaria and become its permanent residents.

Obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria is available after 5 years of residence in the country to law-abiding and financially secure foreigners with no criminal records. Sometimes permanent residence permits are granted immediately, without opening a residence permit, for example, to spouses of citizens and key investors.

Some categories of immigrants have the right to obtain a Bulgarian passport immediately, without prior residence in the country with residence permit and permanent residence permit, demonstration of income level and language testing. With the participation of Relocation Compass specialized lawyers, the processing of a second EU citizenship takes 4-12 months with minimal cost and effort.

Pros and cons of moving to Bulgaria

In order to move to Bulgaria, you must have a means of livelihood, a place to live in the country and health insurance, document your eligibility for one of the authorization documents (residence permit / permanent residence card or passport) and provide a certificate of no criminal record.

The pros of immigrating to Bulgaria include the following:

• Affordable accommodation prices.
  Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union. The Numbeo Cost of Living Index scores 38.83 out of a maximum of 101. Even with a low income you can afford everything you need for a comfortable stay.
• Optimal climatic conditions.
  Bulgaria has a pleasant, warm climate with sea breezes and moderate rainfall. Thanks to the variety of natural conditions, it is possible to choose the most suitable place to stay, for example among the mountains or on the Black Sea coast. There are also many thermal springs and medical resorts in the republic.
• Personal security.
  Bulgaria ranks 92nd out of 137 countries surveyed in the NoNews crime rate ranking (the first positions belong to the most dangerous countries to live in). Serious crimes rarely occur here, and law enforcement agencies work to protect the personal and civil rights of each resident.
• Perspective of naturalization.
  After 5 years of residence in Bulgaria with a permanent residence permit it is possible to apply for citizenship according to the standard procedure. The Bulgarian passport equalizes its holder in rights with other citizens of the European Union and gives many privileges, such as visa-free entry to more than 160 countries of the world.
• Favorable conditions for entrepreneurs.
  Bulgaria’s tax legislation is one of the most loyal in Europe. For example, corporate income tax is only 10% of total income. Foreign investors with permanent residence permit have chances for successful business development without restrictions, especially in the tourism or service sector.
• Social guarantees.
  Permanent residents of Bulgaria enjoy the right to receive services in European medical centers, to open accounts in local banks with access to international transfers and loans, to receive financial support.

Apart from advantages, there are also disadvantages of immigration to Bulgaria. Salaries here are an order of magnitude lower than in the countries of Western Europe – about 1000 EUR on average, and the minimum salary is 480 EUR. At the same time the amount of income tax does not change depending on the amount of profit. Prices for buying real estate due to the developed tourism here are high – on average 1500-2000 EUR per square meter, which is not comparable with the minimum income level of the population.

How to move to Bulgaria for permanent residence

Most often foreigners move to Bulgaria in connection with work, study or opening a business, which allows them to obtain a temporary residence permit. It is important to decide on the basis for registration of a residence permit, collect documents, organize transportation in advance and take care of a place to live in the republic. To go to Bulgaria for permanent residence, you need to:

1. Apply for a national visa.
   The basis for the visa request must be the same as the one for which the residence permit will later be requested. Permission to enter Bulgaria for the purpose of immigration is issued at the diplomatic mission in the place of permanent residence. Obtaining a visa requires personal submission of the relevant dossier: passport, certificates of income and criminal record, confirmation of the basis for the move. The cost of the permit is from 100 to 200 EUR. The time of consideration of the request is up to 35 working days.
2. Enter the country and obtain a residence permit.
   A national visa is usually issued for up to 6 months, less often for up to a year, e.g., for investors. During the period of validity of the document it is necessary to come to Bulgaria, visit the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of new residence and submit a request for a residence permit together with a package of documents. The price for a residence permit depends on the basis for which it is issued and varies from 55 to 80 EUR. By law, applications are processed within 14 days, but in practice this period may be extended.
3. Live in the country for 5 years and request a residence permit.
   The standard validity period of a temporary residence card in Bulgaria is from 1 to 3 years, depending on the reason. Immigration-type residence permits can be extended if the holder still has a legal reason to stay in the country. The extension procedure is the same as that provided for the initial issuance of the document. After 5 years from the date of issuance of a residence permit, an immigrant can submit a request for a residence permit to the migration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The request is considered within 4 months. The cost of a residence permit card is 3 EUR.

There is an easier way to move to Bulgaria – simplified citizenship of one of the EU countries. This retains your current citizenship and gives you more rights. You can find out more details from Relocation Compass international law specialists.

Permanent residence program for retired persons

Bulgaria grants residence permits to those who are entitled to a pension in their country of origin or permanent residence. The payments received must cover the planned costs of staying in the republic. As of 2024, the minimum pension in Bulgaria is 980 leva, which equals about 300 EUR per month. The program is valid indefinitely: immigrants can re-issue a residence permit on this basis an unlimited number of times.

Pensioners can apply for a residence permit in the general procedure, i.e., after at least 5 years of permanent legal residence in Bulgaria. The standard requirements to the applicant remain. The program is often chosen by wealthy older people who want to live near the sea or balneological resorts. There are no restrictions on citizenship: a pensioner from any country in the world can move to Bulgaria.

Illegal stay

Immigrants who stay in Bulgaria illegally can be forcibly deported from the country according to a court decision. This applies, among others, to foreigners who have not renewed their residence permit or have lost the basis for holding it, as well as those who violate the visa-free regime. Until the judgment and the day of deportation, the violator may be detained. The costs of deportation are paid by the foreigner himself or by his representative in Bulgaria. An illegal immigrant may be banned from re-entering the republic and other Schengen states.

Important things about moving to Bulgaria: what an immigrant needs to consider

For a comfortable emigration from other countries to Bulgaria you should consider such points beforehand:

• Cost of living.
  Approximate living expenses for one person in Bulgaria are about 600 EUR per month, excluding rent. This includes the grocery, transport tickets and basic necessities (including seasonal clothes and shoes), payment of utilities, additional expenses such as going to the cinema or a coffee shop. For a family of 4 people this figure is approximately 2000 EUR monthly.
• Renting real estate.
  You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Bulgaria for 300-400 EUR per month on average. A two-bedroom apartment will cost 500-750 EUR for an immigrant. The price of real estate depends on the location of the object. It is more expensive to rent an apartment in the capital of the country – Sofia, as well as in the cities on the Black Sea coast. Bulgaria is a popular tourist destination, so the principle of seasonality is widespread here. Housing on the sea coast can be much more expensive between April and October.
• Sources of income.
  The average salary in Bulgaria is low – about 1000 EUR per month. Taking into account real estate rent, this amount may be barely enough to cover living expenses. Specialists with narrow qualifications, such as doctors or programmers, who have job offers with decent wages (from 1500 EUR per month), find it comfortable to immigrate here. Also, businessmen who develop their own business here or get passive income often move to Bulgaria. The country is also suitable for wealthy
• Education system.
  Schooling in Bulgaria is free and compulsory for all persons between the ages of 7 and 16, including immigrants. After graduation, it is possible to enter a private or public university, a specialized higher school or a college. Local diplomas are recognized in all EU countries without additional confirmation. Education is generally conducted in Bulgarian, but some universities have English-speaking courses (including the Faculty of Foreign Languages).
• Attitudes of locals towards immigrants.
  As Bulgaria is very popular with tourists, locals are used to foreigners and treat them quite kindly. As in other EU countries, any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality, is prohibited by law. Bulgaria is a secular country with a highly educated population, so newcomers feel comfortable and easily integrated into society.
• Climate.
  Bulgaria is located in the continental and Mediterranean climate zones, surrounded by mountain ranges and with a long coastline on the Black Sea. Winters are short and not too frosty, while summers are long, hot and relatively dry. Precipitation per year is below average – about 730 mm. The northwestern regions are located on an elevation, so it rains more often and there are seasonal winds. Bulgaria’s climate index in the Numbeo rating is 82.76 points, which is very high.
• Way of move.
  Bulgaria’s transportation system is very developed in all directions: land, sea, rail, air. The country has 8 major airports, including international airports in Sofia, Varna and Burgas. Bulgarian state railroads cover most of the country and have direct connections to other European countries. The country operates more than 20,000 km of highways, including expressways. It is possible to get to Bulgaria quickly and comfortably from almost anywhere in the world.

A simple and successful move to Bulgaria is possible with the support of Relocation Compass. Specialists will assist in selecting the most suitable immigration option and accompany you at every stage.

Feedback from those who have moved to Bulgaria

Foreigners are mostly positive about life in Bulgaria. The strengths of living in the country include low prices for food and rent, pleasant climate and clean air (especially in the maritime regions), friendly mentality of the population, rare cases of crime. Immigrants note a decent level of education, low cost of education in private universities, high-quality, despite slow, service in modern clinics on the basis of a single medical insurance. They also note low taxes and a loyal immigration policy.

Judging by the reviews, the biggest disadvantage is relatively low salaries. Unemployment is growing in the regions, so competition for well-paid positions is noticeable. Due to the mass migration of eastern Europeans after 2022, real estate rental prices have risen significantly here, and finding a suitable apartment in the season is doubly difficult even for a high cost. Most houses do not have central heating, and the high cost of energy limits their use in winter. Also, foreigners note the poor condition of roads and low level of digitalization.

Assistance of the specialists in relocation

For a comfortable immigration to Bulgaria, it is best to use the support of international law specialists. This will help to minimize time and effort. Relocation Compass’ specialized lawyers select optimal programs for relocation to Bulgaria, taking into account the client’s plans and situation, and provide comprehensive support until a positive result is obtained.