Have you ever dreamed of living by the Black Sea or enjoying year-round sunshine while holding a Bulgarian residence permit? Bulgaria offers one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways for foreigners to obtain residency in Bulgariathrough real estate investment Bulgaria. In this guide, we’ll break down the process, documents required, property criteria, and the long-term benefits, including permanent residency Bulgaria and even EU residency by real estate.
Why Bulgaria?
Bulgaria attracts investors for many reasons:
Low real estate Bulgaria prices compared to Western Europe
Good rental yields in cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Burgas
EU-member benefits for permanent residents
A simplified path to residency and citizenship by investment
Scenic coastlines and a rich cultural history
Who Can Apply for Residency via Property Investment?
According to Bulgarian law, third-country nationals can apply for a Bulgarian temporary residence permit if they:
Purchase one or more properties totaling at least €305,900;
Own over 50% of shares in a Bulgarian company that has invested the same amount in Bulgarian real estate.
Family members - such as spouses and dependent children - can apply for Bulgaria family reunification residency after the main applicant holds a valid permit for at least one year.
Required Documents for Bulgarian Residency Through Property
To apply for a Bulgarian residence permit based on real estate investment Bulgaria, the following documents are necessary:
Valid passport (must remain valid at least 3 months beyond the application date)
Bulgaria type D visa issued by a Bulgarian consulate
Proof of property ownership (notarized deed)
Bank confirmation of payment (full or 75% of the purchase amount if financed)
Proof of income above minimum wage or pension in Bulgaria
Bulgarian medical insurance policy
Criminal background check from your home country
Proof of accommodation (the purchased property)
Proof of paid application fees
For non-EU investors purchasing through a company:
Company registration documents
Proof the company owns the property
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Bulgarian Residency
1. Select and Purchase a Property
You can buy apartment in Sofia or invest in commercial property elsewhere. The law doesn’t limit location or type, but the combined value must exceed €305,900. Land can only be bought by foreigners through Bulgarian companies unless exempt under Article 22 of the Bulgarian Constitution.
2. Secure a Type D Visa
Apply at a Bulgarian consulate abroad. Processing takes around 35 days and allows multiple entries within 6 months.
3. Submit Residency Application
Apply in person at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria. This must be done at least 14 days before your visa expires.
4. Receive Residence Permit
If approved, you’ll be issued a Bulgarian temporary residence card valid for 1 year, renewable as long as you retain ownership of the qualifying property.
Advantages of Residency via Real Estate in Bulgaria
Access to healthcare and banking with your Bulgarian residence permit
Pathway to permanent residency Bulgaria and citizenship
Rights for Bulgaria family reunification
Ability to rent out your investment property Bulgaria (4–6% average ROI)
Inheritance and resale rights
No requirement to live permanently in the country
Best Websites to Search for Bulgarian Property
Family Reunification
After the main applicant has held a Bulgarian residence permit for 1 year, spouses and children under 18 can apply for family-based residency. Proof of relationship, housing, and financial support is required. Immigration through property Bulgaria is also a path for long-term family settlement.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Temporary residency is renewable annually
After 5 years: eligible for permanent residency Bulgaria
After 5 more years: eligible to apply for Bulgaria citizenship by investment
Language and background checks apply
Legal Support Matters
Working with a legal expert in Bulgarian real estate can help:
Avoid common document errors
Speed up the process
Ensure compliance with Bulgarian residency requirements
Final Thoughts
Curious where in Bulgaria it’s most profitable to invest in property? Visit our Cities section to compare prices, rental yields, and growth potential across the country.
Getting Bulgarian residency through real estate is a practical and rewarding path. It opens doors to EU living, business opportunities, and long-term relocation. With competitive real estate Bulgaria prices and a well-defined legal process, Bulgaria stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for residency in Bulgaria.