Temporary residence in Bulgaria

Obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria

The country welcomes all those who wish to become part of Bulgarian society, but to do so, all conditions allowing legal residence on its territory must be met. A residence permit in Bulgaria allows you to work and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria and other EU countries. You can obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria on various grounds, such as investment in the economy, employment, or starting a business. Depending on the method chosen, the status is acquired within 1-3 months.

There are several types of permits: long-term residence permit (RPP-temporary), permanent residence permit (RPP), and long-term residence permit (RDP). The difference between them is the length of stay in the country.

A temporary residence permit entitles third-country nationals to reside and, in some cases, work in Bulgaria and is a legal basis for entry and residence in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. A foreigner who holds this document is entitled to long-term residence in the country for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria

Article 24 of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act defines the grounds for legal residence of foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria.

The grounds for obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria are representation of a foreign organization in the Republic of Bulgaria, permanent employment in a registered legal entity in the Republic of Bulgaria, purchase of real estate for a certain amount, investment in the Bulgarian economy, family reunification, grounds for receiving a pension, studying at a Bulgarian university, marriage to a Bulgarian citizen, and "liberal profession."

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria

Before obtaining a long-term residence permit, the procedure for obtaining a "D" visa must be completed. The visa entitles the holder to multiple entries into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria during its period of validity. The visa is valid for up to 6 months and entitles the holder to stay in the country for up to 180 days. It is automatically canceled upon receipt of a long-term residence permit from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Bulgaria.

After obtaining a "D" visa, a long-term residence permit is issued - a document that allows its holder, in addition to legally residing in the chosen country for a long period of time—also in the case of long-term continuous residence—to obtain permanent residence and citizenship in the Republic of Bulgaria.

To obtain a permit for long-term, permanent, and long-term residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, third-country nationals and EU citizens submit documents to the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Residence permit in Bulgaria for EU citizens

As a member of the European Union (EU), Bulgaria offers unique opportunities and living conditions for EU citizens, as well as for countries participating in the Agreement on the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation. This process is regulated by the Law on Entry, Residence, and Exit from the Republic of Bulgaria of European Union Citizens and Members of Their Families, which sets out the rules for entry, residence, and exit from the country.

It is important to note that EU citizens can enter and leave Bulgaria with only a valid identity card or passport. They do not need an entry visa, which facilitates the travel process and emphasizes Bulgaria's integration into the EU community and the application of the Union's Common Visa Policy.

For short stays (up to 3 months) in the Republic of Bulgaria, EU citizens and their family members only need to have a valid identity card or passport. This makes the process extremely simple and accessible, allowing people to travel, work, or study with minimal bureaucratic barriers.

However, for long-term stays (up to 5 years) or permanent residence, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit at the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior. This process must be completed within three months of entering the country, which will ensure that long-term residence is regulated in accordance with national legislation.

These measures underscore Bulgaria's commitment to creating favorable conditions for EU citizens by facilitating mobility and residence in the country.