Permanent and long-term residence in Bulgaria

Permanent residence in Bulgaria

A permanent residence permit is one of the ways to obtain Bulgarian citizenship, which is available to almost any foreign citizen who has grounds for long-term residence in the country.

However, the notable disadvantages of this method of immigration are the significant time costs: in order to obtain permanent residence, you must first obtain a temporary residence permit and renew it periodically. The period of long-term residence before a permanent residence permit is issued is 5 years.

Advantages of permanent residence in Bulgaria

Moving to Bulgaria for the purpose of obtaining permanent residence opens up a number of indisputable advantages and privileges for its holder, which include:

• the possibility of multiple border crossings without the need for a visa;
• the right to work in local companies under the same conditions as citizens of the country;
• after 5 years of permanent residence with permanent residence status, a foreigner can apply for citizenship;
• free access to the healthcare system through regular deductions from official income;
• if the foreigner has sufficient work experience in the country, he/she can apply for a pension;
• children of persons permanently residing in the country can attend state schools and universities free of charge;
• right to priority issuance of a Schengen visa without the need for an invitation.

In addition, the validity period of the permanent residence permit is unlimited and renewal is required only after the expiry of the foreign passport. In this case, the issuance of a new permit is free of charge.

Obtaining permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence in Bulgaria

The main condition for obtaining permanent residence is legal and continuous residence in the country for 5 years and absence for no more than 30 months during this period.

Thus, in order to obtain a permanent residence permit, you must:

• renew your residence permit (long-term residence permit) annually for 5 years on the basis of the grounds you have;
• be present in Bulgaria for more than 30 months within 5 years (i.e., you can, for example, come to Bulgaria only for the first two years to obtain and extend your residence permit, and then live permanently or live in the country for 6 months a year for 5 years - the main thing is not to be absent for more than 30 months within 5 years).

Long-term residence in Bulgaria

There is another type of residence permit in Bulgaria – a long-term residence permit (LTRP). It is issued for a period of 5 years.

Obtaining a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria after 5 years of continuous residence

A long-term residence permit gives a foreigner in Bulgaria the same opportunities as a permanent residence permit, but allows them to obtain resident status in other EU countries. In addition, family members of a foreigner with a long-term residence permit can obtain employment on the same basis as Bulgarian citizens. A permanent residence permit does not provide this opportunity.

To obtain a long-term residence permit (LTRP), you must:

• renew your long-term residence permit annually for 5 years on the basis of the grounds you have;
• be absent from Bulgaria for no more than 10 months within 5 years.