Benefits of the program:
- Fast process to residency (six to nine months);
- Fast-track option allowing for citizenship within two years;
- Special exemption from physical residence enforced with legislation;
- Government-approved investment and available financing options from banks;
- No language requirements for residence or citizenship;
- No obligation to relinquish current nationality;
- Lowest tax rates and free trade environment within the EU.
Benefits for permanent residents:
- Free movement within the Schengen zone, after Bulgaria becomes a member state;
- Access to high quality healthcare in Bulgaria and the EU;
- Conditional tax exemption on world income.
Benefits for citizens:
- Unrestricted right to live, work and study in Europe;
- Right to own land in a EU country.
QUALIFICATIONS
Investment criteria
Offered in accordance with the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, the Investor Program for Residence and Citizenship includes a fast-track citizenship option. It is also one of the fastest programs to lead to residence. To qualify for application, you will need to meet one of the requirements outlined in the “Investment Options” section.
Application criteria
In addition to making a financial investment, applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Non-EU citizen;
- Valid passport or another substitute foreign travel document;
- Personal net worth greater than €1 million is required by banks for the financed investment option. For the full investment option, the net worth requirement is €511,292;
- Documents supporting the source and origin of the declared and invested funds;
- Proof that the applicant has no criminal record;
- Attest the Power of Attorneys and the Investment Agreement;
- Payment of application fees;
- Make the minimum statutory trips to Bulgaria.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Full Investment
Applicants choosing this option must deposit BGN 1 million (€511,292) in a Governmental Bond Portfolio for an investment period of five years, with no further payment required. At the end of the five-year period, the full amount of BGN 1 million (€511,292) will be returned to the investor without any accrued interest. The investment is fully guaranteed by the government bonds.
Financed Investment
Clients can leverage their capital by choosing to finance the required investment amount through a European Bank. Please contact us for cost of financing and further details.
FAST-TRACK CITIZENSHIP OPTION
The fast-track option allows investors to apply for citizenship faster by doubling their investment. The requirements for this option are as follows:
- Have at least one year of permanent residency status;
- Double the investment by putting €512,000 in government bonds or in the capital of a Bulgarian company, which is carrying out a Priority Investment Project (as defined in the Investment Promotion Act);
- Hold second additional investment for a period of two years.
CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, foreign investors who opt for the regular program are eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship if they have maintained their permanent resident status uninterruptedly for the past five years. In addition, they must have never been sentenced by a Bulgarian court for a capital offence or accused in criminal proceedings for such a crime (unless they had been rehabilitated). Such investors will need to file a citizenship application and pass medical tests in their current country of residence.