Immigration to Bulgaria in 2021 - why do pensioners like it there?

Reasons for emigrating to Bulgaria

There are infinitely many reasons for immigrating to sunny Bulgaria, but it is worth highlighting the most frequently mentioned ones in the reviews of migrants, as well as residents of the country itself.

1. Mild climatic conditions, which are ideal for people with respiratory diseases
2. Low payment for rental housing per year, as well as a large number of advertisements for the sale of housing and real estate
3. Clean ecology, rich flora and fauna, natural and healthy food
4. Close culture, similar language, same religion and common history with Russian-speaking migrants
5. Bulgaria is part of the European Union
6. Low crime in the country
7. The pricing policy is much lower than in Russia and Ukraine. Prices for food, transport services, entertainment, recreation are much lower
8. Small taxes

It is also possible to build a wonderful and successful business on the territory of Bulgaria, but some nuances are necessary, namely corruption in the state in all sectors of life. It is also necessary to speak the Bulgarian language well, and also have useful connections in government agencies and banks.

Rules for traveling from Bulgaria to Russia

Before departure from Bulgaria

to Russia, you must fill out a form for those arriving in the Russian Federation on the State Services website, which indicates personal data and symptoms (cough, temperature, etc.). It must be filled out before boarding the plane and presented upon arrival at the control point.

Upon returning to Russia

after Cyprus, you must do a PCR test for the presence of coronavirus infection COVID-19 within 3 days and upload the result to the State Services. An express test can be done at Moscow airports upon arrival or in any laboratory recommended by Rospotrebnadzor.

According to the new rules, which come into force on July 7, 2021, upon arrival in Russia from any country in the world: • for vaccinated

during the year and citizens who have been ill for six months - PCR testing is cancelled;
• for unvaccinated
citizens - the re-take of the PCR test is canceled; the first and only test must be taken within 3 days upon arrival.
Until the results of the study are received, self-isolation is required. The rule of taking a PCR test twice upon arrival from abroad, which was in force until 07/06/2021, has been cancelled. If the article turned out to be useful, you can support our editorial team in difficult days for tourism (the amount can be any).

Immigration to Bulgaria in 2021

As of 2021, 70% of people in the state are the active part of the population, 18% are pensioners, and 12% of citizens are children under fifteen years of age. At the same time, there are only about 0.3% of migrants, and the bulk of migrants are Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and so on.

Immigrating to Bulgaria and obtaining a permanent residence permit in 2021 has many advantages, namely:

• Legal and official employment in Bulgaria and other EU countries
• You will be able to stay in the country for an unlimited amount of time
• Has the opportunity to use the social protection of the state, as well as Bulgarian medicine
• It is possible to receive secondary and higher education on the territory of Bulgaria, and you will have the same grounds and conditions as citizens of Bulgaria
• You don't need a visa to travel around Europe
• Low taxation, which allows you to open your own business or enterprise

How to immigrate to Bulgaria

To move to this country for permanent residence, you can follow different algorithms. But in general, it’s worth saying that moving will be easier for families with above-average income. Since the Bulgarian economy leaves much to be desired, investors are welcome here with open arms. Having made investments in its development, a foreigner can count on a simplified passage of all procedures related to legalization.

Business immigration to Bulgaria is a very common option. Since the country lacks jobs, the authorities strongly welcome those who are ready to create them. You can use a fairly simple scheme to organize your own company here or open a representative office of the company. If a foreigner helps employ at least 10 Bulgarians and regularly makes contributions to the budget, then he will be assisted in obtaining a residence permit and further legalization.

Education in Bulgaria is relatively inexpensive. At the same time, the level of training is quite high. Of course, a local diploma alone will not give you the right to permanent residence. And yet, many find a chance to stay here after graduating from a Bulgarian university.

But buying an apartment or a house somewhere in a picturesque corner is an excellent option to immigrate. This can be considered the optimal method, if, of course, there is money for square meters. By the way, real estate here is relatively inexpensive. At the same time, the purchase and sale transaction already serves as a guarantee of obtaining an annual multiple entry visa. It is issued to both the new owner and his family members.

Buying a home in Bulgaria allows you to stay in the state for 90 days every six months. The visa can then be extended for another three years. However, it is worth emphasizing that the mere fact of concluding a purchase and sale agreement does not yet constitute the right to obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Moving to Bulgaria will be simplified for retirees. There is a special program for them. If such a person receives a pension that is not less than the minimum in Bulgaria, then the path to moving to permanent residence will be simplified for him. True, provided that the person has housing - either his own or rented.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit and permanent residence in Bulgaria?

In order to obtain one of the possible statuses, you must collect the following package of documents:

• Application for a residence permit or permanent residence (depending on the situation)
• Foreign passport and its photocopy
• Receipts for payment of all required government fees
• An extract from your bank, which proves that you have sufficient funds to live in Bulgaria
• certificate of good conduct
• Medical insurance
• Document; which will confirm the availability of housing in the country. This can be either your own or rented housing

All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and also notarized.

How to move to permanent residence

The best way to start the moving process is to get to know the country. This will allow us to draw a clear line between the impressions of a tourist visit and the life experience of a resident. The best time to experience real Bulgarian life is from November to March, that is, outside the tourist season.

Anyone who is wondering how to apply for permanent residence in Bulgaria starts by requesting a category D (national) visa. It provides the right to long-term residence in the country on one of the above grounds.

The process then looks like this:

1. Entry into the country on the basis of a national visa permit (no later than a month from the date of its issuance).
2. Submitting an application for a residence permit.
3. Annual renewal of residence permit.
4. Residence in the state on the basis of a residence permit for at least 5 years.
5. Submitting an application for permanent residence.
6. Residence as a resident for another 5 years.
7. Request for Bulgarian citizenship.

In February 2021, an additional status was introduced in Bulgaria - long-term residence - DMZ. This need arose in order to bring the country’s migration legislation into compliance with EU legislation.

The difference between DMZ and permanent residence in Bulgaria is as follows:

• The period of absence from the country according to it should not exceed 10 months (for permanent residence - 30 months).
• Issued for 5 years (permanent residence permit is valid indefinitely).
• The cost of registration is 110 leva (permanent residence permit – 1000 leva).

Immigration to Bulgaria from Russia

There is a small percentage of migrants on the territory of Bulgaria, but those who exist are Russian-speaking people. What attracts them to immigrate to Bulgaria from Russia?

Usually among migrants there are no highly qualified specialists who were invited to highly paid and prestigious jobs. It is also worth considering that Bulgaria does not provide a large amount of benefits, money and privileged conditions for migrants.

It is worth considering that the economic situation in the country is unfavorable. For many Russians, emigrating to the EU is an attractive prospect, but each European country differs from one another in terms of living standards.

If you want a well-paid job, a promising and successful career, then Bulgaria is not for you.

It is worth immigrating to Bulgaria if the reason for emigrating from your home country is not money and business.

Russians who immigrated to Bulgaria and received a permanent residence permit are divided into the following categories:

• Pensioners
• Relatives of Bulgarians
• Young people who subsequently plan to immigrate to the EU, and permanent residence in Bulgaria can simplify this process

The third category is usually people who have definitely decided that they want to live in Europe, but do not have enough funds to live in another European state. But they can immigrate to Bulgaria, then obtain a permanent residence permit, and subsequently even citizenship of the country. These people will have the opportunity to enter European countries without a visa.

How to obtain Bulgarian citizenship: ways:

2 ways:

1. Complete investment package.

It involves investing from 511,292 euros in bonds issued by the state (in the form of bills) for a period of five years. At the end of the period, the funds are returned to the investor without interest. Investments are reliably protected by debt securities issued by the state.

1. Financing from a monetary institution.

The option involves lending from banks operating in the country, secured by government bonds. To get answers to your questions and detailed information about participating in the investment program, call us. We'll tell you everything!

Reviews from expats

In order to determine whether Bulgaria is suitable for your immigration or not, you need to read reviews of immigrants (especially Russian-speaking ones, since it is important to find out whether the mentality, culture, language, etc. are suitable), and it is also worth visiting Bulgaria as a tourist to see for yourself contemplate the state and assess the prospects for yourself and your family.

The most important criterion is the adaptation of migrants. Typically, reviews from migrants indicate that the pace of life in Russia is not similar to Bulgarian. Because the Bulgarian way of life is very calm and quiet. The mentality of the Bulgarian population is different from ours. Sometimes it seems that Russians are more in a hurry and accelerate in all aspects of life, while Bulgarians are not. The locals are quite friendly and helpful people who are almost always ready to help.

It is also worth noting that Bulgaria has a low crime rate. What is the advantage of this country?

In addition, to obtain citizenship you must learn the Bulgarian language. Also study the traditions, culture and history of the country.

Based on feedback from immigrants, we can conclude that Bulgaria has higher quality food products, low prices, excellent infrastructure, as well as cheap real estate and vehicles.

There is no paid medicine on the territory of the state, but at the same time the country has excellent health insurance, so it is better to pay for health insurance and receive quality medical care.

There is also the opportunity to get a higher education and then open your own successful company or enterprise. This is facilitated by easy acquisition of permanent residence status and citizenship, and it is also necessary to acquire connections and learn the language (this can be done during the period of study at a higher educational institution). It is also worth considering that higher education is available for free, which is one of the advantages.

An incredibly huge advantage for many migrants is the presence of the sea coast, as well as ski slopes. Picturesque and rich nature, and also a great climate for children. In addition, the off-season, namely autumn and spring, are pleasant enough for a comfortable life.

Negative aspects of Bulgaria

Nothing is perfect, so Bulgaria also has disadvantages:

1. Short swimming season (but this is individual for everyone)
2. The infrastructure is similar to the times of the USSR
3. Very few parking spaces in city centers
4. It is impossible to find employment with a residence permit, or you must obtain a permanent residence permit. Or open and develop your own business
5. Russian higher education diplomas are not recognized in Bulgaria
6. Migrants say there are heating problems in some places

Everyone must individually select a place for immigration and life, because for each person a certain list of characteristics and aspects that he wants to see in the state in which he will live is important. Therefore, it is worth scanning information about countries, and then visiting them yourself, first as a tourist, and only then making a choice.