Moving to Bulgaria for permanent residence in 2021: methods, requirements, documents

The proximity of the territories, the similarity of the linguistic environment and an understandable mentality explain the desire of immigrants from the post-Soviet space to settle in Bulgaria. This country has a large Russian diaspora, which simplifies the adaptation process even for those who greatly miss their homeland. To go through the entire path of legalization without unnecessary difficulties, you need to clearly understand how to obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria.

Why you should think about Bulgarian permanent residence

The Republic of Bulgaria is the closest candidate for joining the Schengen area. This will open up great opportunities for those who live in the country on a permanent basis. This is what permanent residence in Bulgaria gives:

the opportunity to live, study and work in the European Union (Bulgaria has been in the EU since 2007);
low tax rates for business;
affordable prices for basic goods and services;
quick adaptation due to the ease of learning the Bulgarian language, the similarity of the mentalities of Bulgarians and Russians;
when starting your own business, the opportunity to cooperate with companies in other European countries on the basis of the EU free trade agreement;
the opportunity to take part in social and government programs;
simplified procedure for obtaining American and Schengen visas, the ability to visit Croatia and Cyprus without a visa;
Permanent residence in Bulgaria for Russian pensioners provides the opportunity to become a citizen of Bulgaria under a simplified scheme within the framework of the pension program.

A permanent residence permit equalizes the rights of migrants and local residents. Restrictions will only apply to participation in elections and the ability to work in government bodies.

Reasons for immigrating to Bulgaria

You can list as many reasons for immigration to Bulgaria as you like. Let us highlight those that are most often voiced by people who left Russia and Ukraine and received permanent residence (permanent residence) in one of the regions of the country.

Ecology: water, air, untouched flora and rich fauna, food.
Climate: humid, cool, suitable for people with respiratory diseases.
Quite low cost of renting housing throughout the year: there are more offers for the sale of real estate than applications for purchase.
“Window” to the European Union: low crime and expensive fines.
Costs of living: lower than Russian prices in a number of categories (food, transport, entertainment).
Close culture and language, religion and common history.

Among all the reasons described above, there are none that relate to work and business. It is a misconception that you cannot build a business or open an entertainment establishment in Bulgaria. The problem is that you have to live by the rules of the early Russian 90s - pay bribes to officials.

There are exceptions, but you need to be fluent in Bulgarian and English, have connections in banks and government agencies. All these conditions can be “acquired” within a few years and an active life position, as well as a strong desire to live in Bulgaria permanently.

Vibrant life in Bulgaria

Requirements for candidates

To obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria, a Russian citizen must meet several requirements:

reside legally on Bulgarian territory for at least 5 years with the status of a residence permit. The total time of absence during this period should not exceed two and a half years;
comply with local laws and have no criminal record;
availability of a place of residence, own or rented (for example, rent or buy an apartment with the help of the BolgarskiyDom agency);
have a legal source of income that allows you to support the main candidate and persons aimed at immigration as members of his family.

Moving from Russia to Bulgaria for permanent residence is possible on the following grounds:

Bulgarian origin;
entering into a marriage and cohabitation with a Bulgarian citizen;
emigration of an unmarried minor whose parents are citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria or foreigners residing in it on the basis of permanent residence;
relocation of parents of Bulgarian citizens, provided that the latter support them under the conditions specified by law;
investing in excess of 1 million leva or increasing equity capital by purchasing shares of companies traded on the Bulgarian market;
you can go to live in Bulgaria on the basis of the right to co-own a part of a Bulgarian enterprise, more than 50% of which belongs to the state or municipal authorities;
ownership of intellectual property in the state, objects of copyright, patents, inventions, trademarks;
ownership of concession agreements;
investing funds in a credit institution for a period of more than six months (the institution must be licensed);
investing over 6 million leva in a trading company on the Bulgarian market, the shares of which are not in demand;
Permanent residence in Bulgaria for Russians is also possible based on the fact of birth on the territory of the state, if for some reason citizenship was lost and the applicant wants to restore it;
relationship with a Bulgarian citizen;
the presence of a pension that exceeds the minimum threshold for pension payments in the country (207 leva / 106 euros).

The purchase of real estate on the territory of the state will not be the basis for the right to permanent residence. Own housing costing from 300 thousand euros makes it possible to obtain an annual multiple visa, allowing you to stay in the country for 90 days during each six months, with the possibility of extension for another three years, in the future - for obtaining a residence permit under the Golden Visa program.

How to emigrate from Russia to Bulgaria

Any foreign citizen who meets all the requirements of Bulgarian immigration legislation has the right to obtain a permit for long-term residence in the territory of the state - a residence permit. Obtaining a residence permit gives the immigrant the right to officially reside in Bulgaria until the expiration of this document. In addition, a foreigner has all the rights of a citizen of the country (except for voting).

According to the legislation of Bulgaria, a residence permit in 2021 can be obtained by:

Immigrants wishing to work in the country legally.
Businessmen who plan to conduct business in Bulgaria and undertake to provide citizens of the country with at least 10 jobs.
Specialists taking part in international projects, one of which is Bulgaria.
Full-time students studying at universities in Bulgaria.
Persons participating in the family immigration program (married to a Bulgarian citizen or a person with permanent residence status, other relatives).
Pensioners who can afford to live in the country.
Persons who are ready to make investments in the development of the country in the amount of 250 thousand leva.
Foreigners who have real estate in the country worth more than 600 thousand leva.
Representatives of foreign commercial enterprises registered in Bulgaria.
Correspondents from officially verified media outlets.
Participants in charitable and religious missions (with permission from the Ministry of Justice).
Foreign citizens undergoing treatment in Bulgaria for a long time.
Refugees.

Immigration through employment

Finding a suitable job in Bulgaria is not easy. To do this, you need to be the owner of a specialty that is in demand in the country. Your job search should begin by reviewing vacancies and personal communication with the employer. For employment, it is necessary to provide a number of documents confirming the applicant’s qualifications.

Immigration through Education

You can also immigrate to Bulgaria through training. In order to obtain an initial residence permit, you will need to enroll in a university on a paid basis. 1 year of study will be counted as six months of residence in the country when registering permanent residence. In addition to the basic documents, you will need to provide:

Certificate of enrollment at the university.
Tuition payment receipt.
Parental permission to study in Bulgaria, if we are talking about a minor.

After a certain period of time, it will be possible to submit documents for permanent residence and citizenship.

Video on the topic:

Marriage to a Bulgarian citizen

You can go to live in Bulgaria by entering into a marriage with a citizen of Bulgaria. Without being a resident of the country, it will be possible to apply for citizenship after three years of cohabitation. But you should keep in mind that local authorities (namely police officers) will periodically check whether the spouses live together or whether their marriage is fictitious, how good the relationship is between them. If fraud is detected, the foreign citizen will be deported.

Running your own business in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is interested in developing foreign businesses in the state and creating new workers. Therefore, a number of laws were adopted to attract investors to invest their funds in the development of economically lagging regions of the republic.

If the applicant has experience in running a business or entrepreneurship, and also has initial capital, he can open his own business in the country. The main condition is to employ at least 10 Bulgarian citizens. Options for your own business can be small production, a hotel, a sanatorium, or shops. Winemaking and construction are also considered profitable.

Citizenship can be obtained by investing your own funds in the development of the country. The amount of such deposit must be at least 1 million leva. After this, the investor and his family will be able to obtain a passport within two years. The disadvantage of this method is that the investor is required to sign an agreement for the additional purchase of shares of a local state company or bonds worth 1 million leva in the next two years.

Buying real estate as a way to immigrate

Buying real estate is a good option for entering the country for a long-term stay. Moreover, the type of real estate does not play a special role. It is possible to purchase residential, industrial or commercial premises. The cost of real estate should be from 300 thousand euros. The state, being relatively poor, provides this opportunity to private investors to raise the standard of living in underdeveloped regions.

If the investor managed to fulfill all the requirements, then after three years he will have the opportunity to become a citizen of Bulgaria.

How can you obtain permanent residence?

There may be several ways to move to Bulgaria for permanent residence from Russia, Ukraine or Kazakhstan. It will be easiest for those whose income level exceeds the average.

The Bulgarian economy is developing, and investors are welcome in the republic. By investing in a Bulgarian company and the securities market, you can count on simplification of the legalization procedure.

Other methods include:

Creating a business - due to the lack of jobs, local authorities strongly encourage those who are ready to create them. To justify the right to permanent residence, you need to provide jobs for 10 citizens of the country and pay taxes on time.
Education - a diploma from a Bulgarian university in itself does not give the right to obtain residency status, but a graduate can find employment in a local company, thereby gaining the opportunity for long-term residence for the duration of the employment contract.
Work – many chances for those whose profession is in demand in the country or who managed to find a permanent job with a long-term contract.
Pension migration program - provides an opportunity for a wealthy pensioner to move to live in Bulgaria. The reason for retirement does not matter. The main thing is that the candidate has at least 12 minimum Bulgarian pensions (2,484 leva or 1,270 euros) in his account. From July 1, 2021, the minimum pension will be increased to 220 levs / 112 euros.
Family reunification - this option is suitable for relatives of a migrant who resides legally on Bulgarian territory, has sufficient income to support the family and has a permanent place of residence.

Life in Bulgaria after moving

Everyone has a specific goal in moving to Bulgaria for permanent residence from Russia. Some people want to find a good job in Western Europe, following the Bulgarian path of emigration, while others want to spend their old age here. Many people do not realize the seriousness of the situation when moving to a foreign country and face many problems due to the different mentality and lifestyle. Therefore, you should calculate all the pros and cons of emigrating to Bulgaria before deciding to take such a step.

The main problems faced by foreigners in Bulgaria:

Expensive and difficult life without citizenship.
Diplomas of the Russian Federation are not quoted.
A lot of money is spent on housing and communal services.
Free migration within the EU is prohibited.
Heating problems.

However, this does not scare many, because by immigrating to a European country you can greatly improve the quality of your life.

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:

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

Ways to move to Bulgaria for permanent residence

Before leaving for Bulgaria for permanent residence, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the legal methods of emigration. An applicant from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and other countries of the former CIS must first obtain a residence permit, which is issued if the following grounds exist:

studying at one of the universities in Bulgaria;
work in a local company;
doing business in the country;
investments in the economy or real estate;
marriage with a Bulgarian citizen;
residence in the republic of close relatives for reunification;
obtaining refugee status;
emigration under the pension program.

More details about the nuances of each migration method can be found in the lower blocks of the article.

Education

Potential students at Bulgarian universities and colleges will be able to study in Bulgarian or English. A study visa is today one of the most popular among Russians and Belarusians, because a Bulgarian diploma is recognized on the European labor market. In Bulgaria there are universities that issue “double” diplomas - European and American. The low cost of hospitalization ($1-5 thousand per year) and rental housing ($100-250 per month) are additional advantages. A student residence permit, valid for the entire period of study, is an excellent springboard for further legalization in Bulgaria.

Employment

Immigrants from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia can obtain a work permit through the National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of Bulgaria. Such permission is issued by the employer, and the applicant must have a long-term D visa, a medical certificate, and proof of housing availability. A detailed description of the place, conditions and type of activity is attached to the petition. Initially, a working residence permit is issued for one year.

Business registration

Business immigration is an opportunity to open your own business or representative office of a company in the Republic of Bulgaria. A prerequisite is 10 or more jobs, and 1 € of authorized capital is enough for registration. The applicant will need permission from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. However, the insufficient development of industry does little to promote a quick return on investment, so analysts advise choosing the service or hotel business to start your own business. In any case, you need to apply for a national visa and then apply for a residence permit or permanent residence permit in Bulgaria.

Real Estate Investments

Bulgaria encourages investors in its economy; it is for them that an accelerated scheme for obtaining a permanent residence permit works. By making an investment of 512 thousand €, you can receive a Bulgarian passport in 6 years, and 1 million 24 thousand € guarantee citizenship 2 years after receiving permanent residence. At the same time, the government does not limit investors to government bonds; capital investments can be made in trust funds or intellectual products. Since 2020, Bulgaria allows foreign citizens to purchase real estate in the amount of €300 thousand and obtain permanent residence status for a period of 5 years, after which they can apply for citizenship.

Program for pensioners

The Bulgarian authorities have simplified the conditions for emigration for pensioners. A retired citizen from Russia, Ukraine or Belarus must apply for a national visa to enter, and upon arrival receive a residence permit. To do this, you should contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate and present a certificate from the bank about the presence of a pension account, an extract for the last 3-6 months, a certificate of good conduct and a rental agreement. The cost of a visa for a pensioner will be 100-200 €.

Marriage

The spouse of a national of the country can obtain permission for a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria. The place of registration of the union does not matter, it is enough to provide a marriage certificate and apply for a national visa D for entry. An important nuance: when applying for a residence permit through marriage, you do not need a certificate of availability of finances and documents for housing; they will be replaced by a declaration of the spouse on the provision of funds and a place to live.

Family reunion

Under the family reunification program, the spouse, parents and children of a person living in the country can move to Bulgaria. The second category of family ties includes: siblings, grandchildren and grandparents. Third level applicants: brother, sister, father or mother of the spouse of a resident of the country. All other family ties are not grounds for immigration. The receiving family member is obliged to provide each relative with 12 square meters. m of living space and the necessary financial reserves - a sponsorship letter is being prepared for this.

Refugee

A residence permit with refugee status is available in Bulgaria to citizens from any country. What is needed for this: provide evidence of political, religious, social persecution in the homeland that threatens the life and well-being of the applicant. In this case, you should contact the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs directly, having entered the country on a standard tourist visa. Upon arrival in the Republic of Belarus, refugees are settled in special centers, provided with free food and medical care, and also receive pocket money.

Treatment

Persons undergoing long-term treatment in one of the Bulgarian clinics may apply for a residence permit. To do this, you will have to provide documents confirming the need for treatment, the availability of financial resources to pay for all procedures, and also prove the absence of the need for constant medical care.

Package of documents

The list of required papers will depend on the reason for emigration. To begin with, here is a basic list that every candidate needs to prepare in 2021:

Statement.
A receipt confirming payment of the state fee for consideration of the application (10 leva / 5 euros).
International passport with a copy of the main spread and pages on which there is a stamp about entry into the country and a visa.
Confirmation of the availability of housing on Bulgarian territory.
An account statement indicating the availability of funds sufficient to lead a decent lifestyle or confirmation of a legal source of income.
Certificate of no criminal record.

Those who move with children need to know what is needed for permanent residence in Bulgaria in this case:

Copy and original of the child's birth certificate.
International passport.
Statement.
Medical insurance issued for the entire period of stay in the state.
Consent of the second parent, certified by a notary, if the family is not moving as a whole.
A letter from both parents expressing their consent to grant the child Bulgarian permanent residence.
Confirmation of housing availability.
Financial guarantees.

Documents for permanent residence in Bulgaria for pensioners, in addition to the basic package, must contain:

Certificate of the amount of pension payments for the last 3 months.
Account number in a Bulgarian bank and confirmation of the presence of sufficient funds on it.
Evidence of housing.

In addition to this list, you must attach documents confirming the basis for requesting residence status:

when purchasing bonds - a certificate from the Central Depository, and for the use of intellectual property - a document from the Patent Office;
when investing in a Bulgarian company - the company’s UIC (unified identification code of a Bulgarian legal entity) and a certificate from the bank confirming that the required amount has been credited to the account;
if you have Bulgarian roots - a certificate issued at birth, or a certificate from the State Agency of Bulgarians Abroad.

All documents drawn up in a foreign language must be translated into Bulgarian and certified by a notary. An application is submitted to the Migration Department at the place of registration. These institutions are located in every regional center of the country.

You must apply for permanent residence no later than 3 months before the expiration of your permitted stay in the country.

After the applicant receives notification of the assignment of permanent residence status, it is necessary to pay another fee for the provision of this service (1000 leva / 511 euros).

The procedure is completed by assigning the migrant a single civil number - EGN. With this number you need to contact the Migration Department to prepare a personal card, which will indicate all the personal data of the applicant, including the Unified State Tax and the basis for migration.

The procedure for obtaining residence permit and permanent residence

You can apply for a residence permit if you decide to move to the country or if your stay is for more than 90 days. Documents for obtaining a residence permit are submitted in person at the embassy in Bulgaria.

Package of required documents:

Statement.
Photocopy of the international passport.
A document confirming that you are provided with housing (purchase or rental agreement).
Bank account statement confirming your financial independence.
Receipt for payment of state duty.
Paid health insurance.

Additional documents and the amount of state duty depend on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

The residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension. The residence permit is renewed annually.

5 years after receiving residence permit status and permanent residence in the country for the last 30 months, you can submit documents to the migration department to obtain permanent residence. To obtain permanent residence, a number of conditions must be met:

Age from 18 years.
No criminal record in Bulgaria.
Fixed income.
Knowledge of the Bulgarian language.

You can obtain permanent residence status without obtaining a residence permit if you have proof of Bulgarian origin.

Required package of documents:

Statement.
Receipt of payment of the state fee for consideration of the application.
Original and copy of international passport.
A document confirming that you are provided with housing (purchase or rental agreement).
Bank account statement confirming your financial independence.

The application is considered within 3 months, rarely the period extends to six months. The applicant is notified in writing of the decision made. If the decision is positive, you must pay an additional state fee to obtain the status in the amount of 511 euros. Permanent residence is indefinite and does not require extension.

After immigration, an important period of adaptation and paperwork begins. The status of temporary residence and permanent residence allows you to come to the country for any period of time, gain access to medical conditions, get an education, quickly obtain a Schengen visa, receive pension contributions subject to employment and payment of taxes.

Where is the best place to live?

It is impossible to say for sure where it is better to buy property in Bulgaria for permanent residence. Everyone chooses an option that suits their needs.

The most positive feedback can be heard from those who settled in Varna, Burgas, Sofia.

The Bulgarian capital is a suitable option for businessmen and families who plan to give their children a good education. But Burgas is more suitable for those who are interested in work. For a comfortable, quiet life, this is not the best choice.

A measured and calm life awaits migrants in Varna and Plovdiv. In general, the further the place of residence is from large cities, the more rural the lifestyle will be.

The cities in Bulgaria that Russian pensioners move to are determined by their desire to live closer to the sea. Most often these are Burgas, Dobrich and Varna. Dobrich leads the list as it is located 40 km from the coast and at an altitude of 225 m above sea level. This means that in winter the climate here is not so humid, and there are fewer tourists.

How do pensioners live in Bulgaria?

Those who have retired and moved to this state are unlikely to count on a rich and comfortable life in Bulgaria. Today, the minimum pension in Bulgaria is 207 levs (106 euros or almost 7,800 rubles). From July 2021, the authorities promise to raise the pension to 220 levs (112 euros or 8,270 rubles).

This level of payments is received by the majority of Bulgarian pensioners, and it is easy to assume that it will be very difficult for an emigrant to live on this money, even taking into account the relatively low (when compared with the rest of Europe) cost of the food basket and housing.

Russian pensioners manage to survive in Bulgaria due to the pension payments they receive in their homeland and passive income from renting out real estate.