In the recent years Bulgaria has emerged as a business destination attractive for Outsourcing activities and Start Up Companies. The main reason for this is the lower labour and life expenses compared to the Western European countries. The popularity of the country is also due the tax policy for a flat rate of 10% on earned profits from Commercial activities. The Lack of big pollutants and heavy industry contributes to the high quality of life in Bulgaria and its place as a preferred destination for relocation in Europe. Whether you want to visit Bulgaria for a longer period of time or to stay permanently it is a must to get acquainted with the residence requirements for foreign citizens in Bulgaria. It is important to note that whether you are an EU citizen or a citizen of non-EU country, residence conditions are quite different.  Special conditions for non-EU nationals apply. The subject of this article is discuss the basic requirements for the residence of non-EU nationals in the country.

1. Residence for Non-EU Citizens:

For citizens of non-EU countries, it is essential to follow the procedures and the sequence of actions set out in Bulgarian law in order to be granted with the right to reside continuously in the country.

1. The grounds on which a foreign person may receive residence permit in the country are exhaustively listed in the Act for foreigners in Bulgaria, of which the applicant must meet at least one of them. The grounds for extended residence (Up to 1 year and subject to annual renewal) in the country are as follows:

– the foreign citizens works under a labour contract in Bulgaria or freelance activity, after a permit by Employment Agency or conducts non-profit activity;

– The foreign citizen carries out commercial activity, resulting in opening of at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens;

– The foreign citizen is of Bulgarian origin;

– The foreign citizen is a representative of a commercial entity registered before the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

– The foreign citizen must be accepted for long-term treatment in our country;

– The foreign citizen has the right to retire in Bulgaria and has sufficient means of subsistence;

– the foreign citizen has invested a minimum of 600 000 BGN (310 000 EUR) in ownership of real estate in the Republic of Bulgaria or owns more than 50 per cent of the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company, as a result of which the company has acquired real estate at that value;

– The foreign citizen has made an investment in economically disadvantaged regions of at least BGN 250 000 (130 000 EUR) (there are additional requirements);

– The foreign citizen would volunteer in the European Voluntary Service;

There are several other grounds in the law that relate to the ethnic origin of the foreign citizen or the specific activity he performs. For larger investments the law also provides for the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit.

2. Procedure for Visa Type “D” application.

Here it is of great importance to note that receiving of a residence permit is conditioned by the Visa “D” existence, and vice versa – The Visa “D” is granted after proofing the presence of a ground for extended residence permit. The two processes are interconnected and should be taken into account before the initiation of the procedure. Once you have decide in which ground you fit in, you can start the application procedure for a Visa “D”. The Visa is issued by the Bulgarian embassies and consulate services abroad, i.e. in the applicant’s country of residence. If there are important reasons applicants may also apply in other country different of their country of origin. The Visa has a validity of 6 months and entitles the holder to enter on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria repeatedly within its validity period.

It is also of great importance to note that the applicant does not have the opportunity to apply for a Visa “D” once he has already arrived in the country. In case you have enter the country for vacation or for a visit to friends/relatives, but in the meantime you have changed your intention and decided to stay for a longer period of time, you will not be able to apply in Bulgaria for Visa “D” and for Permanent Residence Permit. That is why we advise the foreign citizens interested in Bulgaria to clarify and plan their goals for visiting and/or staying in the country in advance.

The application form for the issuance of the Visa “D” should be submitted personally by the applicant not earlier than 3 months before the date of the planned trip. Personal appearance is mandatory and the law does not provide exceptions from this rule. Every candidate must have provided for himself place of residence (hotel, apartment for rent, hostel etc.), health insurance and sufficient funds during his/her stay.

The application together with all attachments is sent to the Ministry of Exterior in the Republic of Bulgaria for a decision whether to grant or refuse issuance of a Visa. The law stipulates this procedure to be completed in 35 working days within which the administrative body should rule on the application. Unfortunately this deadline is rather instructive and in many cases is violated.

The refusal Visa “D” is subject to appeal within 14 days of its submission to the applicant before the competent Bulgarian court.

3. Obtaining an Extended Residence Permit.

Following the issue of the Visa type “D” and after arrival in the country, an application for an extended residence permit should be submitted before the Migration Directorate of Ministry of Interior. The documents used for Visa “D” application must be attached. For this reason we advise applicants not to submit originals of documents when applying, but instead to present notarized copies or copies certified by the consular office.

When submitting the documents to the Migration Directorate, the applicant shall also submit:

1. A copy of a valid travel document;
2. Document for paid fee (where applicable);
3. Evidence of insured accommodation;
4. Obligatory medical insurance with cover limit of at least 30 000 EUR and valid on the territory of Bulgaria;
5. Evidence for stable, regular, foreseeable and sufficient funds for self-care proving the applicant would not rely on the social assistance system in the country. The amount of funds must be not less than the minimum monthly salary for each month (approximately EUR 260) for the period of residence in Bulgaria;
6. A certificate for lack of conviction issued by the state of which the foreign citizen is a national or of the country of his/her habitual residence.

The application should be submitted not later than 14 days before the expiration of the authorized stay period of the foreign citizen on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The period for reviewing and resolution is 14 days. In case of legal and factual complexity and necessity of submitting additional documents this period may be extended by one month, for which the foreigner is notified in writing.

Consequently, if the foreign citizen would like to continue its residence in Bulgaria, he should renew his/ her residence permit annually and maintain the grounds during his / her stay. Renewal fits in the same procedure as the initial application for status.

* In case you have questions about the application procedure, eligible applicants, the existence of grounds or you want legal advice and assistance in applying for a Visa and Permit for Long-term Residence, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail: office@pravensavetnik.bg or by using the contact form in the Contacts tab.