How to Get a Bulgarian Residence Permit
How to get a Bulgarian residence permit: family, commercial representation, company, work and study routes, the D visa and the steps.
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A Bulgarian residence permit lets non-EU citizens live in Bulgaria long term. The main routes are family reunification through a Bulgarian spouse or child, commercial representation, a company in Bulgaria, work and study. You first obtain a type D visa from a Bulgarian consulate, then apply to the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria for the residence card.
What is a Bulgarian residence permit?
A residence permit makes a stay of more than 90 days lawful. It is issued as a residence card. The type of card depends on the reason that connects you to Bulgaria: family, business, a company or study.
One point first: citizenship by investment was abolished in Bulgaria in 2022. You do not buy citizenship; for residence you choose one of the routes below. If you have Bulgarian origin, going straight to Bulgarian citizenship may be shorter for you than residence.
Overview of residence routes
| Route | Who it is for | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Family (spouse) | Spouse of a Bulgarian citizen | The marriage must be in the Bulgarian record |
| Family (child) | Parent of a Bulgarian-citizen child | The child needs a birth record and an EGN |
| Commercial representation | Company owner or manager | The office must be registered with the BCCI |
| Company | People who set up a company in Bulgaria | 10 Bulgarian employees per foreigner |
| Work | People with an employment contract | Work-permit conditions apply |
| Study | Students | School admission is required |
Residence through family reunification
This is the most popular route. The foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen receives the EU family member residence card. It gives continuous residence of up to 5 years, and the card is issued within about 3 months of applying. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, permanent residence becomes possible.
In short: the marriage is entered in the Bulgarian civil register, you obtain the D visa, enter Bulgaria and apply for the card. All steps are in residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse, and the visa side is in family reunification visa and documents. See also our family reunification service.
A parent of a Bulgarian-citizen child can also apply. A child born to a Bulgarian parent is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. The birth must be registered in Bulgaria and an EGN issued. We explain this in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
Residence through commercial representation
If your company operates in your home country (for example Türkiye) or elsewhere, you can open a commercial representation in Bulgaria and obtain residence for the people appointed as representatives. At most 2 representatives per office can receive residence. The representation is entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The parent company’s turnover must be at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva, there must be no tax debt, and a lease of at least 1 year for the office is required.
The benefit of this route is that there is no staff requirement. Details are in residence permit through commercial representation. If you are unsure between the two options, read representation or company.
Residence by setting up a company
If you set up your own company in Bulgaria and want residence as a manager, you are expected to employ at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner (Foreigners Act art. 24/1/2). This is a heavy condition for small businesses. For incorporation, see our company formation service.
Residence through work and study
People who receive a job offer and sign a contract with an employer can apply for a work D visa and then for residence. Conditions apply to the employer as well. Students admitted to a university or similar school receive a study D visa on the basis of the admission letter. In both cases, the document list and timing depend on the purpose, so confirm the current conditions before you apply.
Which route should I choose?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I have a Bulgarian-citizen spouse or child? If so, family reunification is often the simplest route. No separate company or capital is needed.
- Do I have an active company? If it meets the turnover and tax conditions, commercial representation may work. If you want to sell in Bulgaria, a representation is not enough; you need a company.
- Do I want to work or study? Then the employer contract or school admission is the base of your file.
A wrong choice can cost months. We recommend discussing your situation with a specialist first. Every file is different, even within one family.
Application steps
- Choose the route: family, representation, company, work or study.
- Collect the documents: official papers usually need an apostille and a Bulgarian translation. Our translation service helps.
- Get the D visa: you apply in person at a Bulgarian consulate. See what is the Bulgarian type D visa.
- Enter Bulgaria while the visa is valid.
- Apply to the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“) for the residence card.
- Receive the card. Your residence starts when the card is issued.
Renewal and permanent residence
The card is issued for a limited period. A renewal application is filed at least 14 days before expiry. The decision period is 14 days; in a complex case another month may be added. Do not leave it to the last day. See Bulgarian residence permit renewal. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence you can apply for permanent residence; the conditions are in Bulgaria permanent residence.
What documents do I need?
The list changes with the route. Common items are a passport, photo, police clearance, health insurance and proof of accommodation. We have collected the details for each route in documents required for a Bulgarian residence permit.
How we can help
We help you choose the right route, prepare complete documents and follow the deadlines. See our residence permit service. Send your papers for a free review or book an online appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get residence in Bulgaria?
It depends on the route. The consulate time for the D visa is added to the time for the residence card in Bulgaria. The family member card is issued within about 3 months of applying.
Which is the easiest residence route?
If you are married to a Bulgarian citizen, family reunification is usually the most direct. For company owners, commercial representation can be practical because it has no 10-employee condition.
Does residence turn into citizenship?
Residence does not give citizenship automatically. Long lawful residence can lead to permanent residence and later a citizenship application when the conditions are met. If you have Bulgarian origin, there may be a shorter route.
When should I apply to renew my card?
At least 14 days before it expires, at the Migration Directorate. Preparing earlier is safer.
Do I have to live in Bulgaria to keep my permit?
The card is based on living in Bulgaria. Long absences can affect your right of residence. Ask your adviser about your own situation.
