What makes Bulgaria attractive to foreigners?

Why do people choose Bulgaria?

In the search for comfort and economy, many people pay attention to the attractiveness of Bulgaria. This country is widely known for its unique nature, diverse climate and affordable prices for various goods and services. services. The coastline of the Black Sea, picturesque beaches and mountainous landscapes provide an abundance of opportunities for active recreation and relaxing pastime. Despite the increase in the cost of real estate, it is always Despite the increase in real estate costs, there are always housing options to suit different budgets.

Advantages of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is renowned for its hospitable residents, high level of medical services, and diverse lifestyle. One of the advantages is the affordability of living compared to other European countries, which is particularly attractive for retirees and investors considering Bulgaria as a place to live or do business.

Obtaining residence permits

To obtain residence permits in Bulgaria, it is necessary to follow a specific sequence of actions, starting with the issuance of a national visa D for non-EU citizens. It is important to determine the purpose of the stay in advance, whether it is participation in a startup program, employment, or investments. After arriving in the country, the foreign citizen should contact the migration authorities to apply for a residence permit.

Advantages of owning real estate

Having real estate in Bulgaria simplifies the process of obtaining residence, although it is not a obligatory condition. A variety of programs and categories of residence permits allow to expand opportunities for the applicant's family members. After becoming a resident of Bulgaria, it is possible to travel freely throughout Europe without the need for visa restrictions. Europe without the need for visa restrictions.

Obtaining residence permits in Bulgaria

Five years after obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria, an immigrant has the opportunity to apply for permanent residency or a long-term residence permit, which is similar to permanent residency and is suitable for those planning to move to another European Union country. However, it is important to remember that there is a limitation - during this time, one cannot be outside of Bulgaria for more than 30 months in total. The only exception is the investment program, under which permanent residency is granted immediately.

After an additional five years of obtaining permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship. It is important to note that accumulating 30 months over five years is not required if you do not plan to obtain permanent residency and are satisfied with the annual renewal of your temporary residence permit.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit

In order to obtain a temporary residence permit, it is necessary to open an account in a Bulgarian bank. Although many financial institutions in Bulgaria may be skeptical about opening accounts even for pensioners from Russia and Belarus, it is still possible if you have legal sources of income and are not on the sanctions list. you are not on the sanctions lists. It is recommended to seek help from specialists in real estate and immigration.

Program for elderly pensioners

One such way is the temporary residence permit for elderly pensioners. The program for pensioners is a time-tested option that is still popular among immigrants from various countries, such as Germany, other EU countries, the UK, Israel, and Russia. It is considered the easiest and most cost-effective option for obtaining a temporary residence permit for Russians at the moment.

• It is necessary to confirm the presence of an amount equivalent to 12 minimum pensions in Bulgaria in your account at a local bank.
• Practice shows that the size of the pension should be at least 12,000 rubles per month for Russian citizens.
• To submit the application, a notarized document confirming ownership of real estate in Bulgaria or a notarized rental agreement for an apartment for at least six months will be required.

Necessary documents

In addition, the following documents must be provided: a foreign passport and two copies, a completed application form (the form can be found on the official website of the consulate), a translation into Bulgarian by an accredited translator, a certificate from the pension fund for the last 3 months, a certificate of no criminal record, medical insurance for one year with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, and 2 visa photos sized 3.5 by 4.5 cm.

Obtaining a D visa for Bulgaria

To obtain a D visa for Bulgaria, it is necessary to gather all the required documents and apply to the consulate or the migration office of the Ministry of Interior at least two weeks before the expiration of the current visa. The main applicant can also request a residence permit for their spouse and children under 18 through the family reunification procedure. One of the main advantages of this visa is the unlimited duration of stay in the country.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

According to immigration experts, the entire process - from start to obtaining the card - will take between 2.5 to 4 months. In addition to the flight and housing rental, the applicant should consider additional expenses, which should not exceed 1000 euros.

Obtaining a D visa in Bulgaria

The cost of document processing services for immigration through agencies can range from 1000 to 1500 euros, including all taxes and fees. The next step is to apply for a D visa at the Bulgarian consulate.

• A notarized lease agreement for an office or apartment with conditions for work, or a notarized deed of property ownership.
• Certificate from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• BULSTAT credentials.
• Documents about the parent company and the trade representative office.
• Additional documents will be required upon request from the consulate staff before the interview.

The consideration of a D visa application can take about 45 days at the consulate, and a consular fee of 100 euros will also be required. After the D visa applicant is approved, they will travel to Bulgaria to complete the procedure. It is necessary to arrive in the country at least 4.5 months before the visa expires in order to obtain a long-term residence card.

Obtaining a Blue Card in Bulgaria

The "Blue Card" of the European Union in Bulgaria allows you to work in EU countries. However, the initial steps to obtain this type of residence permit are taken by the employer - a national or foreign company doing business in Bulgaria.

• The organization must obtain permission to hire a specialist from the migration directorate.
• After that, the applicant for the "blue card" is given 20 days to submit the documents for obtaining a D visa at the consulate of their country.

The processing of applications for the "blue card" is faster than for other types of residence permits.

To summarize

It is important to consider that the chances of being denied a D visa and a "blue card" are quite high, especially if it is related to joining an already existing trade representation. It is recommended to consult immigration specialists for assistance in organizing the process and obtaining approval. Additionally, the cost of services may vary depending on the type and complexity of the service provided by the agency.

Blue card of Bulgaria

The Blue Card of Bulgaria is granted to the main applicant and their family for a period of two to five years. This type of document allows for both office and remote work, as well as business trips lasting up to 90 days twice a year. Blue Card holders are entitled to medical care on par with Bulgarian citizens and can obtain a European Health Insurance Card, which provides emergency assistance within the EU. Another advantage is that after one year of working under this program, it is possible to obtain a Blue Card from another EU country through a simplified procedure.

Requirements for applicants

Now the requirements for applicants for the Bulgarian Blue Card have been simplified. Thus, to prove For example, to prove qualifications, it is possible to present a diploma of higher education or a certificate of study at a higher education institution for at least three years. However, other grounds may also be considered, such as work experience of five years or the presence of Certificates and certificates of vocational training in specialties approved by the Ministry of Labor. At the same time, the candidate's salary must be at least one and a half times the national average.

Opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs

Foreign entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to open a company in Bulgaria that focuses on the production of high-tech or innovative products. This grants them and their families the right to obtain residence permits for one year, with the possibility of extension.

• It is necessary to submit an online application that requires a detailed description of your business idea, target markets, potential or existing investors, and patents.
• The application review period is 30 days.
• If the expert council, which includes representatives of the state, scientific and business communities, If the application is approved, the startup visa applicant receives a certificate to implement his/her project in Bulgaria. Bulgaria.
• After entering Bulgaria, it is necessary to contact the local migration office to complete the procedure and obtain a residence card.
• The certificate for the implementation of a high-tech or innovative project is valid for one year, after which it needs to be updated twice over a period of five years.