Is citizenship by investment possible in Bulgaria?

No. The accelerated citizenship program ended in 2022; currently only permanent residence by investment is possible.

Do I have to live in Bulgaria?

No, there is no minimum stay requirement as long as the investment is maintained.

Is the fund investment refunded?

The fund is held for at least 5 years; a refund may be possible at maturity depending on fund performance.

Is Bulgaria in Schengen?

Yes. Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen area in 2025; permanent residence holders benefit from Schengen travel advantages.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.

Is there a path to citizenship?

After permanent residence, citizenship can be applied for by meeting legal residence and language requirements.

2026 Program Guide

Bulgaria Golden Visa & Residence Permit

Bulgaria offers direct permanent residence (EU) through a EUR 512,000 fund (AIF/ETF) investment; alternatively, a EUR 256,000 investment in a Bulgarian company (minimum 50% stake) is also possible. There is no minimum stay requirement. Note: Bulgaria's accelerated citizenship program ended in 2022.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program: Permanent residence by investment
Fund investment: EUR 512,000 (AIF/ETF, 5 years)
Company investment: EUR 256,000 (50%+ stake)
Outcome: Direct permanent residence
Stay requirement: None
Note: Accelerated citizenship closed in 2022

Who is it for?

Those seeking direct permanent residence in an EU member state (no stay requirement).
Those preferring a euro-denominated, capital-preserving fund investment.
Families seeking a low cost of living and an EU base.
Those seeking lower entry through a company investment (EUR 256,000, 50%+ stake).

Fund or Company?

Bulgaria offers two main routes: a EUR 512,000 investment in an approved alternative investment fund (AIF/ETF), or a EUR 256,000 investment with at least a 50 percent stake in a Bulgarian company. The fund route is generally capital-preserving and passive; both routes require the investment to be maintained for at least 5 years.

EU Membership and Schengen

Bulgaria is an EU member and became a full member of the Schengen area in 2025; this provides a strong travel and living advantage for permanent residence holders. The accelerated citizenship by investment program ended in 2022; today only permanent residence by investment is possible.

Residence Without Relocating

Bulgaria appeals to investors who want a permanent foothold in the European Union but do not wish to uproot their lives, since the programme carries no minimum stay requirement. That makes it well suited to those who intend to keep living and working elsewhere while holding EU permanent residence in reserve. Two routes lead to the same direct outcome: a EUR 512,000 investment in an AIF or ETF fund, held over five years, or a EUR 256,000 investment giving a stake of at least 50 percent in a Bulgarian company. Both are euro-denominated and structured to preserve capital, which appeals to those wary of spending rather than investing. Family members can be included, and a low cost of living makes any time spent in the country comfortable. Requirements centre on a clean criminal record, a legal source of funds, and health insurance, so documentation should be prepared with care. It is worth noting that the accelerated citizenship programme ended in 2022, so this is a residence route. An adviser can help you choose between the fund and company options.

Benefits

Direct permanent residence in an EU member state.
No minimum stay requirement.
Euro-denominated, capital-preserving investment.
Family members can be included.
Low cost of living.

Requirements

EUR 512,000 fund or EUR 256,000 company investment.
Clean criminal record and legal source of funds.
Health insurance.

Costs

Fund investment: EUR 512,000 (5 years)
Company investment: EUR 256,000 (50%+ stake)
Government fees: Additionally apply

FAQ

Is citizenship by investment possible in Bulgaria?: No. The accelerated citizenship program ended in 2022; currently only permanent residence by investment is possible.
Do I have to live in Bulgaria?: No, there is no minimum stay requirement as long as the investment is maintained.
Is the fund investment refunded?: The fund is held for at least 5 years; a refund may be possible at maturity depending on fund performance.
Is Bulgaria in Schengen?: Yes. Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen area in 2025; permanent residence holders benefit from Schengen travel advantages.
Can I include my family?: Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.
Is there a path to citizenship?: After permanent residence, citizenship can be applied for by meeting legal residence and language requirements.

Sources

Migration Directorate, Ministry of Interior (Republic of Bulgaria)

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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