- Possibilities
- Methods
- Procedure
- Refusal
- Advantages and disadvantages
The Republic of Bulgaria is one of the most loyal EU states in relation to migrants from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, so immigrants from the former CIS often consider it as an option for a second homeland. Permanent residence in Bulgaria is admission to permanent residence in one of the European countries with the further opportunity to become a full-fledged citizen.
The geographical proximity of territories, the similarity of Slavic languages, the vast Russian diaspora and a similar mentality facilitate the process of adaptation of Russians and Ukrainians in a foreign country. The familiar resorts of Golden Sands and Varna, the warm climate (+25-30 ºC in summer, 0+5 ºC in winter), beautiful nature, low cost of food and real estate make for comfortable living. Those wishing to legalize should know how to obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria, what are the nuances and features of life in this European republic.
What does permanent residence permit give to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's entry into the EU at the beginning of 2007 opened up the possibility of a free visa-free regime for movement within the European Union for its citizens. The republic today is the closest candidate for joining the Schengen zone. All this and the presence of a permanent residence permit opens up wide opportunities for those living in the country.
What exactly does permanent residence in Bulgaria provide:
- study and work in the EU;
- low tax rates for business;
- reasonable prices for most services and goods;
- partnerships with various European companies;
- participation in various social programs;
- ease of obtaining a visa to America and Schengen;
- the opportunity to become a citizen of the state under a preferential pension program.
Permanent residence gives immigrants equal rights to Bulgarians, with the exception of participation in election campaigns and work in some government institutions.
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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.
Advantages and disadvantages of immigration to Bulgaria
Of course, European countries have more advantages than disadvantages, but for some, even one disadvantage may be a reason to cancel the move.
Advantages of the country.
- Prices. Costs of living in Bulgaria are lower compared to some other European countries. But specifically, everything depends on the needs and habits of the individual. Life in resort areas and big cities is more expensive than in the provinces; this is a common occurrence for any country. On average, 500-700 euros per month is enough for a family of four.
- Education. Education in secondary school is free. Kindergartens are paid, with reasonable prices. About 25-30 euros per month. Bulgarian higher education meets the European standard, and the cost of training is approximately the same as in Russia. A good incentive for studying at universities in the country is the free acquisition of an additional specialty for students who have distinguished themselves with good results in their studies.
- Housing prices. Housing prices in Bulgaria are the most affordable compared to other European countries. The quality of construction is excellent, complaints about developers are nonsense. A small apartment on the seashore will cost 500-700 euros per square meter. The highest housing prices are in luxury residential complexes, where prices per square meter can reach 1,300 euros.
- Resorts. People come to Bulgaria on holiday to improve their health. The country has the best resorts, sanatoriums, health resorts and boarding houses. The benefits of mineral springs and healing mud are widely known far beyond the country's borders.
- Safety. Although the crime rate in Bulgaria is not the lowest among European countries, you can live here without much worry. There is no need to let your guard down. Crime is most developed in the capital of the country and in resort towns. The most common types of crime are currency exchange fraud and pickpocketing. In the suburbs, people live the most peaceful lives; some don’t even lock their cars. The country's headache is the gypsies, who, in principle, are the main sources of thefts. In addition, 80% of Roma are unemployed, which means they are supported by the state.
- Climate and ecology. The country has a very good environment thanks to a large number of forests and a small number of factories. Due to the developed tourism infrastructure, the state takes care of the cleanliness of the Black Sea and beaches. The only thing that worries local residents is that the Danube River serves as an outlet for industries, which ensures the release of waste. The climate of Bulgaria is comfortable, without sudden changes. Summer is not tormented by sweltering heat, and winter is mild without frost. Beach season is from June to September.
- Location. Frequent flights will not be tiring due to the country's location. The flight takes on average 2.5 - 3 hours.
- Job. Bulgaria has a low unemployment rate, only 7%. The most in-demand professions are doctors, drivers, teachers. The shortage of these specialties is due to the fact that people leave for higher salaries in Germany and France. However, there is no opportunity for immigrants to get an official job without permanent residence status.
- Language and mentality. The common roots of the Bulgarian and Russian languages greatly facilitate communication. Many middle- and older-generation Bulgarians know Russian due to the fact that until 1989 Russian was part of the compulsory school curriculum. Bulgarian words are similar to Russian, and by listening to Bulgarian speech you can understand the meaning of the conversation even without knowing the language. The hospitality, friendliness and openness of the local population also endears us.
- Taxes. VAT in the country is 20%, and income tax is the lowest in all of Europe, only 10%.
- Nature. In Bulgaria, nature is distinguished by its diversity of landscapes. A long trip will not tire you of the monotonous view from the car window. Mountain ranges, clear lakes, rivers and forests alternate.
- Russian diaspora. Our former compatriots make up the 3rd ethnic minority. Now about 25 thousand Russians live in Bulgaria. The cities where the largest number of Russians settled are Plovdiv, Sofia and Varna. There is also a public organization “Union of Compatriots”, where new immigrants can always get help and support.
Disadvantages of the country.
- Heating. Despite the fact that Bulgaria is a southern country, there is still winter here and that means there is heating, the prices and quality of which are not encouraging. Central heating is not available everywhere, so people keep warm with the help of gas boilers, air conditioners and radiators. And these benefits of civilization consume huge amounts of electricity, which negatively affects the budget.
- Standard of living. The standard of living in the country cannot be called deplorable, but the economic and political situation in Bulgaria lags significantly behind other EU countries. In terms of wages, it ranks 1st in poverty among European countries.
- Roads. The condition of the road surface in 70% leaves much to be desired. And frequent accidents and accidents are associated with the driving style of local reckless drivers who do not comply with traffic rules, signs, or markings. Many roads are toll roads.
- Economy. The country's unstable economy does not inspire confidence for long-term investment.
- Small salary. Bulgaria ranks last in the European salary rankings. In 2021, the minimum payment, taking into account all tax payments, is about 450 euros. The highest salary in the country is for specialists in IT technologies, about 1,500 euros.
- High fuel prices. Due to the fact that gasoline in the country is imported, its prices are an order of magnitude higher than in Russia. 1 liter of 95 costs about 1 euro.
How to obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria?
To obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria, a Russian or Ukrainian must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you must reside outside the territory of the republic for at least 5 years with the status of a residence permit. Secondly, the applicant must comply with local laws and have a place to live. In addition, you will need a legal source of income to support yourself and family members (when planning their immigration).
The process of full legalization of a foreigner consists of seven stages:
- Entry to the Republic of Belarus with a national visa.
- Filling out an application for a residence permit.
- Residence permit extension every year.
- Residence for 5 years in Bulgaria with a residence permit.
- Request for permanent residence.
- The resident's stay in the republic is for another 5 years.
- Application for citizenship.
Next - more about the steps to a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria.
Visa application
Anyone who decides to obtain permanent residence in Bulgaria should start with a national visa category D. The document gives the right to a long stay in the country on any of the grounds described above and, depending on this, is called:
- work visa – issued upon employment in a Bulgarian company;
- investor visa – allows you to enter the country with large investments;
- family reunification permit – helps the relatives of a foreigner living in the republic to move;
- student visa – guarantees legal border crossing for university students;
- permission to do business - opens the way to the Republic of Belarus for legal entities with an open company;
- pensioner visa – valid under a special program for the entry of pensioners from the former CIS.
According to the conditions of issuing a visa, it cannot be extended - before the expiration of the validity period (6 months), it is necessary to obtain a permit for a residence permit or permanent residence in Bulgaria. A national visa allows you to stay exclusively on the territory of Bulgaria; you cannot enter other European countries with it.
A foreigner can submit documents in his home country, at the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria. The standard package of papers for a long-term visa includes:
- visa application form;
- international passport;
- 2 photos according to visa standards;
- certificate of good conduct;
- health insurance;
- confirmation of place and means of accommodation;
- documents confirming the legal basis of entry.
All documents are translated into Bulgarian and signed by a translator accredited at the embassy. The official period for consideration of the application is 30 working days (actually 40-60 days) from the date of filing the application. Consular fee – 100 €.
Bulgaria residence permit
Those arriving in Bulgaria with a type D visa will have to go through the registration procedure, and after that apply to the Migration Service with a request for a residence permit.
The list of documents for a residence permit in Bulgaria consists of:
- applications for residence permits;
- address card (issued during registration);
- copies of a foreign passport with a visa and entry stamp;
- rental or purchase agreements;
- bank statement in the amount of at least 12 minimum wages;
- certificates of good conduct;
- medical insurance policy for 30 thousand €;
- receipts for state fees (5 €);
- pension certificate and certificate (for pensioners).
The period for consideration of the application is 14-28 days. The cost of the residence permit itself, depending on the basis, will be 100-250 €. For complete registration, a pensioner will pay the least - about 500 €; for students and ordinary citizens, a permit will cost 700-800 €, and a residence permit for an investor can amount to 2 thousand €.
A residence permit in Bulgaria is issued for one year, with subsequent annual renewal. The application for extension must be submitted 2 weeks before the expiration date, otherwise you will have to pay a fine of 25 €. Having a residence permit, a foreigner can freely enter and leave Bulgaria, with the exception of students who are allowed to leave only during the holidays.
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Permanent residence in Bulgaria
After 5 years of residence with a residence permit in the Republic of Bulgaria, you can submit an application for permanent residence. The same package of papers must be presented to the Migration Police as when applying for a residence permit, with the exception of insurance. Registration will take about 3 months and will cost 100 €, in addition you will have to pay the cost of permanent residence – 510 €.
If the answer is positive, you must contact the Migration Service and receive there a “Notification Letter”, which confirms permission for permanent residence in Bulgaria. This document must be sent to the Community of the city of residence, which will issue an EGN (Unified Civil Number).
Attached to the notification letter:
- international passport and personal card;
- birth and marriage certificates;
- property owner's deed or rental agreement;
- receipt of state duty (5 €).
Additional documents may be required; the full list of papers must be checked with the Community at your place of residence. Within 2-3 weeks, you will be issued a paper with the Unified State Tax, with which you must come to the Migration Service, take a photo and pay 23 € for the production of a permanent residence card. Within a month, the applicant receives permanent residence status in Bulgaria.
Acquiring permanent residence status
Immigration to Bulgaria interests many of our fellow citizens. But, of course, for a normal life here you need to obtain a status that will give a visitor broad rights. In the Bulgarian migration legislation, Article 25 of the Law on Foreigners is devoted to this issue (Adv. SG No. 153/23 December 1998, amended SG No. 9 of January 28, 2011).
Reasons
The most important question that should interest every potential migrant is whether he will be given permission to permanently stay in Bulgaria. Or, in other words, is it possible to obtain permanent residence? There is a wide list of categories of citizens of other states who are likely to go through all the necessary procedures and receive the desired residence permit:
- persons with Bulgarian origin;
- spouses of foreigners permanently residing in this state, provided that the marriage lasted at least 5 years;
- children of a migrant who permanently resides in Bulgaria;
- parents of a local citizen who have been living in the country for at least 3 years continuously and are able to financially support themselves.
Read also: Residence permit for pensioners in Bulgaria How to obtain Bulgarian citizenship Average salary in Bulgaria
It is also possible to obtain permanent residence if you have lived continuously in the state for at least 5 years. In this case, you are allowed to leave for a total of a maximum of 30 months. Investors who invested more than a million leva in the country were also given such rights. Any minor child born in Bulgaria, abandoned by mom and dad, becomes a citizen of the republic.
Required documents
To apply for permanent residence, you need to collect a package of papers. But the list may differ significantly depending on what grounds there are for permission to reside in Bulgaria permanently. It must include an application, a copy of the passport, and a receipt for payment of the state fee. You will also need papers confirming that the migrant has a place to live. You will need to document your own financial viability. Plus, the package includes a certificate confirming no criminal record.
For minors
If parents are involved in obtaining permanent residence for the whole family or for a child separately, then they will have to collect paperwork for him as well. The package includes an application, a declaration confirming that mom and dad are not against the minor’s permanent residence in Bulgaria. You will also need the child's birth certificate and passport, if available. Parents must also submit documents about their financial solvency and housing availability.
For pensioners
Isn’t spending your old age somewhere in the most beautiful corner of Bulgaria a worthy goal? And this opportunity opens up for Russian pensioners, since they can take part in a special program. To do this, it is enough to comply with the minimum conditions.
In addition to the general package of documents, it is necessary to prove that the person is actually receiving a pension. Plus, you need papers confirming a certain level of financial solvency. Therefore, before a pensioner leaves for permanent residence in Bulgaria, it is worth making sure that his money is enough to ensure a decent standard of living there.
DVZH
There is also such a status as long-term stay in Bulgaria. Or it is called DVZH for short. But not all foreigners understand how it differs from permanent residence. This status allows you to live in the state for 5 years. Its design is much cheaper. In this status, you can live in Bulgaria, but work and study, and use medical services.
Can they refuse and what should they do?
In practice, refusals to issue permanent residence in Bulgaria are rare. The main reasons are:
- violation of deadlines for residence permits in the country;
- incomplete package of documents or incorrectly compiled papers;
- problems with the law and concealment of sources of financial support;
- deliberate deception of employees of the Migration Service;
- fictitious marriage or fictitious adoption.
Filing an appeal to resolve the issue will take a lot of time and financial resources, therefore, to prevent refusal, you should carefully prepare for submitting documents, consulting directly with the Migration Department. In addition, being in the status of a residence permit, you should impeccably follow the rules of residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria.
It is important to remember: having permanent residence status in Bulgaria, you can lose it due to a real threat to national security. Permanent residence can also be deprived of a person who does not reside in the country, or who is absent from the EU for 12 consecutive months (with the exception of investors). Those who have received the right to long-term stay in another EU state may also lose their status.
The procedure for obtaining temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit
Residence permit (DRP) and permanent residence in Bulgaria are issued quite simply if you have a large amount for investment (minimum 512 thousand euros).
To do this you need to invest:
- in bonds or shares of Bulgarian companies;
- derivative financial instruments (options, futures, etc.);
- Bulgarian government bonds for three years;
- in the share of a company with 50% participation of the Bulgarian state;
- in real estate, land plots;
- into copyright or related rights of Bulgarian citizens and companies.
True, even in this case there are restrictions - you need to legally live in the country for at least a year, and then maintain your investments for several more years. In other words, if you purchased Bulgarian shares, you cannot sell them the next day after receiving the stamp in your passport. After receiving permanent residence, you will have to invest at least the same amount (512 thousand euros) in a Bulgarian company.
There is also a requirement for the quality of investments - you can only purchase securities that are listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange.
Permanent residence is also quickly issued for holders of the so-called EU Blue Cards, which are issued to highly qualified specialists with a high level of income. To do this, you need to live in Europe for at least five years, the last few of which - directly in Bulgaria.
Another simple method of permanent residence is provided for those who married a citizen of the country, were born on its territory or have direct family ties here. It is enough to confirm these facts with the necessary documents and there will be no problems with accommodation.
Pros and cons of permanent residence
If we compare Bulgaria with other European countries, we can highlight the following advantages of the republic as a place for permanent residence:
- magnificent sea resorts in summer and ski resorts in winter;
- mild climate in the cold season and in the off-season;
- inexpensive real estate - you can find a studio apartment for only 15 thousand €;
- cheap cars from Europe and low fuel costs;
- an abundance of fruits, vegetables and cuisine close to the Slavs;
- territorial proximity to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus;
- the possibility of free education for the child at school;
- in the future – entry into Schengen;
- ease of starting a business and low tax burden.
Negative aspects: salaries are not as high as in other EU countries, and difficulties in finding employment (almost all jobs are occupied by Bulgarians and residents from the European Union).
Life of Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians after immigration
In Bulgaria, Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are treated equally friendly; they are not distinguished by ethnic groups. Bulgarians are accustomed to tourists from different countries, and many resorts are populated by Russian-speaking residents. Citizens of the former CIS countries willingly buy inexpensive housing on the coast, many then move here permanently.
The state has a calm crime situation, the local population is completely non-aggressive and very friendly - according to reviews from Russians and Ukrainians, they have no problems communicating with Bulgarians. Russians really like Bulgarian cuisine, which is close to Russian, Greek and Italian at the same time. Spiritual closeness is also manifested in the fact that Bulgaria is an Orthodox republic. The peaceful and inexpensive life in this cozy, warm and welcoming country suits many immigrants; they often call it their “small new homeland.”
When choosing Bulgaria as a place for permanent residence, it is worth securing a serious basis that is acceptable for foreigners applying for permanent residence. Most of those who left to live in this European republic from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus receive permission for permanent residence after 5 years of residence with a residence permit. Moving in any case is accompanied by stress and requires getting used to for the first couple of years, Bulgaria is no exception. However, it is the least expensive EU republic for immigrants, and here you can find a decent standard of living for yourself and your descendants.
Features of emigration to Bulgaria
Bulgaria does not have a large number of migrants, but they are still found, including from the Russian Federation. What attracts Russians to live in this country?
- Bulgaria does not create attractive conditions, privileges or benefits for visitors.
- Among the people who came to this country for permanent residence, there are few highly qualified specialists who came for a prestigious job.
- Although Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, it is a rather poor country and the economy in the state is not prosperous.
Thus, money and a well-paid job are not what you should move to the Bulgarian state for.
What then pushes people to immigrate to Bulgaria?
- democratic tax policy;
- the opportunity to travel without a visa to European countries;
- mild climate;
- beautiful nature, ecology;
- close location to Russia (convenient to visit relatives in the Russian Federation);
- low crime rate.