Bulgaria Investment Immigration

Investment immigration is the process of investing a specific amount of money into the country the investor wishes to reside in, thus qualifying for permanent residency status. Each jurisdiction offers different requirements to be met in order to qualify for a visa.

Why Immigrate to Bulgaria

Due to its European Union status, Bulgaria is a very popular location for foreigners to seek permanent residency in. Bulgaria also boasts NATO membership, a highly educated and skilled working population, competitively priced healthcare and education fees, and a highly sought after tax environment.

The Bulgarian Investment Immigration Program (BGIIP) was introduced by the Bulgarian Government in a bid to attract foreign investors to reside in the country to achieve a more diverse and competitive business environment.

The BGIIP is aimed at non-EU residents who are seeking EU residence and citizenship in Bulgaria. In general the BGIIP is most popular among high net worth individuals, as these are the people who are able to invest a large proportion of their wealth into the country for the benefit of the county’s economy.

Requirements of the Bulgarian Investment Immigration Program

For a Full Investment Visa

- The applicant must invest BGN 1,000,000 (€511,292) into a Bulgarian Government bond
- The Government Bond investment must be managed in Bulgaria for at least 5 years. Once the 5 years is over the amount is returned to the investor with no accrued interest.
- To be eligible for the full investment option you must have a net worth of at least BGN 1,000,000 (€511,292)

For a Financed Investment Visa

-  The applicant invests a sum of €170,000 as a deposit
-  The €170,000 is required to finance the BGN 1,000,000 (€511,292) loan from a Chartered Bulgarian Bank
-  This amount however is not returned to the investor once the 5 year period is up
-  To be eligible for the financed investment option you must have a personal net worth of BGN 2,000,000 (€1,022,000)

Further BGIIP features and requirements

-  It can take as little as 6-8 months to complete the application and approval of a residency visa in Bulgaria
-  It is vital that the applicant can provide evidence of funds and demonstrate that the funds were gained legitimately
-  You cannot have a criminal record nor can you have previously undertaken in any inappropriate business endeavors
-  There is an application fee which must be paid for the application process
-  The residency process may require the applicant to travel to Sofia as many as three times
-  On approval of your visa you will gain EU resident status

EU residency status allows for non EU residents to benefit from: freedom of movement within the European Union and the right to reside in any of the EU member states; the right to study, work and retire in any of the member states; right for free trade; right to quality health care; right to an equal and fair standard of living throughout the EU and also; access to justice within the EU.

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