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Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, bordering Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, with the Black Sea to the east. Its capital and largest city is Sofia, and the official language is Bulgarian. Bulgaria is famous for its the production of high-quality rose oil, stunning natural landscapes, and a blend of Eastern and Western influences evident in its cuisine, architecture, and history.
Bulgaria can be a good option for work and settling due to its low cost of living, EU membership, and increasing economic growth, attracting expats with its affordable lifestyle and potential for a good quality of life.
Bulgaria’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, with 8.64 million tourist arrivals in 2023, and the country is experiencing a rise in popularity, particularly for its Black Sea coastline and affordable prices.
To obtain residence in Bulgaria, non-EU citizens generally need a D visa and then a residence permit. A D visa is a long-stay visa that allows entry and multiple entries into Bulgaria for reasons like work, study, business, or retirement. Once in Bulgaria, you can apply for a temporary residence permit, which can be extended and ultimately lead to permanent residency or long-term residency. Bulgaria also offers investment-based residency pathways, such as the “Golden Visa,” for those who invest a certain amount in Bulgarian property or investment funds.
1. Rich History and Culture: Bulgaria boasts a wealth of historical sites, from ancient Thracian tombs to medieval monasteries and Byzantine ruins, showcasing its diverse past.
2. Diverse Landscapes: From the Black Sea coast to the majestic Rila Mountains, Bulgaria offers a variety of natural beauty, catering to diverse interests.
3. Unique Experiences: The Rose Festival, authentic Bulgarian cuisine, and the warmth of the local people contribute to a truly memorable experience.
4. Affordable Living: Bulgaria offers a significantly lower cost of living than many Western European countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking to stretch their budget.
5. Safe and Family-Friendly Environment: Bulgaria is known for being a relatively safe and family-friendly country, contributing to a sense of well-being.
6. Access to Europe: Situated in a strategic location, Bulgaria provides convenient access to other European countries, making it easy to explore the region.
7. Growing Economy: Bulgaria’s economy is steadily growing, presenting opportunities for career development, especially for skilled workers.
Permanent residents in Bulgaria enjoy several benefits, including:
1. Visa-free travel: Holders of Bulgarian permanent residency permits can travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes many countries in Europe.
2. Healthcare and Education: They have access to the Bulgarian healthcare system and can enroll in secondary and higher education institutions.
3. Labor Market Access: Permanent residents can work or establish businesses in Bulgaria without restrictions.
4. Free Entry and Exit: They can enter and exit Bulgaria without visas, allowing for frequent travel for business, leisure, or other reasons.
5. Road to Citizenship: After five years of permanent residency, they may be eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
6. Tax Benefits: Depending on their circumstances, permanent residents may also benefit from certain tax exemptions.
7. Access to EU Services: Permanent residents can take advantage of services available within the EU, such as healthcare and education.
1. Freedom of Movement: Citizens can live, work, and study in any EU member state without restrictions.
2. Visa-Free Travel: They can travel visa-free to 169 countries, including Canada and Australia,
3. Property Ownership: They can purchase property, including land, in Bulgaria and other EU member states.
4. Education and Healthcare: Access to the EU’s high-quality education and healthcare systems.
5. Low Tax Environment: Bulgaria offers a competitive tax environment within the EU.
6. Pension System: Bulgaria has a three-pillar pension system, including mandatory and supplementary funds.
7. Unemployment Benefits: Citizens can access unemployment benefits based on contributions to the Unemployment fund.
1. Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency: They must have held a long-term or permanent residence permit for at least 5 years, or 3 years in specific cases (e.g., marriage to a Bulgarian citizen, birth in Bulgaria, or settlement before 18).
3. Criminal Record: Applicants must have no criminal record, meaning they cannot have been convicted of a premeditated crime.
4. Financial Self-Sufficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially in Bulgaria, either through employment or other income sources.
5. Language Proficiency: While not always required for all paths to citizenship, some applicants may need to prove fluency in Bulgarian and obtain a language proficiency certificate from the Ministry of Education.
6. Citizenship by Investment: Bulgaria also offers citizenship by investment, where individuals can obtain permanent residence and potentially citizenship by making investments in certain approved projects, such as real estate, stocks, or business ventures.
7. Citizenship by Origin/Descent: Individuals with Bulgarian ancestry may be able to obtain citizenship by demonstrating their lineage through birth certificates, documents from Bulgarian organizations, or other relevant records.
EU/EEA citizens can generally move freely to Bulgaria and reside there without needing a visa or special permit, provided they meet certain basic requirements. They will need to register with the authorities within a specified timeframe after arrival and may need to obtain a residence permit after a certain period, according to Your Europe.
Non-EU citizens relocating to Bulgaria typically require a D visa and residency permit. They can apply for temporary or permanent residence permits, often through a Trade Representative Office of a foreign company or by making investments. Citizenship is possible after 5 years of permanent residence or through other routes like marriage or descent.
To obtain a Bulgarian residence permit, you’ll typically need a:
1. Valid Passport
2. Application Form
3. Proof of Accommodation
4. Proof of Financial Means
5. Certificate of No Criminal Record
6. Reason for Stay
7. Medical Insurance
8. Passport Photo
Bulgaria offers three main types of visas:
1. Passport
2. Health insurance
3. Financial proof
4. Proof of schengen travel insurance
5. Visa approval
6. Airline ticket
7. Application form
8. Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
9. Proof of funds
10. Recent photograph each
11. Travel document
12. A passport photo in color
13. Cover letter
14. Pay the visa fee
15. Proof of accommodation
16. The employment contract
17. Police Clearance Certificate
You may apply to bring your non-EU family members in Bulgaria if:
You may bring your spouse or partner (with whom you have been cohabitating) and any children under the age of 18.
In addition to the requirements listen above under long-stay visas, Bulgaria visa requirements for a family reunification visa include:
Bulgaria offers job opportunities in various sectors, with IT, customer care, and marketing leading the way in demand and salary. The country also attracts outsourcing business due to its robust banking system, low taxes, and qualified workforce. While the IT sector is booming, traditional industries like metallurgy and manufacturing remain significant.
1. software developer
2. Accountant
3. Administrative Secretary
4. Construction
5. Engineer
6. Human Resources Manager
7. Manufacturing
8. Sales Manager
9. Agriculture
10. Teacher
Bulgaria, the average monthly gross salary is around 2,310 Bulgarian leva (BGN), Salaries in Bulgaria can be considered relatively good for foreigners, particularly in sectors like IT and language services, and in the capital city, Sofia. While the average salary is around 1,300-1,500 BGN (Bulgarian Lev) monthly, high-demand sectors and Sofia offer higher pay
The Bulgarian employer is responsible for submitting the work permit application on behalf of foreign employees. However, the employee will need to provide some of the documents required along with the application. Required documents include:
The employee will also require a long-stay visa. To obtain one, they’ll need to produce the following documents:
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