Bulgaria Enters Schengen Zone, Rolls Out Golden Visa Program for Investors
Bulgaria, the European Union’s youngest member, has officially joined the Schengen Area as of January 1, 2025. This milestone has propelled the country into the spotlight for global investors, especially from India, with its revamped Golden Visa program offering unparalleled benefits for those seeking a permanent European base.
What Makes Bulgaria’s Golden Visa Program Stand Out?
Launched in 2023, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency immediately by investing €512,000 (approximately ₹5.12 crore) in funds regulated by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission (FSC). This is a significant upgrade from the previous Citizenship by Investment scheme, which ended in 2022.
Upon approval, applicants and their families enjoy:
- Immediate permanent residency status
- Visa-free travel across the entire Schengen zone (covering 116 countries)
- Eligibility for Bulgarian citizenship after five years of legal residence
- Inclusion of spouse, children, parents, and in-laws in one application
Unlike many other EU investor visa programs, Bulgaria requires no minimum stay—an attractive feature for Indians and other investors who prefer maintaining their primary residence elsewhere while enjoying global mobility.
Key Benefits of Bulgaria’s Golden Visa
Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program is strategically positioned to compete with popular EU destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Greece but at a more accessible investment threshold. Highlights include:
- Direct permanent residency from day one—no temporary permits
- Comprehensive family inclusion
- No mandatory residence days required annually
- Attractive flat personal tax rate of 10%, among the lowest in the EU
- Fast processing times—typically 3 to 6 months
- Access to EU-standard healthcare and education for PR holders
- No Bulgarian language proficiency required for residency
- Banking flexibility—no need for a Bulgarian bank account if your bank complies with FATF standards
Eligibility Criteria for Main Applicants
To apply for Bulgaria’s Golden Visa, candidates must meet the following:
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold non-EU citizenship with a valid passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Invest €512,000 in an FSC-licensed investment fund
- Demonstrate income exceeding the investment amount
- Pay applicable application and processing fees
Family members—spouse, children, parents, and in-laws—can be included under the same application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Pre-approval and Due Diligence
Applicants undergo background checks with the Bulgarian Investment Agency. Documents required include proof of income, police clearance, CV, and AML/PEP declarations. - Investment Transfer
Invest €512,000 in a licensed Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) or Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF), remotely or in person. - Apply for a D-type Visa
Submit your documents to a Bulgarian embassy or consulate. Visa decisions typically arrive within 2 to 4 weeks. - Receive Permanent Residency
Upon arrival in Bulgaria, complete biometric verification and collect your PR card. The card is valid indefinitely but requires renewal every 5 years. - Apply for Citizenship
After maintaining residency and investment for five years, you become eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare a thorough set of documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Police clearance certificates (from home country and country of residence)
- Proof of income and financial sources
- Bank reference letter
- Investment certificate
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependents
- AML and PEP declarations
- CV and other supporting documents
All documents must be legalized prior to submission.
Why Bulgaria is Becoming a Hotspot for Investors
Bulgaria offers a unique combination of benefits that other European programs struggle to match:
- Faster processing and direct permanent residency rather than temporary visas
- Lower investment threshold (€512,000) compared to other programs that often require €1 million or more
- Full access to the Schengen Area for travel across Europe
- Competitive tax rates and high-quality public services
For Indian high-net-worth individuals and families, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa program is emerging as an attractive gateway to Europe, balancing cost, convenience, and lifestyle advantages.
For more details, visit the official Bulgaria Golden Visa Program.
