Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025, Are you planning to secure residency in Europe through investment? The Bulgaria Golden Visa 2025 program is one of the most attractive pathways for investors who want to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union (EU). This investment-based residency visa allows foreign investors and their families to obtain Bulgarian residency and later citizenship.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Bulgaria Golden Visa process 2025, including eligibility criteria, investment options, step-by-step application guide, benefits, required documents, and processing timelines. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
What is the Bulgaria Golden Visa?
The Bulgaria Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU nationals who want to gain permanent residency and eventual citizenship in Bulgaria. By making a qualifying investment in the country, applicants and their families can enjoy long-term benefits such as:
- Free movement across EU and Schengen countries
- Access to Bulgarian healthcare and education
- Eligibility for Bulgarian citizenship after 5 years
- Favorable taxation policies
In 2025, the program continues to attract high-net-worth individuals due to its lower investment threshold compared to other EU countries and its fast-track citizenship option.
Bulgaria Golden Visa 2025 – Key Benefits
Before diving into the process, let’s look at why investors prefer Bulgaria:
✅ Fast Citizenship Track – Citizenship possible within 2 to 5 years, depending on investment size.
✅ Low Corporate & Personal Tax Rates – Flat 10% tax rate (one of the lowest in the EU).
✅ Family Inclusion – Spouse and dependent children included in the application.
✅ Visa-Free Travel – Permanent residents and citizens can travel across Schengen Zone & EU countries.
✅ Strong Investment Opportunities – Bulgaria has a growing economy, especially in real estate, IT, and manufacturing sectors. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Eligibility Criteria for Bulgaria Golden Visa 2025
To apply for the Bulgaria Golden Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement – Must be 18 years or older.
- Clean Criminal Record – Applicants must provide police clearance.
- Financial Stability – Proof of legal and sufficient investment funds.
- Investment Requirement – Minimum qualifying investment in government bonds, business, or real estate.
- Valid Passport – Must have a valid travel document.
- Medical Insurance – Proof of coverage in Bulgaria.
Investment Options for Bulgaria Golden Visa
As of 2025, applicants can choose from several investment options:
1. Government Bond Investment
- Minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (approx. €511,000) in Bulgarian government bonds.
- Investment is held for 5 years, after which funds are returned without interest.
2. Business Investment
- Minimum of BGN 500,000 (approx. €256,000) in a Bulgarian company that creates at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens.
3. Real Estate Investment
- Although not the primary route, real estate purchase combined with other investment methods can support the application.
4. Capital Increase / Shareholding
- Investment in a Bulgarian company through shareholding or capital increase.
Fast-Track Citizenship Option: Investors who double their investment (approx. €1,024,000) can apply for citizenship within 2 years instead of waiting for 5 years. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Step by Step Application Guide – Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Here’s the step-by-step guide to applying for the Bulgaria Golden Visa in 2025:
Step 1: Choose an Investment Option
Decide whether you want to invest in government bonds, business, or company shares. Ensure you meet the minimum investment threshold.
Step 2: Hire a Licensed Immigration Lawyer
Professional guidance is essential to handle legal paperwork, investment contracts, and residency applications.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather all required documents including:
- Valid passport
- Proof of investment funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth & marriage certificates (for family members)
- Medical insurance
- Application forms
Step 4: Make the Investment
Transfer funds into the chosen investment category (e.g., government bonds or Bulgarian business).
Step 5: Submit Application for Permanent Residency
Apply at the investbg.government.bg or relevant authorities. Residency permits are usually granted within a few months.
Step 6: Receive Bulgarian Residency Permit
Once approved, you and your family will receive residency cards allowing you to live, work, and study in Bulgaria.
Step 7: Apply for Citizenship (Optional)
After 5 years of residency, or 2 years with fast-track investment, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Documents Required for Bulgaria Golden Visa Application
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of investment funds (bank statements, contracts)
- Police clearance certificate
- Health insurance valid in Bulgaria
- Birth certificate (translated & notarized)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Completed application forms
- Proof of residence address in Bulgaria
Processing Time & Costs
- Residency Approval Time: 6 to 9 months
- Citizenship Application: 2 to 5 years (depending on investment option)
- Government Fees & Legal Costs: €15,000 – €25,000 (approx.) Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Why Choose Bulgaria for a Golden Visa?
Compared to other EU Golden Visa programs like Portugal, Spain, or Greece, Bulgaria offers:
- Lower investment thresholds
- Faster route to citizenship
- Flat 10% income tax
- Strategic location in Europe with access to EU and Schengen Zone
This makes Bulgaria one of the most cost-effective and efficient Golden Visa programs in 2025. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can my family apply with me?
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can be included in the same application.
2. Do I need to live in Bulgaria full-time?
No. Unlike other EU programs, Bulgaria does not require strict physical residence.
3. Can I travel freely in Europe with Bulgarian residency?
Yes. Residency allows visa-free travel within EU and Schengen countries.
4. How soon can I get Bulgarian citizenship?
Citizenship is possible in 2 to 5 years, depending on your investment option.
5. Is real estate purchase enough for the Golden Visa?
Not directly. Real estate can be part of the investment, but the primary routes are government bonds and company investments. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
Final Thoughts
The Bulgaria Golden Visa 2025 is one of the most affordable and fastest residency-by-investment programs in the EU. With its low tax system, EU access, family inclusion, and fast-track citizenship option, it has become a top choice for global investors. Bulgaria Golden Visa Process 2025
If you are seeking permanent residency in Europe with a pathway to EU citizenship, then the Bulgaria Golden Visa program is a smart and future-proof investment.