Bulgaria Golden Visa Scheme Bulgaria has opened its doors to global investors under the Golden Visa programme. This is not like the earlier citizenship by investment scheme, which ends in 2022. This new visa scheme is going to provide direct permanent residence.
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Bulgaria Golden Visa Scheme: Bulgaria has quietly become a favorite travel destination for Indians dreaming of visiting Europe. This country has launched a Golden Visa Scheme for non-EU (European Union) tourists visiting here. Bulgaria joined the Schengen visa area on 1 January 2025 as the newest member of the European Union. Now it has opened the doors of its country to global investors under the Golden Visa program. This is not like the earlier citizenship scheme through investment, which ended in 2022. This new visa scheme is going to provide direct permanent residence. Through which citizenship can be obtained after five years.
What is Bulgaria’s Golden Visa
The Golden Visa was launched in 2023. Under this, non-EU citizens including Indians can obtain permanent residence by investing Rs 4.5 crore in Bulgaria’s licensed funds. As soon as you get the visa, you and your family immediately get residence rights with visa-free entry into the Schengen area. If you meet the legal requirements, you get citizenship after five years.
Why it is important
These are the main benefits of this program for Indian professionals, business families and high net-worth individuals:
You get permanent residency and don’t have to start with a temporary permit.
Your spouse, children, parents, even in-laws can be part of the same application.
You are not bound to stay in Bulgaria for a minimum set number of days each year. This flexibility is best suited for Indians who wish to retain their main base in India.
The Golden Visa allows entry to 116 countries including the Schengen area.
The personal tax rate in Bulgaria is one of the lowest in the EU, at just 10%.
The application usually takes 3 to 6 months.
These can apply
- As an Indian applicant, these conditions must be fulfilled
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid Indian passport
- Must have no criminal record
- Must make an eligible investment of Rs 4.5 crore in a Bulgarian fund
- Must provide proof of income above the investment amount
- Must pay application and processing fees
- Your family members (spouse, children, parents) can be added in the same application.
How to invest money
To stay in Bulgaria, you can invest Rs 4.5 crore in two types of funds, alternative investment funds (AIF) and exchange-traded funds (ETF). But you cannot mix both the funds. You have to choose either AIF or ETF.
AIF: A safe option where the money is invested in several Bulgarian assets, which offer safety and modest returns.
ETF: More liquid investments traded on the stock exchange, making buying and selling easier.
Application Process
Step 1: Undergo pre-clearance checks (clean criminal record, proof of funds, AML/PEP declarations).
Step 2: Invest Rs 4.5 crore in an AIF or ETF licensed by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission.
Step 3: Apply for a D-type visa at the Bulgarian Embassy in India.
Step 4: Go to Bulgaria to apply for your permanent residence card and complete biometric verification.
The PR card is indefinite, but it needs to be renewed every 5 years. After holding the investment for 5 years, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
These documents are required
- Valid Indian passport
- Police clearance certificate from India (and any other countries you reside in)
- Proof of funds and income source
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependents
- Passport size photographs
- CV and supporting financial documents
- Investment certificate from the fund company
