When it comes to securing a foothold in Europe, the Republic of Bulgaria offers foreign investors one of the most intriguing pathways to EU citizenship.
Nestled in the Balkans with shores on the Black Sea, this emerging European economy provides several routes to Bulgarian citizenship that deserve serious consideration from global investors and those seeking mobility within the Schengen area.
As someone who's analyzed dozens of citizenship by investment programs worldwide, I find Bulgaria's approach particularly fascinating – it balances investment schemes with a clear path to EU citizenship, albeit with some important caveats that potential applicants should understand.
Let's explore how Bulgaria's program works in 2025, what benefits it offers, and whether it might be the right fit for your global citizenship portfolio.
6 Ways to Get Bulgaria Citizenship
Bulgaria offers multiple pathways to citizenship, each with different requirements and timelines. Here are the six primary routes:
- Citizenship through Residency by Investment (Bulgarian Golden Visa) - Make a qualifying investment of €512,000 (BGN 1 million) to obtain permanent residence, then apply for citizenship after five years. This is the primary investment route still available.
- Citizenship by Descent (Bulgarian Origin) - If you have Bulgarian ancestry (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent), you may qualify for citizenship without making any investment. This route typically doesn't require language proficiency or residency.
- Citizenship by Naturalization - Live in Bulgaria continuously for five years under a long-term residence permit, demonstrate language proficiency, and show a stable income to qualify.
- Citizenship by Marriage - Marry a Bulgarian citizen and live in Bulgaria for three years before applying for citizenship. This route reduces the standard five-year residency requirement.
- Real Estate Investment for Temporary Residency - Invest at least €312,000 in Bulgarian property to obtain a renewable temporary residence permit, which can lead to permanent residence after five years, and citizenship five years after that.
- Exceptional Merit Citizenship - In rare cases, Bulgarian citizenship may be granted for exceptional contributions to Bulgaria in fields like science, culture, or sports. This discretionary route doesn't follow standard requirements.
For investors, the Golden Visa route (the first option) remains the most straightforward path, offering permanent residence immediately and citizenship eligibility after five years.
Bulgaria Golden Visa and Golden Passport Guide in 5 Steps
If you're considering the Golden Visa pathway to Bulgarian citizenship, here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Pre-Approval and Investment First, gather essential documents including a clean criminal record certificate and proof of legitimate funds. Submit these to the Bulgarian Investment Agency (BIA) for due diligence review. Once cleared, make your qualifying investment of €512,000 (BGN 1 million) in one of the approved options, such as Bulgarian stocks, mutual funds, or alternative investment funds. The BIA will then issue an investment certificate.
Step 2: Apply for Type D Visa With your investment certificate in hand, apply for a Type D long-stay visa at your local Bulgarian embassy or consulate. This typically takes about one month to process and allows you to enter Bulgaria to complete the next steps.
Step 3: Secure Permanent Residence Once in Bulgaria with your D visa, visit the Migration Directorate to apply for permanent residence. Provide biometrics and wait approximately 45 working days for processing. Upon approval, you'll receive your Bulgarian permanent resident card. At this stage, you can also apply for family reunification to extend residency to your spouse and children.
Step 4: Maintain Status for Five Years During this period, you must maintain your qualifying investment. While there's no requirement to physically reside in Bulgaria (a major advantage of this program), you should keep your permanent resident card valid through periodic renewals. Consider using this time to learn basic Bulgarian, as language proficiency will be required for citizenship.
Step 5: Apply for Citizenship After five years as a permanent resident, prepare your citizenship application. You'll need an updated police clearance, proof of maintained investment, evidence of income, and a Bulgarian language proficiency certificate. Submit these to the Ministry of Justice (often via a Bulgarian embassy if you're abroad). The processing typically takes 6-12 months, culminating in a Presidential decree granting citizenship if approved. Take an oath of allegiance and apply for your Bulgarian passport to complete the process.
Throughout these steps, working with experienced legal counsel familiar with Bulgarian immigration law can substantially smooth the process.
7 Benefits of Getting Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment
Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship through investment offers numerous advantages:
- EU Freedom of Movement - As a Bulgarian citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states, plus EEA countries and Switzerland. This represents one of the most powerful benefits of Bulgarian citizenship – complete mobility within Europe.
- Visa-Free Travel - The Bulgarian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 179 destinations worldwide. This includes the entire Schengen area, the UK, Canada (via eTA), Australia, and many countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
- Recoverable Investment - Unlike some citizenship programs that require non-refundable donations, Bulgaria's program involves actual investments. Your €512,000 can potentially be recovered after fulfilling the necessary holding period.
- EU Social Benefits - Bulgarian citizens can access public healthcare and education in Bulgaria and, as EU citizens, can utilize systems in other EU countries after meeting local requirements.
- Business Advantages - With Bulgarian citizenship, you can freely establish businesses, buy property, and invest across the European Union without immigration barriers. Bulgaria itself offers a competitive 10% flat tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU.
- Security and "Plan B" - EU citizenship provides geopolitical security. As a Bulgarian (and therefore EU) citizen, you and your family have guaranteed rights to legal residence in stable, NATO and EU-member Bulgaria.
- Family Legacy - Once you become a Bulgarian citizen, you can pass this citizenship to your descendants, creating a multi-generational benefit. Your future children will be born as Bulgarian (and therefore EU) citizens.
Even at the permanent residence stage, you enjoy most rights within Bulgaria apart from voting and holding certain public offices.
Cons of Getting Bulgaria CBI
Despite its advantages, Bulgaria's citizenship by investment pathway does present several challenges:
The financial commitment is substantial – €512,000 must remain invested for at least five years, representing a significant opportunity cost. Additional expenses include government fees, due diligence costs, legal fees, and document preparation.
The waiting period to citizenship is considerable. Unlike Caribbean programs offering citizenship in months, Bulgaria requires at least five years of permanent residence before citizenship eligibility. The application processing adds additional time, making the total timeline approximately six years.
Learning Bulgarian presents a hurdle for many. The language exam typically requires A2-level proficiency in a Slavic language using the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be challenging for many non-European applicants. Some family members may be exempt, but the main investor generally must pass this test.
Perhaps most significantly, Bulgaria's dual citizenship restrictions create complications. The law formally requires most naturalizing foreigners to renounce their previous nationality, though implementation provides a grace period of up to three years after naturalization. This presents a serious consideration for American investors and others who wish to maintain their original citizenship.
The investment landscape also carries inherent market risk. Unlike the former government bond option (which was discontinued), current investment choices in funds or stocks expose investors to market fluctuations that could affect principal value.
Program stability is another consideration. Bulgaria's investment migration framework has undergone changes in recent years, including the elimination of the fast-track option in 2021-2022. While those with existing status are typically protected, future requirements could evolve.
Is Bulgarian Dual Citizenship Possible?
The question of dual citizenship is crucial for prospective Bulgarian citizens. Here's the current situation:
Bulgaria allows dual citizenship for native-born citizens and those who acquire citizenship by descent. However, for foreigners naturalizing through the investment pathway, the law (Article 12 of the Citizenship Act) generally requires renunciation of previous citizenships.
There are important exceptions. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, those married to Bulgarian citizens, and citizens of countries with bilateral treaties with Bulgaria regarding dual citizenship are exempt from renunciation. For investors from countries like the United States, which has no such agreement, the renunciation requirement technically applies.
In practice, Bulgarian authorities have implemented a pragmatic approach. New citizens are given up to three years after naturalization to submit proof of renunciation. This creates a grace period during which dual citizenship exists de facto. However, this is not a permanent solution – failure to eventually renounce could potentially risk Bulgarian citizenship status.
For American investors, this creates a difficult choice. The United States permits dual citizenship, but Bulgaria would expect an American who naturalizes to eventually renounce their U.S. citizenship. This is a major consideration given the irreversible nature and tax implications of renouncing U.S. citizenship.
The Bulgarian government has periodically discussed relaxing dual citizenship restrictions, but as of early 2025, the renunciation requirement remains in force for non-exempt naturalizing citizens.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment?
To qualify for Bulgaria's residency by investment program (which leads to citizenship eligibility), applicants must meet several criteria:
You must be a non-EU/EEA foreign national over 18 years old. EU citizens are excluded as they already enjoy freedom of movement within the EU.
A clean criminal record is mandatory. Background checks are conducted during the application process, and any serious criminal history will result in rejection.
You need verifiable, legitimate funds for investment. The source of your investment capital must be legal and traceable.
Good health is required, though there is no formal medical examination in most cases.
For the citizenship stage (after five years), additional requirements include:
- Basic Bulgarian language proficiency (typically A2 level)
- Maintaining the qualifying investment throughout the five-year period
- Evidence of income or means to support yourself
- Continued clean criminal record
Family members included in your application must also meet age-appropriate requirements and pass background checks.
3 Types of Citizenship
Bulgaria recognizes three fundamental types of citizenship:
- Citizenship by Birth/Descent - Acquired either by being born to Bulgarian parents (jus sanguinis) or by proving Bulgarian ancestry up to the third generation. This citizenship is automatically recognized rather than granted, making it the most secure form.
- Citizenship by Naturalization - Obtained after meeting residency requirements, demonstrating integration (language), and fulfilling other criteria. The investment route falls under this category as a specialized form of naturalization.
- Citizenship by Exceptional Contribution - Granted in rare cases for outstanding service or contribution to Bulgaria in fields like science, sports, or culture. This is discretionary and rare.
The investment pathway leads to the second type – citizenship by naturalization – albeit with special conditions for the initial residency stage.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Bulgarian Golden Passport?
The total cost of obtaining Bulgarian citizenship through investment includes:
Core Investment: €512,000 (approximately BGN 1 million) in qualifying Bulgarian assets. This is the minimum investment required to obtain permanent residence.
Government and Processing Fees: Approximately €5,000-€10,000 for various application fees, document processing, and biometric residence cards for a family of four.
Legal and Advisory Fees: Typically €15,000-€30,000 for comprehensive legal assistance throughout the 5+ year process, including documentation preparation, application submissions, and guidance.
Due Diligence Costs: Around €2,000-€5,000 for background checks conducted by the Bulgarian authorities.
Language Training: €1,000-€3,000 for Bulgarian language courses to prepare for the citizenship language test.
Travel and Accommodation: Variable costs for visits to Bulgaria during the application process.
Investment Management Fees: If investing through funds, annual management fees typically range from 1-2% of the invested amount.
The total non-recoverable costs (excluding the core investment, which can potentially be recovered) typically range from €25,000-€50,000 for a family of four, depending on service providers and specific circumstances.
Citizenship by Buying Real Estate in Bulgaria
Can I Get Residency in Bulgaria if I Buy a House?
Yes, purchasing real estate in Bulgaria can provide a pathway to residency, but with important distinctions from the main investment program:
Buying property worth at least €312,000 in Bulgaria qualifies you for a renewable annual residence permit – not immediate permanent residence. This is a separate provision from the primary Golden Visa.
After holding this property-based temporary residence for five years continuously (without needing to spend significant time in Bulgaria), you become eligible to apply for permanent residence. Only after securing permanent residence does the five-year countdown to citizenship eligibility begin.
This real estate route essentially extends the total timeline to citizenship to approximately 10 years (5 years of temporary residence + 5 years of permanent residence), making it a slower path than the financial investment option.
The advantage of this route is the lower initial investment (€312,000 vs. €512,000) and the opportunity to invest directly in tangible property rather than financial instruments. The disadvantage is the extended timeline to citizenship.
It's worth noting that unlike countries such as Portugal, Spain, or Greece, Bulgaria's main Golden Visa doesn't count real estate purchase toward the €512,000 investment requirement for immediate permanent residence. Real estate is treated as a separate category with its own residency pathway.
Getting Bulgarian Passport for My Family Is Possible?
Yes, the Bulgarian investment residency program accommodates families. When a main applicant qualifies for the Golden Visa, they can include:
- Spouse
- Minor children (under 18)
- Dependent parents (including in-laws)
Family members receive the same permanent residence status as the main investor through family reunification provisions, typically after a short process once the main applicant's permanent residence is approved.
Importantly, only one qualifying investment (€512,000) is required to cover the entire family – spouses and children don't need to make additional investments.
The path to citizenship for family members works as follows:
The spouse must hold permanent residency for at least three years after the main investor becomes a citizen (reduced from five years under recent amendments). Notably, spouses of investors are exempt from the language requirement when applying for citizenship.
Children under 18 can obtain Bulgarian citizenship directly after the investor parent is granted citizenship, without needing to live in Bulgaria or know the language.
Adult children (over 18) generally need to qualify on their own, either by proving their parent is now Bulgarian (citizenship by origin) or by completing the standard naturalization requirements.
This family-inclusive approach makes the Bulgarian program attractive for investors looking to secure European rights for their entire household.
Minimum Investment to Get Bulgaria Citizenship
The minimum investment required to start the path to Bulgarian citizenship is €512,000 (approximately BGN 1 million). This amount has remained stable since the program restructuring, though the investment options have evolved.
As of 2025, eligible investment options include:
- Shares of Bulgarian companies traded on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange
- Units of Bulgarian mutual funds or ETFs registered in Bulgaria
- Alternative investment funds such as private equity or venture capital funds focused on Bulgaria
- Certified Priority Investment Projects approved by the government
- Direct investment in a Bulgarian company's capital or its traded bonds/shares
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are included in the allowed fund categories. However, direct real estate purchases fall under a separate regime requiring €312,000 investment for temporary residency.
The investment must be maintained for the entire five-year period before citizenship eligibility. Partial financing through loans is no longer permitted – investors must use their own capital.
For those focused specifically on obtaining Bulgarian permanent residence without immediate citizenship plans, this €512,000 investment represents the minimum threshold for the standard Golden Visa program.
Getting Bulgaria Golden Visa in 2025
Bulgaria's Golden Visa program remains active in 2025, offering permanent residence to qualifying investors. The program has evolved from its earlier iterations but continues to provide a viable pathway to European residency and eventual citizenship.
Current key features include:
The program targets non-EU nationals seeking permanent residence in Bulgaria with the potential for citizenship after five years.
Investment options now focus on Bulgarian financial instruments, companies, and funds rather than government bonds (which were previously available but discontinued).
The permanent residence granted is immediate and requires no physical stay in Bulgaria – a significant advantage over many European residency programs that have minimum stay requirements.
While Bulgaria has terminated its previous "fast-track" citizenship option (which allowed accelerated citizenship in about 18 months for double the investment), the standard five-year path remains secure and legally established.
Bulgarian authorities, particularly the Bulgarian Investment Agency, provide clear guidelines and certification for qualifying investments. The recent stabilization of program requirements suggests continued availability for the foreseeable future, though investors should remain attentive to potential EU-wide policy developments regarding investment migration.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment?
To qualify for Bulgaria's citizenship by investment pathway, applicants must meet several criteria at both the residency and citizenship stages:
For the initial permanent residence through investment:
- Be a non-EU/EEA national over 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Possess legitimate, verifiable funds for investment
- Complete the required investment of €512,000 in approved Bulgarian assets
- Pass due diligence checks by the Bulgarian Investment Agency
For citizenship application after five years:
- Maintain the qualifying investment throughout the five-year period
- Demonstrate basic Bulgarian language proficiency (typically A2 level)
- Show evidence of income or means of support
- Maintain a clean criminal record
- Comply with any renunciation requirements for previous citizenship (unless exempt)
The combination of these requirements ensures that successful applicants have both the financial means and the commitment to integration that Bulgaria seeks in new citizens.
FAQ
Is Bulgaria CBI Suspended?
Bulgaria terminated its fast-track citizenship by investment option in 2022 under EU pressure. However, the residency by investment program (Golden Visa) that leads to citizenship eligibility after five years remains active. Any claims of an 18-month citizenship pathway in Bulgaria are outdated.
Is There a Bulgaria CBI Fast Track?
No, Bulgaria's previous fast-track option (which allowed citizenship in approximately 18 months for double the investment) was abolished in 2021-2022. All investor residents must now fulfill the full five-year residency period before citizenship eligibility.
Can a US Citizen Get Bulgarian Citizenship?
Yes, US citizens can obtain Bulgarian citizenship through investment, naturalization, marriage, or descent. However, they should be aware of Bulgaria's requirement to eventually renounce their US citizenship unless they qualify for exemptions (such as marriage to a Bulgarian citizen).
Can I Get Residency in Bulgaria if I Buy a House?
Yes, purchasing real estate worth at least €312,000 qualifies for a renewable temporary residence permit. After five years, this can lead to permanent residence, followed by citizenship eligibility after another five years.
Does Bulgaria Have a Golden Visa Program?
Yes, Bulgaria maintains an active Golden Visa program granting permanent residence to investors who commit €512,000 to qualifying Bulgarian investments. This program remains separate from the terminated fast-track citizenship scheme.
Does the USA Allow Dual Citizenship with Bulgaria?
The US permits dual citizenship with Bulgaria. However, Bulgarian law generally requires non-exempt naturalizing citizens (including Americans) to eventually renounce their previous citizenship, creating a potential conflict. In practice, new Bulgarian citizens have up to three years after naturalization before renunciation proof is required.
How Do I Get Residency in Bulgaria?
Residency in Bulgaria can be obtained through investment (€512,000 for permanent residence or €312,000 in real estate for temporary residence), employment, entrepreneurship, retirement, study, marriage to a Bulgarian citizen, or family reunification.
How to Apply for Bulgarian Citizenship?
After meeting residency requirements, citizenship applicants submit documentation to the Ministry of Justice (often via Bulgarian embassies abroad), including proof of residence, language proficiency (where required), and financial stability. Processing typically takes 6-12 months, culminating in a Presidential decree granting citizenship.
Who Should Consider Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment?
This program is ideal for non-EU nationals seeking European mobility, business access, and security who can commit to a five-year investment and are willing to learn basic Bulgarian. It's particularly suitable for families looking to secure long-term EU rights across generations.
How Do I Maintain My Bulgarian Permanent Residency Status?
Maintain your qualifying investment throughout the required period, renew your permanent resident card periodically, avoid extended absences that might trigger questions about genuine residence, and comply with Bulgarian tax regulations if you become tax resident.
How Can I Find and Invest in a Priority Project to Get a Bulgarian Passport?
Certified Priority Investment Projects (CPIPs) are large initiatives approved by the Bulgarian government as economically significant. Information about these projects is available through the Bulgarian Investment Agency, investment banks in Bulgaria, and specialized legal firms handling investment migration.
Is It Possible to Obtain Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment?
Yes, though it's a two-step process: first obtaining permanent residence through a qualifying investment, then applying for citizenship after five years of holding that status and meeting naturalization requirements.
What Is the Minimum Investment Required for Obtaining Bulgarian Citizenship Through Investment?
The minimum investment required is €512,000 (approximately BGN 1 million) in qualifying Bulgarian assets, which must be maintained throughout the five-year period before citizenship eligibility.
