Secure Your Future with Bulgaria’s Golden Visa
The Bulgaria Golden Visa Program in 2026 offers a unique and attractive pathway for non-EU investors seeking permanent residency in Europe. By making a qualifying investment of €512,000 in a regulated investment fund, investors can obtain Bulgarian permanent residency within 6 to 8 months, with the potential to progress to Bulgarian citizenship and ultimately a European passport.
Discover the Bulgaria Golden Visa Advantage
With a minimum investment of €512,000 in government-regulated funds, investors can secure residency without the need for physical presence or language proficiency.
€512,000 Investment
Minimum investment in government-regulated funds with potential for stable returns.
10% Flat Tax Rate
Benefit from Bulgaria’s competitive flat 10% income tax rate, one of the lowest in Europe.
EU Travel Freedom
Enjoy visa-free travel across the EU & Schengen Area with Bulgarian permanent residency.
Why Choose The Bulgaria Golden Visa Program
Multiple advantages over other European residency-by-investment programs
Fast-track permanent residency
The Bulgarian permanent residency process is completed within just 8 months, with no prolonged delays such as those experienced in Portugal or Greece. By month eight, once biometrics are provided, you can expect to have your residency card in hand within a few days—a sharp contrast to Portugal, where receiving the residency card may take up to three years from the start of the process.
No physical stay requirements
Unlike many other EU residency-by-investment (“Golden Visa”) programs, Bulgaria does not impose a physical residence requirement on investors. According to Art. 40, para. 2, item 5 of the Bulgarian Foreigners Act, a person who has been granted Permanent Residence in Bulgaria does not lose this status even if they reside outside the country.
Pathway to Bulgarian citizenship
Holders of Bulgarian Permanent Residence enjoy a direct route to citizenship. After maintaining PR status for five full years and demonstrating at least A1 level proficiency in the Bulgarian language, an applicant becomes eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship by naturalization.
Visa-free travel
Bulgarian permanent residents enjoy the right to travel freely across the EU and Schengen Area. Bulgaria itself ranks 13th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, reflecting the strong global mobility of its citizens. This position is expected to improve further in 2026 with the anticipated inclusion of visa-free travel to the United States, as Bulgaria and Romania are currently the only EU member states outside this regime.
Low taxes
Bulgaria offers one of the most attractive tax regimes in Europe, with a flat 10% personal income tax rate, no taxation on pensions, just 5% tax on dividends, and the lowest property and vehicle taxes in the EU. This combination of low and transparent taxation makes the country a highly appealing destination for investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs alike.
Affordable investment requirement
While Portugal grants only temporary residency for an investment of €512,000 and requiring multiple visits to renew — Bulgaria provides indefinite Permanent Residency for the same amount. In addition, Bulgarian investment funds are designed with a more transparent, market-oriented approach, avoiding closed-end structures, hidden exposure to related businesses, or excessive partner commissions, ensuring fair and sustainable profitability for investors.
Bulgaria vs Other EU Golden Visas
Compare the advantages of Bulgaria’s program with other European options
Portugal Golden Visa
Minimum €500,000 investment
Bulgaria Golden Visa
Minimum €512,000 investment
Greece Golden Visa
Minimum €250,000 investment
Steps of the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program
The Bulgaria Golden Visa program follows a logical and standardized process designed to ensure smooth and efficient handling. Before beginning, it’s important to feel confident that the program is the right fit for your goals.
Once you decide to proceed, the first step is the due diligence process, which our team will guide you through. A deposit is required at this stage, which will later be deducted from your annual fund management fees.
If you begin the process today, you can realistically expect to receive your permanent residency status within approximately 8 months—this includes the issuance of your physical residency card. At that point, you can begin the family reunification process for eligible dependents.
Step 1
Complete Due Diligence
All applicants are required to undergo a due diligence process conducted by the Bulgarian Investment Agency. Upon successful completion, you may proceed with your Fund Investment.
Step 2
Fund Subscription
Choose a government-regulated investment Fund that satisfies the requirements of the Bulgaria Golden Visa program and subscribe shares.
Step 3
Apply for Visa D
Submit your D Visa application at the Bulgarian consulate, including necessary documents like proof of investment and a clean criminal record. D visa applications are usually processed within 2 months of submission.
Step 4
Obtain Permanent Residency
Permanent residency applications are processed within 3 months of submission. The process requires two visits – the first to apply, and the second a few months later to provide biometrics. The PR card is issued within a few days after biometrics are completed..
Why Choose Our Team to Process Your Bulgaria Golden Visa
In addition to our proven track record as a leading law firm in the Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment program (2013–2022), we have evolved into a fully integrated fund management company—Bulgaria Fund Management—which operates its own Golden Visa fund. While marketed as a Golden Visa vehicle, the fund functions as a fully regulated investment platform designed to grow capital, just like any standard investment fund.
This strategic development reflects our commitment to continuous progress and allows us to offer a more streamlined, efficient, and controlled process. By managing the fund internally, we remove reliance on third parties, enabling us to prioritize your application and retain full oversight of every stage.
Beyond administrative efficiency, we are confident in the strength and resilience of our investment strategy. Unlike passive, index-tracking models—which tend to underperform in the Bulgarian market compared to more mature economies like the U.S.—our fund is actively managed and diversified, targeting stable, long-term returns through carefully selected, government-backed assets.
Full Support
From the initial consultation to receiving your residency card—and later assisting with family reunification—we offer full, end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. If you choose to pursue Bulgarian citizenship, our support continues. We provide access to a remote Bulgarian language course and guidance on eligibility for exemption where applicable.
Priority Handling
For your contributions, our team will assist you as a priority and always first. We also organize D visa and Residency bookings, and citizenship application be first at the que. We may also accompany you during your applications abroad if a member of our team visits your region.
Return on Investment
To satisfy the Bulgaria Golden Visa requirements, Funds should invest only in Bulgarian assets. Thus, investing in our Fund you indirectly support the development of the Bulgarian economy. Your funds will be invested in sensible government approved and subsidized projects that ensure stable and predictable profitability.
Who Is Behind Our Operations?
Our operations are led by a balanced and experienced team of legal and financial professionals.
The legal and regulatory direction is overseen by Advocates Petar and Vasil Markov, who bring years of expertise from their leadership in the Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment program (2013–2022). They maintain excellent working relationships with regulatory authorities as well as both local and central government bodies, ensuring compliance and efficiency throughout the process.
On the financial and strategic side, our team is strengthened by two highly respected experts:
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Andreas Beikos, former Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Sofia and previously based in Serbia for the Western Balkans. Andreas brings deep insight into privatization strategies, regulatory affairs, and institutional relations, significantly enhancing the fund’s reputation and operational integrity.
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Laurens Bensdorp, a best-selling author and leading authority in systematic trading, contributes his unique expertise in designing high-performing, data-driven investment strategies. His consistent outperformance of major market indices speaks to the strength of his disciplined, analytical approach.
We also proudly collaborate with key partners and contributors who are essential to the fund’s success, including our Investment Brokerage Partner – DSK Bank Bulgaria, a member of the OTP Group (Hungary); our Media Partner – SeeNews.com; and our dedicated compliance team, administrative staff, and advisors.
Together, this diverse and accomplished leadership enables us to offer a fund that combines legal precision, regulatory strength, and real investment performance—all under one integrated platform.
From left to right: Petar Markov, Vasil Markov, and Georgi Markov at the IMC Event in Dubai, May 2025 – 10th Anniversary.
