Indians can get permanent residency in Bulgaria by investing ₹4.5 crore, with visa-free access to Europe and a path to EU citizenship in 5 years.
Bulgaria’s Golden Visa: A New Gateway to Europe for Indians
For Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families dreaming of a European base, Bulgaria has emerged as an attractive new option.
Now officially part of the Schengen Area as of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria has introduced a Golden Visa program that offers permanent residency and a path to citizenship—without requiring long-term relocation.
What Is Bulgaria’s Golden Visa?
Launched in 2023, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa allows non-EU nationals, including Indians, to gain permanent residency by investing €512,000 (around ₹4.5 crore) in approved Bulgarian investment funds.
Key Features:
- Immediate permanent residency—no temporary permit stage.
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen zone (116 countries).
- Citizenship possible after 5 years.
- Include spouse, children, parents, and in-laws in a single application.
- No minimum stay requirement in Bulgaria.
- Enjoy flat 10% personal income tax, among the lowest in the EU.
- Application process typically takes 3 to 6 months.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, Indian applicants must:
- Be 18+ years old
- Hold a valid Indian passport
- Have no criminal record
- Invest €512,000 in a qualifying Bulgarian fund
- Provide proof of income/assets exceeding the investment
- Pay the required processing and legal fees
Dependents such as your spouse, children, and parents can be included in your application.
Where Can You Invest the Money?
Applicants can choose one of the following investment routes:
1. Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)
- Diversified investments within Bulgaria
- Lower risk, modest returns
- Ideal for long-term protection
2. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Traded on Bulgarian stock exchanges
- More liquid, easier to exit
- Offers transparency and flexibility
Note: You must choose either AIFs or ETFs—you can’t combine both.
The Golden Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Pre-approval check:
- Police clearance, proof of funds, AML checks
- Make the investment:
- Transfer €512,000 into a licensed AIF or ETF
- Apply for D-type visa:
- At the Bulgarian embassy in India
- Travel to Bulgaria:
- Submit biometrics and get your Permanent Residence (PR) card
The PR card is valid indefinitely but must be renewed every 5 years.
🇧🇬 After 5 years of holding the investment, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
Documents You’ll Need
- Valid Indian passport
- Police clearance certificate (India and other countries lived in)
- Proof of funds and income source
- Marriage/birth certificates for dependents
- CV and financial documents
- Passport-sized photos
- Investment certificate from fund manager
Why Bulgaria’s Golden Visa Stands Out for Indians
Compared to similar programs in Portugal, Spain, or Greece, Bulgaria offers:
- Lower investment threshold
- Direct PR—no need to start with temporary visas
- No physical stay requirement
- Family inclusion (including in-laws)
- Flat 10% tax
- Schengen travel access
- Citizenship eligibility in 5 years
A Strong EU Residency Option for Indians
With its strategic location, simplified process, and family-friendly terms, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa presents a compelling opportunity for Indians seeking long-term EU residency and eventual citizenship—without relocating full-time.
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