Residence for Pensioners in Bulgaria
Residence for pensioners in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a favorite place for tourists from different countries. It is not difficult to move here, if you are retired. The procedure is simple and does not require much effort or large investments. It is enough to deposit an amount corresponding to the minimum Bulgarian pension for a year, rent or buy a house and get a long-term visa to Bulgaria.
Program's details
- Residence permit for 1 year with the possibility of extension
- €2870 minimal income per person
- For family spouses and underage children
- Fast 3-4 months
- Living in Bulgaria without limitations
- Travelling abroad getting a visa easily
- Getting a pension from the homeland
- Permanent residence and citizenship in the future
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About the Program
A residence permit for pensioners in Bulgaria is a quick and affordable way to move to the warm shore. The country only requires you to have a permanent place of stay (purchased or rented) and show that you have an income of at least a minimum pension for 12 months. For this period you will receive an initial residence permit.
A pensioner enters the country on a long-term national Visa D, and already in Bulgaria applies for a residence permit. This status will need to be renewed annually (and prove financial viability every year), but you can apply for permanent residence after 5 years of residence in the country, and for citizenship after another 5 years.
Please note: this is an option for those who are interested in living in Bulgaria. The country is not a part of the Schengen area, there will be no free movement across Europe. However, the holder of a residence permit can enter and leave the country without restrictions and receive visas under an accelerated procedure.
A residence permit of this type is provided in accordance with Article 24 (10) of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria.
Conditions on Getting the Residence Permit
- Housing
- An apartment or house can be rented or owned. The price is not relevant.
Property owners have an advantage.
- Income
- The minimum of €2870 per year.
- Applicants must show income an income of at least the minimum pension in Bulgaria per year. As a rule, applicants leave the required amount on a bank deposit.
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Requirements
- Official retirement in your home coutry on any basis (by age, seniority, disability, etc.).
- Income is not less than the minimum pension in Bulgaria for 12 months. From 2023, the minimum pension amount, that you will need to put €2870 into a Bulgarian bank account.
- Permanent address in a housing in the property or in a long-term lease.
- No criminal record.
The applicant's spouse or partner, as well as minor children, can move to the country on the basis of family reunification.
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Documents
For Visa D and later a residence permit you will need:
- application form;
- 2 color photos;
- a foreign passport valid for at least 18 months from the date of submission of documents;
- confirmation of the availability of housing;
- confirmation of a sufficient amount on the account in a Bulgarian bank;
- medical insurance policy with coverage of at least €30,000;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- a pension certificate;
- a certificate from the pension fund indicating the amount of the pension for the last three months.
The translation into Bulgarian and notarization are required for foreign-language documents.
Additional Expenses
- Duties and fees
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Visa D: €100
Residence permit: €250
Making a card: €25
- Legal expenses
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€200-500
This amount includes legal advice, obtaining the necessary documents, their translation and legalization.
- Medical insurance
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€70-150
You will need insurance for 12 months with coverage of at least €30,000.
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Rights and Obligations
- the right to stay on the territory of Bulgaria for an unlimited period of time (within the validity period of the residence permit), enter and leave an unlimited number of times;
- the right to send children to state kindergartens and schools (free of charge);
- the right to open your own business and work in your own company;
- the right to buy cars in your own name;
- the right to issue invitations to the country to individuals;
- the right to apply for visas to the countries of the Schengen area under a simplified scheme through embassies in Bulgaria;
- the right to visit some countries without a visa (Cyprus, Croatia, Romania);
- the right to to obtain permanent residence after 5 years of residence on the basis of a residence permit, and Bulgarian citizenship after 10 years of residence;
- if you are in the country for more than 183 days a year, you can become a tax resident of Bulgaria;
- the right to receive a pension from the country of the main citizenship.
