Bulgaria Citizenship
by Investment Program
by Investment Program
Bulgaria (EU) Citizenship by Investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the reasons the Bulgaria citizenship by investment program is attracting so many international investors?
A: International business executives, investors, and important persons who are active worldwide consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.Applicants realize that the Bulgarian citizenship provides several benefits, including:
• Visa free travel to over 150 countries
• Option to settle in the USA due to the country's E2 reciprocity agreement with the United States
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
• Applicants are not required to continuously live in Bulgaria before or after citizenship approval
• Option to settle in the USA due to the country's E2 reciprocity agreement with the United States
• Retirement in a safe country with a warm climate
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
• Relatively low real estate prices
• Personal security
• Tax advantages
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports
• Applicants are not required to continuously live in Bulgaria before or after citizenship approval
Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Bulgarian residency?
A: The minimum expense to obtain permanent residency is EUR 512,000 plus legal fees. Permanent residency allows applicants to live in Bulgaria. Residency is granted usually within 6 months of filing an application.Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Bulgarian citizenship (EU citizenship)?
A: The minimum expense to obtain citizenship (the European passport) is EUR 512,000 plus legal fees under the 5-year standard processing program, or EUR 390,000 under the 18 months fast track processing program. As a EU citizen you are allowed to live, work, study in any of the 26 European Union countries.To qualify for citizenship, the primary applicant must be over 18 years of age and select one of the following options:
With "standard processing" an applicant receives permanent residency in about 6 months, and then may apply for citizenship after 60 months (5 years).
(1) Government Bonds Purchase. The applicant purchases
government bonds for EUR 512,000 plus EUR 24,000 legal fees
for a total of EUR 536,000. The applicant can sell the bonds
after five years.
With "fast track processing" an applicant receives permanent residency in about 6 months, and citizenship in about 18 months. Investment options include:
(1) Government Bonds Purchase. The applicant purchases government
bonds for EUR 1,024,000 plus EUR 25,000 legal fees for a
total of EUR 1,049,000. The applicant can sell the bonds
after five years.
(2) Government Bonds Financing Package. Non-refundable, all-inclusive financing package for a total expense of EUR 390,000.
(2) Government Bonds Financing Package. Non-refundable, all-inclusive financing package for a total expense of EUR 390,000.
These cost estimates will vary based upon the number of family members to be included. Please contact us to receive a detailed quotation.
Q: Will the Bulgaria citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?
A: Yes. Because Bulgaria is a member of the European Union its citizens are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Europe.Q: Under the citizenship program, can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes. All investment options to citizenship allow for one application to cover the husband, wife, parents and all children of any age.But note that citizenship is awarded in stages: During the first stage, all family members receive Bulgarian permanent residency status, at the same time, which means all family members can live together in Bulgaria if they wish to move to the country (not required).
During the second stage, applicants receive the Bulgarian citizenship (EU passport) as follows:
1) With "fast track processing" the main applicant will
receive citizenship (passport) after about 18 month.
2) The children of the main applicant will receive citizenship 6-9 months after the main applicant receives citizenship.
3) The spouse of the main applicant will receive citizenship about 4 years later.
2) The children of the main applicant will receive citizenship 6-9 months after the main applicant receives citizenship.
3) The spouse of the main applicant will receive citizenship about 4 years later.
Q: As a citizen, am I required to live in Bulgaria?
A: No. Bulgaria does not require you to be present or reside in Bulgaria before or after approval of your citizenship application.Q: Under the citizenship program, am I required to own real estate in Bulgaria ?
A: No. Bulgaria does not require the applicant to purchase real estate in the country.Q: Will my citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire citizenship under the Bulgaria citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.Q: What is the process to apply for citizenship, and how long does it take?
A: Under the "standard processing" program an applicant may file for citizenship after 5 years in permanent residency status. Under the "fast track processing" program the entire process from application filing to receiving the Bulgarian (EU) passport takes approximately 18 months.
Step #1: Contact Us. Please
use our contact
form to receive a detailed cost estimate for you and your
family. There is no fee for this initial consultation.
Step #2: Document Preparation. Should you wish to proceed with an application you would sign a service agreement to allow our associated immigration law firm in Bulgaria to commence the application procedure. The firm will gather all required application documents from you. There is no need to travel to Bulgaria at this time.
Step #3: Investment Funding. The investor wires the investment funds to his/her bank account in Bulgaria.
Step #4: Visa & Permanent Residency Application. The investor applies for a Visa-D at any Bulgarian embassy in his country of residence. With this visa, the investor travels to Bulgaria to apply for the Permanent Residency card in person. This is the only time travel to Bulgaria is required.
Step #5: Citizenship Application & Passport. After 12 months in permanent residency status, if using the fast track option, the investor may file for Bulgarian (EU) citizenship. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria during this 12 months period. Upon naturalization, the investor may collect his Bulgarian (EU) passport at any Bulgarian embassy in the world.
Step #2: Document Preparation. Should you wish to proceed with an application you would sign a service agreement to allow our associated immigration law firm in Bulgaria to commence the application procedure. The firm will gather all required application documents from you. There is no need to travel to Bulgaria at this time.
Step #3: Investment Funding. The investor wires the investment funds to his/her bank account in Bulgaria.
Step #4: Visa & Permanent Residency Application. The investor applies for a Visa-D at any Bulgarian embassy in his country of residence. With this visa, the investor travels to Bulgaria to apply for the Permanent Residency card in person. This is the only time travel to Bulgaria is required.
Step #5: Citizenship Application & Passport. After 12 months in permanent residency status, if using the fast track option, the investor may file for Bulgarian (EU) citizenship. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria during this 12 months period. Upon naturalization, the investor may collect his Bulgarian (EU) passport at any Bulgarian embassy in the world.
If the applicant follows the fast track program, he/she can obtain the Bulgarian passport as early as 18 months. This makes the Bulgarian program one of the fastest options for international investors looking to obtain EU citizenship.
Q: Does Bulgaria allow me to keep my original citizenship?
A: Yes. There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Bulgaria.Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: Becoming a citizen of Bulgaria does not mean the investor automatically becomes a Bulgarian tax resident. However, becoming a tax resident in Bulgaria may be attractive to the investor because of the country's low personal and corporate income tax rate which is only 10%; the lowest in the European Union.Q: Can you help me with finding a job?
A: Sorry, the immigration by investment programs were developed by the government to attract high net worth individuals, business owners, VIPs and other individuals with the financial means to support themselves and the local economy. Please note: New citizens do not need any work permission; they may work in any of the EU member countries. New residents may apply for a work permit, but would need to find their own employment opportunities.Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?
A: Sorry, we cannot assist with tourist or student visas.Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 512,000 for European citizenship and passport after five years in residency status. The "fast track option" starts at EUR 390,000 and shortens this period to only 18 months.The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 2,0 million for immediate European citizenship and passport. The entire citizenship application process can be as fast as 3 - 6 months.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greek residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The applicant may file for Greek citizenship after seven years of permanent residency.
The Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services Program provides the applicant with Malta (EU) citizenship in return for an investment to support the economic development of Malta. The main applicant is required to make an investment (non-refundable donation) in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option) plus a philanthropic donation in the amount of EUR 10,000. For applicants who are only seeking Malta residency and Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 24,000.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program allows applicants to file for Monaco residency by proving access to sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after ten years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program requires an investment of EUR 350,000 in real estate, or the transfer of 1 Million Euro, or the creation of 10 new jobs in Portugal. After 5 years of Portuguese residency, citizenship can be applied for.
The Spain Golden Visa requires a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project in return for Spanish residency. After 10 years of residency the applicant may file for citizenship.
Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia:
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.
The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of US-Dollar 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After five years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a cash contribution of at least US-Dollar 100,000.
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation. Our associated attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about the Bulgarian Residency / Citizenship by Investment programs.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs WorldwideBulgaria Office: Sofia
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera SVR 1016, Malta
Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
WeChat: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026