Long-term (EU) residence and permanent residence permit
Foreign nationals who have lived in Bulgaria legally and without a break for 5 years can apply for long-term (EU) residence, or for a permanent residence permit. For permanent residence, absences must not total more than 30 months in that period. Other permanent residence grounds include Bulgarian origin, marriage to a permanent resident or family ties to a Bulgarian citizen, and several investment routes.
Life in Bulgaria
Money
3
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
BGN
Bulgarian Lev
Cost of living
24
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
Flat 10% on the annual tax base after mandatory social contributions; 15% for sole proprietors.
Living
1
Happiness
#82 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term legal residents, people of Bulgarian origin, family of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents, and qualifying investors.
Eligibility
5 years' residenceGeneral
You need 5 years of legal, continuous residence before applying.
- For permanent residence, absences must not exceed 30 months in that period
Official wording
5 years of legal, continuous residence before applying. For permanent residence, absences must not exceed 30 months in that period.
Bulgarian originBulgarian origin
Foreigners of Bulgarian origin.
Spouse of permanent residentSpouses
You need 5 years after a civil marriage to a permanent resident, plus 5 years of legal, continuous residence.
- Spouse must be a permanent resident
Official wording
5 years after a civil marriage to a permanent resident, with 5 years of legal, continuous residence.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementParents of Bulgarian citizens
- Document checklistCopy of valid passport (original shown)
- FeesApplication (service) fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 3 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bulgaria
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Bulgaria
- Visit & tourismShort-stay (Schengen type C) visa
- StudyProlonged residence for students and researchers
- Work permitsSingle permit for residence and work
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Status in-countryProlonged residence for pensioners
- CitizenshipBulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
