Residence Permit / Permanent Residence in Bulgaria When Buying Property

Obtaining a residence permit when purchasing property in Bulgaria is a frequent question asked by potential buyers. Indeed, many would like to buy an apartment or house inexpensively and at the same time obtain the right to live in this blessed country, the opportunity to visit it regularly and to live here. But in Bulgaria this matter is not so straightforward – there are pitfalls that need to be taken into account when buying a home.

Residence permit for property owners

A residence permit in Bulgaria is the possibility of living in the country for the term of the residence authorisation. The permit is issued for a term of 6 or 12 months.

A residence permit on the basis of property purchase is granted only if the person has acquired property worth no less than 600,000 leva. Moreover, what must be bought is a residential premises – an apartment or a cottage with the status of «housing».

A particular feature of Bulgarian apartment blocks is that not all apartments have the status of housing. They are adapted for living, equipped with a bathroom, they have central water supply and sewerage. They are located in a large city. However, according to their documents they have a different status:

• Atelier – premises for creative work and business. Most such units are studios, but there are also luxurious apartments with sea views;
• Storage – premises for keeping goods;
• Utility premises, intended for laundry or cosmetic salons;
• Attic premises. Located on the top floor. The ceiling height is slightly below the norm, so they are not recognised as residential.

Recently a compromise has been found – an atelier may be considered suitable for living, and owners of ateliers worth more than 300,000 euros become holders of a residence permit. Owners of options with a different status face disappointment – in order to obtain a residence permit they will have to arrange a change of designation for the apartment.

If the price of the apartment is less than 300,000 euros, the purchase is not recognised as grounds for obtaining a residence permit. The applicant must justify their long-term presence in Bulgaria on other grounds (a well-off pensioner, a family member of a Bulgarian citizen, a foreign trade representative office). In these cases the person must also prove that they own property in the country suitable for living or rent such property. The price of the housing can be any.

Property in Bulgaria for permanent residence

The purchase of property in Bulgaria is not grounds for the right of permanent residence, regardless of how much the purchased apartment cost.
In order to obtain permanent residence, one must live in the country for 5 years. During this time most people acquire housing, find a suitable option for themselves and prepare for the purchase. It does not matter where the apartment or house is located – in Varna, Burgas, the small town of Pomorie, Byala, Sozopol, Nessebar or the village of Oreshak.

According to the requirements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which regulates the matters of issuing permanent residence permits, in addition to fulfilling other conditions, the applicant must own housing or rent it.

From the point of view of a person applying for permanent residence, property in Bulgaria should be inexpensive, spacious, comfortable and located in a good area. Pensioners from Russia, Ukraine and Israel buy inexpensive apartments near the sea in Ravda, or a little house in a village. Families with children choose townhouses and cottages in Burgas, Varna and the suburbs. Many try to buy a two-room or three-room apartment for permanent living. Young families and students prefer city studios in the centre or in areas with a convenient transport network.

Visa for property owners

Bulgaria is very democratic in the matter of issuing tourist visas. Owners of studios and one-room or two-room apartments can obtain a visa for a term of up to three years. The number of visits to the country during this period is not limited. The total period of stay in Bulgaria is 180 days.

Property for a visa can be bought in any settlement. It all depends on the buyer’s preferences and wishes.

For those who love a seaside holiday, apartments in Nessebar, on Sunny Beach, in Sveti Vlas, Golden Sands, and Saint Constantine and Helena will be suitable.

People who prefer a quiet way of life will like Obzor, Ravda, Byala and Kosharitsa. Those who want to live in a cosy town and have the opportunity to restore their health will like Pomorie.

Questions of residence permits, permanent residence and obtaining a visa concern many property buyers.  It is within our power to make it so that you can inexpensively buy a house or apartment to move to Bulgaria that matches your requirements.

The Bulgaria Avenue real estate agency, in addition to selecting property, provides services for opening representative offices in Bulgaria, offers help in preparing documents for moving to Bulgaria, and accompanies clients in obtaining a residence permit / permanent residence.