EU citizens can also get a Bulgarian residence and an ID card without any problem by presenting their national ID or their passports. The process of application process is simple and could be completed in three working days, with the presence of the applicant. This service will be of particular use to EU citizens who are willing to become tax residents of Bulgaria or need to facilitate family reunification of their relatives who are non-EU citizens.
EU citizens’ residency in Bulgaria
The EU nationals have the opportunity to enjoy easy entry to gain a 5-year Bulgaria residency card. It is possible to exchange the residency card for a 10-year valid permanent residency card with no physical residence requirements in Bulgaria.
The EU citizens need to have a Bulgarian residence permit and a Bulgarian ID card.
Accommodation evidence. This is not a big challenge since a valid rental agreement or a title deed can be used to fulfil this requirement. An EHIC (or local health insurance), sometimes referred to as a European Health Insurance Card.
Elaborating on the package of application papers
The acquisition of a Bulgarian residence and an ID card is speedy, and only three working days are enough. Application will be made till noon on the first day, a photograph will be taken till 2 pm on the second day, and the residence card will be provided on the third day. In case you are unable to come and collect the card for one reason or another other your team can have the authority to collect it on your behalf.
Advantages of getting a Bulgarian ID card and a Bulgarian residence of European nationals
Family reunification is a condition that requires that you and your non-EU family members be allowed to enter Bulgaria and the European Union, on a Bulgarian residence permit and a Bulgarian ID card. Based on the legislation of Bulgaria, cohabiting couples are identified as a family. Another requirement is to receive a Bulgarian ID card to be granted tax residence in Bulgaria. To acquire Bulgarian tax residency, you do not have to reside in Bulgaria for 183 days. Under the Bulgarian law, you will claim Bulgarian tax residency when you meet one or more of the following conditions. You spend at least 2 or 183 days every year in Bulgaria. You demonstrate that the centre of your vital interests is in Bulgaria.
A Bulgarian residence and ID card can ensure easy travel to Bulgaria and other EU states for British citizens after Brexit.
Exchanging your driving license for a Bulgarian driving license is a precondition that you should have a Bulgarian ID card.
As of August 1st, 2019, Bulgarian banks will refuse to open a company bank account without first requiring that the director of a company be a resident of Bulgaria. However, by acquiring the Bulgarian ID card, you will be regarded as a Bulgarian resident, and you can open a bank account with your company easily.
What can be done to bring a non-EU family to Bulgaria
Given the aspect of family reunification in Bulgaria, there are two regimes, namely the general and special regimes, outlined in the law. The non-EU citizens who are residing normally in Bulgaria are covered by the general regime. A special regime is introduced for EU citizens who hold a Bulgarian residence permit and a Bulgarian ID card.
Benefits of the special regime
The family members of EU and UK citizens are not required to have a valid Bulgarian D visa to obtain Bulgarian residence (in comparison with the general regime). The spouse or cohabiting partner who is non-EU may enter Bulgaria with a Bulgarian C-visa or with any Schengen country visa, and request Bulgarian residence immediately.
Bulgaria acknowledges the status of cohabiting partnership. In Bulgaria, you do not necessarily have to be married in order to apply for family reunification.
The citizens of the EU and UK have an opportunity to use family reunification in the interests of their parents who are not citizens of EU citizens.
The non-EU spouse can seek family reunification with her non-EU parents.
Bulgarian required documents to reunify the family
All that you need to present is a marriage certificate to your spouse and birth certificates to your children. In case you want to carry your parents, then you must submit your birth certificate to prove the relationship. The family reunification process requires your spouse to give the birth certificate of her parents. Criminal certificates or formalities are not necessary.
The certificates ought to be legalised in the country where they are issued and submitted to the Bulgarian authorities.
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