If you are not a citizen of the EU and want to remain in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, you need to get a residence permit. If you’re going to another nation for employment, school, family, or business, it’s important to know how the residency permit procedure works so you can do it properly. Bulgaria has many sorts of residency permits for different types of foreigners, and each one has its own set of rules and paperwork that must be followed.
Initial entry and long stay visa (type D)
Getting a long-stay visa, sometimes called a Type D visa, is the first step in getting a Bulgarian resident permit. This visa lets people from outside the EU enter Bulgaria with the goal of seeking for residence. It is good for up to 180 days and is usually given for reasons like work, school, business, or bringing family members back together. The Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their native country is where candidates must apply for this visa before travelling to Bulgaria. Applying requires sending in:
- a valid passport
- evidence of place of lodging in Bulgaria
- health insurance
- proof of your financial means
You also need papers that support your reason for being there, such an employment contract or university admittance letter.
How to get a residence permit
People who come to Bulgaria on a Type D visa must apply for a residence permit at the local office of the Migration Directorate within 90 days of arrival. You have to turn in this application in person. The sort of residence permit you get may depend on the reason for your stay. For instance, students, workers, business owners, and family members of Bulgarian or EU nationals all fall into distinct groups and need to provide different types of paperwork. Commonly required papers include:
- A current passport with a Type D visa
- Evidence of lodging
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial support
- A criminal background check
- Evidence of health insurance
If you are going to live in a place for work, you will also need your employment contract and the company’s registration papers. If the applicant wants to establish a company, they will need to show that they have a good business plan and evidence of funding.
Types of residence permits and how long they last
In Bulgaria, there are usually two kinds of residency permits: temporary and permanent. Most people who apply for a permit get a temporary residence permission initially. This permit is usually good for one year. You may renew this permit every year as long as you still fulfil the requirements that you met when you got it.
After living in Bulgaria legally for five years in a row, you may apply for permanent residency. To qualify for permanent status in Bulgaria, one must prove five years of continuous legal residence, compliance with local laws, fulfillment of tax obligations, and adherence to public health regulations. Permanent residency gives the bearer more freedom to live and work in the nation and is typically a step towards becoming eligible for citizenship.
Residence for entrepreneurs and investors
Foreigners who want to invest in or create a company in Bulgaria may get residence via entrepreneurship. People who want to apply must show that they are actively running a company that is good for the Bulgarian economy, which usually means creating jobs or bringing in new ideas. The firm has to be registered in Bulgaria, and there needs to be proof of financial investment. Because Bulgaria is in a good position in Europe, has a low corporation tax rate, and is a good place to do business, this option has become more popular.
Living legally and renewing your status
If you have a residency permit in Bulgaria, you have to follow a number of rules. People with permits must maintain their address up to date with the authorities, renew their permission before it runs out, and make sure that all needed documentation are still current. If you don’t follow these rules, your permission might be cancelled or not renewed.
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