The Bulgaria Golden Visa Programme: A Transparent and Efficient Investment Migration Opportunity
An article written by Vasil Markov, Founder at Advocate Markov for the IM Yearbook 2025.
Following the cancellation of the Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment programme in 2021, the Bulgarian government launched the Bulgaria Golden Visa programme after three years of careful development.
This newly revamped initiative offers a transparent, competitive, and straightforward pathway to permanent residency and potential citizenship in Europe.
Advocate Markov: Driving Global Awareness
Advocate Markov and his team recently presented the Bulgarian Golden Visa program at a series of prestigious seminars in mainland China. These events showcased the program’s distinct advantages
compared to other popular options. Below are the key benefits highlighted:
- Immediate Permanent Residency: Investors receive permanent residency right from the start, avoiding temporary residency stages common in other programs.
- Pre-Assessment Process: Eligibility is confirmed through a pre-assessment, reducing risks before any financial commitment.
- Fast Processing Time: Permanent residency cards are issued within weeks of biometrics submission, ensuring minimal delays.
- No Residency Requirement: Investors can retain permanent residency without residing in Bulgaria, offering unmatched flexibility.
- Convenient Renewal: Residency cards need to be renewed only every five years.
- Family Inclusion: Immediate family members, including your spouse and children, will receive permanent residency, while your parents will be granted temporary residency.
- Language Exam Exemption for Citizenship: Holding Permanent residency for five full years you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship after demonstrating basic A1/A2 language proficiency or obtaining an exemption. Advocate Markov’s team provides support with the exemption route.
- Citizenship for Children: Children of investors can apply for Bulgarian citizenship without language requirements or the need to renounce their current nationality.
Investment Options in the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program
The program requires an investment of €512,000 into a government-regulated fund, managed by a Bulgarian Fund Management Company. These funds are exclusively allocated to Bulgarian assets, adhering to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act. Currently, only two funds meet the program’s stringent criteria, and one is the Fund setup by Advocate Markov – Bulgaria AIF – Fund AD.
- Funds can invest in Real Estate: Unlike Portugal, the Bulgaria Golden Visa allows Funds to invest in real estate, offering greater flexibility and transparency.
- Reliable Framework: Bulgarian real estate is highly competitive and regulated, avoiding issues like inflated prices often encountered in other programs.
Bulgaria Golden Visa Investment Process
Investors can directly subscribe to Bulgaria Golden Visa funds, removing the need for intermediaries and streamlining the process. Opening a Bulgarian bank account is not required, as funds can be transferred directly from the investor’s home country, provided it complies with FATF regulations.
Additionally, investment certificates are issued upon receipt of funds, ensuring a swift and seamless start to the Golden Visa application process.
