Introduction:
Bulgaria, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm climate, attracts the attention of retirees seeking a cozy and cultural place for the next phase of their lives. This Balkan country, comfortably situated at the crossroads of Europe, possesses a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and Slavic character. However, beyond cultural heritage and natural beauty, the country is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for immigration due to the opportunity to obtain a residence permit for retirees in Bulgaria, providing unique benefits and an accessible, comfortable environment for well-deserved relaxation.
Retirees from non-European Union and non-European Economic Area countries can apply for a residence permit in Bulgaria, regardless of the reason for receiving the pension. This could be an age-related pension, a service-related pension, disability pension, or any other basis.
Requirements:
- Confirm the right to receive a pension. Submit a pension certificate and a statement of pension accrual for the last 3 months.
- Confirm sufficient financial means equivalent to 12 minimum Bulgarian pensions, which is approximately 3216 euros as of 2024.
- Confirm a place of residence in Bulgaria (own or rented accommodation). In case of renting, a notarized declaration from the property owner consenting to your residence is required.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Medical insurance with coverage of 30,000 euros.
- Proof of opening a bank account in Bulgaria or an international bank with a presence in Bulgaria.
Application Process:
- First stage – document preparation. Gather all documents, legalize them (depending on the country), and translate them into Bulgarian.
- Second stage – submit documents for a D visa in Bulgaria. Obtain a long-term visa at the Bulgarian consulate in the applicant’s country of residence or in the country where the applicant resides with a residence permit. The processing time is usually up to 30 days.
- Third stage – arrival in the country with a D visa and application for a temporary residence permit in Bulgaria. The processing time for documents is 1 month, but it can be expedited to 2 weeks or even 3 days by officially paying an additional fee.
The temporary residence permit based on being a “secured retiree” is granted for 1 year and can be extended indefinitely. After 5 years of consecutive residence in Bulgaria, one can apply for permanent residence. After an additional 5 years, one can apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
The spouse of the main applicant can also move to Bulgaria. If the second applicant is not a retiree, the documents can be processed based on family reunification.
In conclusion:
The residence permit for retirees in Bulgaria is an excellent and popular option for relocating to a European country with a wonderful climate, culture, history, and, most importantly, a relatively inexpensive opportunity for immigration to Europe. Since March 2024, Bulgaria has become a member of the Schengen Zone, allowing holders of a residence permit in Bulgaria to travel to all Schengen countries without the need for a visa.
If you wish to initiate the process of obtaining a residence permit for a retiree in Bulgaria, please leave your contact information on our website or contact us through your preferred method.