Fast-track EU residency via 'golden visa' in this European country

Now you can fast-track your European Union residency by investment.How? The Bulgaria Golden Visa could be the key. What is it? It's a residency-by-investment programme designed to attract non-EU nationals seeking permanent residency in Bulgaria, a member of the European Union since 2007..From Caribbean to Global: How St. Kitts and Nevis created the citizenship by investment blueprint.Buying a second passport changed our lives: UAE expats.Rich Americans increasingly looking for second passports.Secure your wealth: How a second passport can boost your finances.Immediate residencyLaunched in 2023, the programme offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency through a minimum investment of €512,000 (approximately BGN 1 million) in government-regulated funds, real estate, or business ventures.Unlike many other European Golden Visa programmes, Bulgaria grants immediate permanent residency without a temporary residency phase, making it an attractive option for investors seeking a foothold in the EU..Who can apply?The programme is open to non-EU citizens aged 18 or older with a clean criminal record and a valid passport. Applicants must demonstrate a legal source of funds exceeding the investment amount and pass rigorous Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Politically Exposed Person (PEP) checks. Family members, including spouses, children, and parents, can be included in the application after the main applicant secures residency, facilitating family reunification..When was it offered and why?In 2023, the Bulgaria Golden Visa replaced the country’s earlier Citizenship by Investment programme, which ended in 2022 due to concerns over applicants withdrawing investments after gaining citizenship, resulting in minimal economic impact. The new scheme was designed to bolster Bulgaria’s economy by attracting foreign capital into regulated funds and businesses while offering investors a stable path to EU residency. .How does Bulgaria entry into Schengen affect applicants?Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, further enhanced the programme’s appeal, providing visa-free travel to 116 countries. The initiative aligns with Bulgaria’s strategy to promote economic growth, leveraging its low 10% tax rate and strategic location as a gateway between Europe and Asia.. Application process and timelineThe application process takes approximately 6–8 months and involves several stages:Pre-approval and due diligence (10 weeks): Applicants submit documents, including police clearances (issued within two months), proof of income, and AML/PEP declarations, for background checks.Investment (2–4 weeks): Transfer €512,000 into a qualifying investment, such as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) or Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) licensed by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission.Investment Certificate (2 weeks): Obtain a certificate from the Bulgarian Investment Agency.Type D Visa (2 months): Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate.Permanent Residency Application (3–4 months): Submit in Bulgaria, followed by biometric verification.Residency Card (1–2 weeks): Receive the permanent residency card, renewable every five years..Is there a holding period for the investment?Yes. The investment must be maintained for five years, after which applicants can apply for citizenship, a process that takes an additional 12–18 months. Bulgaria permits dual citizenship, adding to its appeal.CostsThe minimum investment is €512,000, with additional costs including:Program fees: Vary by consulate and service provider, covering due diligence, visa, and residency card processing.Legal and administrative fees: For document legalization, translations, and legal advice.Fund management fees: Typically 1–2% annually (€5,120–€10,240 for €512,000), with some funds charging a 25% performance fee on profits exceeding 7%. .ControversyThe Bulgaria Golden Visa has faced criticism due to its predecessor’s reputation. The earlier Citizenship by Investment program (2013–2021) was criticised for practices like the “financed option,” where investors used loans to meet investment thresholds, and the “concession rights model,” which exploited legal loopholes, sometimes through corrupt practices. These issues led to its termination.The current program is less visible due to lower marketing budgets compared to competitors like Portugal and Greece. Despite this, the program has been redesigned for transparency, with strict due diligence and regulated investments..Why choose Bulgarian 'Golden Visa'?The Bulgaria Golden Visa stands out for its fast processing, no residency requirement, and direct permanent residency.It offers access to Bulgaria’s low taxes, EU-standard education, and healthcare, plus Schengen mobility. Compared to Portugal’s Golden Visa, which requires a similar investment for only temporary residency, Bulgaria’s programme is more cost-effective and flexible..TakeawaysThe Bulgaria Golden Visa is a compelling option for investors seeking EU residency and a potential path to citizenship, backed by a stable and transparent process. Its growing popularity in 2025 reflects its competitive edge in Europe’s investment migration landscape.