---
title: "Bulgaria Investor · BGN 250k regional requirements 2026"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-250k-disadvantaged-region/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-11
---

Bulgaria · Investing

# Bulgaria Investor · BGN 250k regional

**Investment needed:** BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k

Long-term residence for BGN 250,000 invested in a company in an economically disadvantaged region (Art. 24(1)(20))

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Investment needed:** BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k (An investment of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) · Minimum bank-certified contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company; the foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital; new tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 are acquired and located in an economically disadvantaged municipality (unemployment at or above the national average). Statute amount in leva; the euro replaced the lev on 1 January 2026 at EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583.)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports (Third-country nationals.)

## Key facts

Investor · BGN 250k regional is an investing route for Bulgaria. Applicants need an investment of BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k
- **Processing:** Up to 14 days

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: investment BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k; decision: up to 14 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Invested and held: BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k**

- BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) Minimum bank-certified contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company; the foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital; new tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) are acquired and located in an economically disadvantaged municipality (unemployment at or above the national average). Statute amount in leva; the euro replaced the lev on 1 January 2026 at EUR 1 (≈ $1) = BGN 1.95583 (≈ $1).

**Renewal: Renewable**

Residence is granted for as long as the investment is maintained.

[Ministry of Innovation and Growth](https://www.mig.government.bg/2372-issuance-of-certificates-of-investment-for-the-purpose-of-residence-permit-in-the-country/?lang=en)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

Long-term resident status is granted after 5 years of lawful continuous residence; half of study time counts, and seasonal, au pair, posted and formally limited permits do not.

[Ministry of Labour and Social Policy](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/78/sdrmi/za-chuzhdentsite-v-republika-blgariya.pdf)

**Citizenship: After 5 years as a permanent resident**

Naturalisation requires holding a permanent or long-term residence permit for at least 5 years, plus income, no intentional-crime conviction and Bulgarian language.

[Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria](https://justice.government.bg/home/normdoc/2134446592)

**Processing: Up to 14 days**

Applications for prolonged residence permits are examined within 14 days; complex cases can be extended by one more month.

[Ministry of Labour and Social Policy](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/78/sdrmi/za-chuzhdentsite-v-republika-blgariya.pdf)

**Where to apply: From abroad**

Obtain the long-stay Visa D at a Bulgarian consulate, then apply for the residence permit from the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria.

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria](https://www.mfa.bg/upload/99380/2_Visa_D.pdf)

**Presence rules: Absence limits**

For long-term status, absences must stay under 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total over the 5 years.

[Ministry of Labour and Social Policy](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/78/sdrmi/za-chuzhdentsite-v-republika-blgariya.pdf)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Applications are made from outside Bulgaria, not after arriving
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital.
- At least 5 jobs for Bulgarian citizens are created and maintained for the whole stay, per foreign person.

#### What you must show

- The contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company is at least BGN 250,000, (≈ $143,000) certified by a bank.
- New tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) are acquired.
- The assets are located in an economically disadvantaged municipality, with unemployment at or above the national average.

#### Documents

- A National Revenue Agency employment certificate confirms the jobs.
- The audited cost report for the new assets is submitted.
- The shareholders' book and annual accounts are submitted.

#### Steps

1. The Ministry of Innovation and Growth issues the certificate of circumstances within one month, free of charge.
2. The certificate is valid 6 months.

#### After you arrive

- Holders who keep the investment for 5 years can apply for permanent residence under Art. 25(1)(17).

## What happens at day 183

How Bulgaria decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in each 12-month period** Residing in Bulgaria more than 183 days makes a person a resident for tax purposes.
- **Foreign-source income:** Total annual tax base of residents on worldwide income; Bulgarian-source income of non-residents.

[All tax rules for Bulgaria](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Capital contribution of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) to a Bulgarian company with new fixed assets in a municipality with above-average unemployment and at least five jobs for Bulgarian citizens. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

#### What you must show

- An investment of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) · Minimum bank-certified contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company; the foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital; new tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) are acquired and located in an economically disadvantaged municipality (unemployment at or above the national average). Statute amount in leva; the euro replaced the lev on 1 January 2026 at EUR 1 (≈ $1) = BGN 1.95583 (≈ $1). (sources 1, 2, 4)

#### Requirements

- The foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital. (sources 1, 5)
- At least 5 jobs for Bulgarian citizens are created and maintained for the whole stay, per foreign person. (sources 2, 1, 5)
- The contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company is at least BGN 250,000, (≈ $143,000) certified by a bank. (sources 1, 5)
- New tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) are acquired. (sources 1, 5)
- The assets are located in an economically disadvantaged municipality, with unemployment at or above the national average. (sources 1, 5)
- A National Revenue Agency employment certificate confirms the jobs. (sources 2, 1, 5)
- The audited cost report for the new assets is submitted. (sources 3, 2, 5)
- The shareholders' book and annual accounts are submitted. (sources 3, 2, 5)
- The Ministry of Innovation and Growth issues the certificate of circumstances within one month, free of charge. (sources 3, 2, 5)
- The certificate is valid 6 months. (sources 3, 2, 5)
- Holders who keep the investment for 5 years can apply for permanent residence under Art. 25(1)(17). (sources 1, 5)

#### Stay

- Visa D, then a long-term residence permit for the duration of the maintained investment.
- Visa validity: 6 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Third-country nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Work

No access to the Bulgarian labour market as an employee (Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act Art. 8(1)(2)); the holder may run the invested company.

#### Family

Spouse and unmarried children under 18 living in the same household can get one-year renewable prolonged-stay permits, not beyond the holder's authorised stay; after 5 years the spouse and adult children can get their own permit.

Checked 2026-10-11

## Official sources

1. [Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (English translation, consolidation of 2022)](https://www.mig.government.bg/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/foreigners_in_the_republic_of_bulgaria_act.pdf) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2022-11
2. [Rules for issuing certificates under Art. 24(1)(20) and Art. 25(1)(7), (13), (16) of the Foreigners Act (June 2023)](https://www.mig.government.bg/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pravila-zakona-za-chuzhdenczite-v-rb-nmp-ot-pravna.pdf) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2023-06
3. [Service 2372: certificates of investment for the purpose of a residence permit (Art. 24(1)(20) and Art. 25(1)(7), (13), (16) of the Foreigners Act)](https://www.mig.government.bg/2372-issuance-of-certificates-of-investment-for-the-purpose-of-residence-permit-in-the-country/?lang=en) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Bulgaria adopts euro as of 1 January 2026 (fixed rate EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583)](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/news/bulgaria-adopts-euro-1-january-2026) · European Commission, Access2Markets · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, consolidated text (amended to State Gazette 52/2025)](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/78/sdrmi/za-chuzhdentsite-v-republika-blgariya.pdf) · Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (consolidated text, printed 13 February 2026) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act (Bulgarian text, as amended to 2021)](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/39/sdrmi/zakon-za-trudovata-migraciq-i-trudovata-mobilnost.pdf) · Ministry of Labour and Social Policy · checked 2026-10-11
7. [Bulgarian Citizenship Act (Zakon za balgarskoto grazhdanstvo), Art. 12-13](https://justice.government.bg/home/normdoc/2134446592) · Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria · checked 2026-10-11
8. [Visa D (long term): documents and Art. 24 categories (June 2023)](https://www.mfa.bg/upload/99380/2_Visa_D.pdf) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2023-06

## Investor · BGN 250k regional and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Investor · BGN 250k regional | Needs an investment of BGN 250k+ ≈ $143k | – | – |
| [Investor · BGN 600k property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-600k-property-company/) | Needs an investment of BGN 600k+ ≈ $343k | – | – |
| [Investor PR · BGN 1M AIF](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-aif-1m/) | Needs an investment of BGN 1M+ ≈ $571k | – | – |
| [Investor PR · BGN 1M CIS](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-cis-1m/) | Needs an investment of BGN 1M+ ≈ $571k | – | – |
| [Investor PR · BGN 1M concession](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-concession-1m/) | Needs an investment of BGN 1M+ ≈ $571k | – | – |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Investor · BGN 250k regional?

An investment of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000). Minimum bank-certified contribution to the capital of a Bulgarian commercial company; the foreigner is a partner or registered shareholder holding at least 50% of the capital; new tangible and intangible fixed assets of at least BGN 250,000 (≈ $143,000) are acquired and located in an economically disadvantaged municipality (unemployment at or above the national average).

### How long can I stay on the Investor · BGN 250k regional?

Visa D, then a long-term residence permit for the duration of the maintained investment.

### How long does the Investor · BGN 250k regional take to process?

Applications for prolonged residence permits are examined within 14 days; complex cases can be extended by one more month.

### Can I work on the Investor · BGN 250k regional?

No access to the Bulgarian labour market as an employee (Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act Art.

### Can I bring my family on the Investor · BGN 250k regional?

Spouse and unmarried children under 18 living in the same household can get one-year renewable prolonged-stay permits, not beyond the holder's authorised stay; after 5 years the spouse and adult children can get their own permit.

### Who can apply for the Investor · BGN 250k regional?

Third-country nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Investor · BGN 250k regional lead to permanent residence in Bulgaria?

Time on the Investor · BGN 250k (≈ $143,000) regional counts toward permanent residence in Bulgaria, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Investor · BGN 250k (≈ $143,000) regional counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 5 years as a permanent resident.

### How are Investor · BGN 250k regional holders taxed in Bulgaria?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Investor · BGN 250k (≈ $143,000) regional. The standard rules apply: Bulgarian tax residents pay a flat 10% on the total annual tax base; dividends are taxed at a final 5%.

## More in Bulgaria

[Digital nomad permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/digital-nomad/) [Investor PR · BGN 2M project](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-priority-project-2m/) [Investor PR · BGN 2M shares](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-securities-2m/) [Investor PR · BGN 6M company](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-pr-unlisted-6m/) [Pensioner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/retirement-pensioner/) [Investor PR · BGN 500k, 10 jobs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/investor-500k-company/) [Freelancer permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/freelance/) [Business with 10 jobs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/commercial-activity/)

## Investment visas elsewhere

[🇵🇹 Golden Visa · €250k arts](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/ari-arts-250k/) [🇬🇪 D5 · Property over $150k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/d5-real-estate-residence/) [🇮🇹 Investor Visa · €1M donation](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/investor-philanthropy-1m/) [🇬🇷 Golden Visa · Heir of property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-inherited-property/) [🇫🇷 Talent · €300k investment](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/talent-economic-investment/) [🇨🇾 PR · €300k fund units](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cyprus/invest-fund-units/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-11 against 8 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (English translation, consolidation of 2022)](https://www.mig.government.bg/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/foreigners_in_the_republic_of_bulgaria_act.pdf) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Rules for issuing certificates under Art. 24(1)(20) and Art. 25(1)(7), (13), (16) of the Foreigners Act (June 2023)](https://www.mig.government.bg/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pravila-zakona-za-chuzhdenczite-v-rb-nmp-ot-pravna.pdf) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Service 2372: certificates of investment for the purpose of a residence permit (Art. 24(1)(20) and Art. 25(1)(7), (13), (16) of the Foreigners Act)](https://www.mig.government.bg/2372-issuance-of-certificates-of-investment-for-the-purpose-of-residence-permit-in-the-country/?lang=en) · Ministry of Innovation and Growth · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Bulgaria adopts euro as of 1 January 2026 (fixed rate EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583)](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/news/bulgaria-adopts-euro-1-january-2026) · European Commission, Access2Markets · checked 2026-10-10
5. [Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, consolidated text (amended to State Gazette 52/2025)](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/78/sdrmi/za-chuzhdentsite-v-republika-blgariya.pdf) · Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (consolidated text, printed 13 February 2026) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Labour Migration and Labour Mobility Act (Bulgarian text, as amended to 2021)](https://www.mlsp.government.bg/uploads/39/sdrmi/zakon-za-trudovata-migraciq-i-trudovata-mobilnost.pdf) · Ministry of Labour and Social Policy · checked 2026-10-11
7. [Bulgarian Citizenship Act (Zakon za balgarskoto grazhdanstvo), Art. 12-13](https://justice.government.bg/home/normdoc/2134446592) · Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria · checked 2026-10-11
8. [Visa D (long term): documents and Art. 24 categories (June 2023)](https://www.mfa.bg/upload/99380/2_Visa_D.pdf) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria · checked 2026-10-10

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.