Bulgaria: long-term residence permit through business and investment. A guide for owners (2026)

If you are planning to relocate on the basis of business activity, four main routes are available to you under Article 24, paragraph 1.

Active business and job creation (Art. 24, para. 1, item 2)

This option is suited to a fully operational business. The law does not set a minimum threshold for capital investment, but it imposes a strict requirement regarding social contribution.

• In essence: You open a Bulgarian company and provide employment for at least 10 Bulgarian citizens.
• Condition: The employment must be full-time, and the positions must be maintained throughout the entire period of your stay in the country.

Trade representative office (Art. 24, para. 1, item 6)

The most sought-after option for those who own a business outside Bulgaria. It allows you to obtain a long-term residence permit without the need to hire staff immediately or make large investments.

• In essence: Registration of a branch of your foreign company with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
• Limitation: A representative office is a non-commercial structure. It cannot trade or provide services on Bulgarian territory; its task is to present and promote the interests of the head office.

Freelance practice / Freelancing (item 15)

An option for self-employed specialists (designers, programmers, consultants).

• Requirements: You must obtain a permit from the Employment Agency. This requires a business plan and proof of professional qualifications.
• Detail: Proof of Bulgarian language proficiency is required.

Investment in real estate (Art. 24, para. 1, item 19)

A transparent way to obtain status through the acquisition of assets.

• Amount: The minimum threshold is 306,776 euros (the equivalent of 600,000 leva).
• Requirements: The full amount must be paid in its entirety from your own funds through a Bulgarian bank. If the purchase is made using a loan, the outstanding debt on it may not exceed 25% of the property’s value.
• Properties: The purchase of both residential and commercial property is permitted.

Regional investment in small business (Art. 24, para. 1, item 20)

A preferential regime for investors prepared to develop the country’s economically weaker regions.

• Amount: No less than 127,823 euros (the equivalent of 250,000 leva).
• Conditions:
  1. You must own more than 50% of the capital of the Bulgarian company.
  2. The funds must be invested in new tangible or intangible assets of the company.
  3. You must create and maintain at least 5 jobs for Bulgarian citizens.
• Oversight: The investment project must be approved by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.

Digital nomad / Digital Nomad (item 23)

A special item for those who work remotely.

• Essence: A foreigner who works for a foreign employer or provides services to foreign clients using information technology.
• Requirements: You must prove a stable income and a contract with a client outside Bulgaria. This is the ideal option for IT specialists who want to pay tax at a low rate (10%).

Why is this advantageous in 2026?

1. Eurozone: No currency risks in settlements and transfers within the EU.
2. Low taxes: The flat income tax rate (10%) remains one of the most attractive in Europe.
3. Schengen: A Bulgarian long-term residence permit allows free movement throughout the Schengen area.

Important: For any of these items, you must first obtain a type D visa in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. Information about “investment certificates for 250 000 лв with no hiring”, often found online, is outdated and does not correspond to the current law on foreigners