Long-term residence authorisation — EU long-term resident status:

Obtaining EU long-term resident status in Bulgaria is possible if the following conditions are met:

• The foreigner has resided in Bulgaria on a lawful basis continuously for five years before submitting the application for EU long-term resident status. (ЗЧРБ Art. 24г.1)
• When calculating the period of residence, temporary grounds for residence in Bulgaria are not taken into account (seasonal workers, posted workers, etc.) (ЗЧРБ Art. 24г.2)
• When calculating the period of residence for students, trainees and pupils, half of the time spent in Bulgaria is taken into account (ЗЧРБ Art. 24г.3). That is, a student must reside in Bulgaria continuously for 10 years in order to obtain EU long-term resident status.
• Residence in Bulgaria is considered continuous if the foreigner’s period of absence has not exceeded 10 months over five years, of which no more than 6 months may be consecutive. (ЗЧРБ Art. 24г.4)

Holding EU long-term resident status in Bulgaria has a number of advantages over holding Continued Residence status (long-term residence permit):

• assignment of a Unified Civil Number;
• the possibility of working in Bulgaria under an employment contract;
• the possibility of obtaining Bulgarian citizenship;
• the right to free medical care through the НЗОК (National Health Insurance Fund);
• the right to a pension;
• free education on equal terms with Bulgarian citizens;
• the possibility of personally purchasing and registering a car on equal terms with Bulgarian citizens;
• obtaining loans on equal terms with Bulgarian citizens;

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