Blog on living and doing business in Bulgaria
Law explainers, statistics and news for anyone applying for residence, registering a company or buying property in Bulgaria.
Universities in Bulgaria.
Studies at Bulgarian universities are conducted in Bulgarian; the exception is the American University in Blagoevgrad, where teaching is in English. On graduation, students receive a European-format diploma. You can read more about higher education in Bulgaria on our website page — Education in Bulgaria.
Education in Bulgaria.
Let's start with the youngest. If you have obtained a long-term residence permit in Bulgaria, placing your child in a preschool is not much of a problem. There are enough kindergartens in every district; it is better to enrol in advance, from April, for which special electronic lists exist.
Citizenship for ethnic Bulgarians
Ethnic Bulgarians have a unique opportunity to become Bulgarian citizens and, accordingly, to obtain all the rights and opportunities of a European Union citizen.
Bulgarian citizenship by investment
The right to obtain Bulgarian citizenship is granted to those who invest in the country's economy. To use this ground, you must:
Bulgarian citizenship by descent
Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship on the basis of Bulgarian descent is quite straightforward. The only significant drawback of this route is that it is available only to those who have Bulgarian ancestors (Bulgarian citizens) or adoptive parents who are Bulgarian citizens.
Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation.
Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is a crucial step for those who dream of linking their lives with Bulgaria seriously and for the long term. There are three main grounds for obtaining citizen status in the republic. They are: ethnic origin, investment and naturalisation in Bulgaria.
Bulgarian Citizenship
Becoming a Bulgarian citizen effectively means becoming a citizen of the European Union.
Long-term residence authorisation — EU long-term resident status:
This status was introduced not long ago by amendments to the “Law on Foreigners in Bulgaria (ЗЧРБ) of 28.01.2011 (Art. 24). The long-term residence authorisation is issued for a five-year term and is renewed on the basis of a submitted application. EU long-term resident status may be terminated only if grounds for its termination arise (ЗЧРБ Art. 24г.1 and Art. 40)
Permanent residence permit in Bulgaria
A permanent residence permit in Bulgaria can be obtained after residing legally in Bulgaria for 5 years (holding a long-term residence permit), or by having Bulgarian origin, or by investing significant funds in the Bulgarian economy. The permanent residence permit is granted for an unlimited term (until the expiry of the international passport) and is renewed free of charge.