Permanent residence permit for special merits to Bulgaria: a two-stage procedure

Below is the full list of conditions and documents for both stages.

Stage 1: Conditions and documents for the relevant ministry

The main condition at this stage is to prove to the ministry that your project or personal achievements are of strategic value to Bulgaria.

The main package of documents (the evidence base):

Every case is individual, but a standard file includes:

An official address / application in the minister's name with a detailed description of the project, its goals and the expected effect for Bulgaria.

A detailed CV of the applicant confirming expertise, experience and achievements.

Documents confirming merits or potential:

For the economy/innovation: a business plan, financial models (in euros), confirmation of available capital, patents, letters of recommendation from international corporations or funds.

For science/IT/cybersecurity: diplomas, scientific publications, copyright certificates for software products, recommendations from recognised industry experts.

For culture/sport: diplomas from international competitions, sports certificates, medals, contracts confirming readiness to develop local infrastructure.

Outcome of the stage: if the ministry approves the case, the minister issues a Certificate of merit / state interest and sends a reasoned proposal to the MVR (Ministry of Interior).

Stage 2: Documents for the Migration Directorate (Ministry of Interior)

Once the interdepartmental notification from the minister has reached the MVR, the applicant submits a personal application for a permanent residence permit. Submission takes place either through the Bulgarian Embassy abroad (if the foreign national is outside the country) or directly at the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria.

Mandatory list of documents:

An application (molba) in the prescribed form.

Foreign passport (original + copy of the pages with personal data, photograph and the stamp of the last entry into Bulgaria). The passport must be valid for at least another 6 months.

Proof of payment of the state fee for processing the documents.

A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship (or the country of permanent residence). The document must be duly legalised (apostilled, where applicable) and translated into Bulgarian by an accredited translator.

Proof of secured accommodation on Bulgarian territory:

A notarial deed (if the property is owned).

Or a rental agreement together with a notarised declaration from the owner of the property (under Art. 25 of the PPZChRB) providing an address of residence.

Proof of financial means (a statement from a Bulgarian bank confirming funds available for living, the amount being calculated on the basis of the country's minimum standards).

Important procedural conditions

Filing deadlines: documents are submitted to the Migration Directorate no later than 14 days before the expiry of the current period of lawful stay (a type D visa or the current long-term residence permit, if there is one).

Processing time: the standard processing time at the migration service is up to 14 days from the date of submission. In cases of legal or factual complexity (for example, an in-depth check by DANS), this period may be extended by the agency's management by a further month.

Final fee: after a positive decision is received (approval of the permanent residence permit), a one-off state fee is paid for the granting of permanent residence status, after which the applicant is assigned an EGN and a plastic identity card is issued.