Permanent Residence in Bulgaria
One documented route of this kind in Bulgaria, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Long-term / Permanent residence
After five years of continuous legal residence, non-EU nationals can obtain long-term resident (EU LTR) or permanent residence status.
- Processing time
- Varies; confirm with the Migration Directorate
- Validity
- Long-term residence card typically valid 5 years, renewable; status is settled
- Language requirement
- No language requirement for residence; Bulgarian required for later naturalisation
- Permanent residence
- Status itself constitutes long-term/permanent residence after 5 years
- Citizenship
- Naturalisation generally after 5 years of permanent/long-term residence
Requirements
- Five years of continuous legal residence in Bulgaria
- Absences within legal limits during the qualifying period
- Stable and regular income / means of support
- Health insurance
- Secured accommodation
- Clean criminal record
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Proof of 5 years of continuous legal residence required
- Proof of stable income / means of support required
- Health insurance required
- Proof of accommodation required
- Criminal record certificate required
Process Steps
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1
Accumulate 5 years of legal residence
Maintain continuous legal residence within the permitted absence limits.
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2
Apply at Migration Directorate
Submit the application for long-term/permanent residence with supporting documents.
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3
Receive and renew card
Receive the long-term residence card (typically 5-year validity) and renew as required.