Bulgaria’s March 2024 Schengen accession was the first step towards removing the final barrier to the country’s seamless integration with the rest of Europe. Together with the country’s upcoming adoption of the euro in January 2026, it marks Bulgaria’s full alignment with core EU structures – transforming it from a peripheral economy into a strategic gateway connecting three continents, with visa-free travel stretching from Lisbon to Tallinn.

Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Bulgaria’s value has never been higher. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping global mobility patterns, and savvy investors are poised to benefit from Bulgaria’s offering.

The Bulgaria Residency by Investment Program

Once Bulgarian residency has been acquired, the investor receives comprehensive European mobility spanning 36 countries. Schengen access covers 29 member states, while bilateral agreements extend visa-free travel to Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, and Moldova. This mobility framework establishes permanent European access that can be passed down to future generations through its route to full citizenship.

Residency holders acquire full economic integration rights, including unrestricted property ownership, company establishment privileges, and banking access throughout Bulgarian territory. The framework extends beyond individual applications to encompass spouses and children under 18 within the primary investment, while financially dependent parents qualify for renewable temporary residency.

Bulgaria’s economic fundamentals amplify these mobility advantages. The country maintains Europe’s lowest flat tax rate at 10% on local income, while monthly living costs average €800 compared to €3,200 in Germany or €2,800 in France. Corporate tax rates remain competitive at 10%, and the country offers numerous tax treaties preventing double taxation across major economies.

Arton Capital: 15 Years of On-the-Ground Expertise

Arton Capital operates directly from Sofia, and has built long-standing relationships with the Bulgarian authorities over the past 15 years. This approach has produced successful outcomes for many families and has built deep institutional knowledge that spans regulatory evolution and procedural optimization. Arton Capital’s local presence eliminates coordination delays between international consultants and Bulgarian processing departments.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The firm’s Bulgarian legal team and multilingual advisory staff provide comprehensive support across the entire process, from initial documentation through permanent residency approval and subsequent citizenship applications. Their deep familiarity with evolving regulations allows them to adapt instantly to changes that might otherwise delay processing.

Clients benefit from streamlined coordination with government departments, immediate access to regulatory updates, and direct representation during interactions with the relevant authorities. This operational model delivers measurable efficiency gains compared to firms managing Bulgarian applications from international headquarters without established local relationships.

The Program: Simplicity, Security, and Lifetime Benefits

The program channels investment through a partnership with ELANA Fund Management, Bulgaria’s largest independent asset manager which oversees over 200 million BGN in assets across diversified portfolios. This institutional framework provides regulated investment oversight within Bulgaria’s supervised financial system while delivering permanent residency status immediately upon approval. 

The minimum investment is €512,000 in licensed Bulgarian mutual funds. The six-step application process typically takes six to eight months, with family approvals processed once the main applicant receives their permanent residency card.

Moreover, the ongoing requirements to maintain permanent residency are minimal. Once the permanent residency card has been acquired, applicants  must visit any EU country at least once a year, and must ensure that their absence from Bulgaria does not exceed six years. This should not pose a problem as permanent residency cards are only valid for five years and must be renewed from within Bulgaria.

A permanent Bulgarian address is also required. This can be arranged and maintained by Arton Capital as part of the application process for the first five years. After the fifth year, an annual fee is required for its continued management by Arton Capital.  These requirements reflect a practical understanding of global investor lifestyles while maintaining compliance with EU residency regulations.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

From Residency to Citizenship

Bulgarian citizenship becomes attainable after five years of permanent residency through standardized integration requirements, including A2-level Bulgarian language proficiency and nationality renunciation in some cases. Family applications typically require only one parent to renounce existing citizenship, with exceptions available for countries permitting dual nationality under bilateral agreements.

After holding permanent residency for five years, this status will continue indefinitely, with the only renewal requirement a mandatory trip to any EU country once every twelve months. The legislation has remained mostly unchanged since its inception, avoiding the abrupt closures seen across much of Europe.

Bulgarian citizenship grants full EU rights, including free movement, work, and business establishment across all 27 member states, plus an array of Schengen benefits. The passport allows visa-free travel to 174 countries, including  Canada, Australia, and Japan.

European Stability in an Era of Program Contraction

As many competing programs within Europe close, Bulgaria has emerged as one of the industry’s brightest offerings, channeling investment through regulated financial instruments rather than property markets, and avoiding the concerns around speculation that have been driving closures elsewhere.

The program addresses three fundamental investor requirements: Plan B residency for geopolitical risk mitigation, permanent European business market access, and citizenship pathways without temporary status limitations. It maintains consistent investment migration policies and a welcoming business climate.  This regulatory stability makes it a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated option to boost their global mobility.

Secure Your European Future Through Bulgaria’s Permanent Residency Program

Bulgaria’s combination of immediate Schengen access and clear citizenship pathways creates unmatched value in today’s European investment migration landscape. Arton Capital’s established Sofia presence and 15-year track record provide the local expertise and institutional relationships essential for seamless program navigation.

Contact Arton Capital to explore how permanent European access through Bulgaria’s residency program aligns with your global mobility and business expansion objectives.