For several years, the Bulgarian government "held the citadel" – it levied a total and quite tangible amount of 1000 BGN. (500 euros) for the opportunity for a foreigner to obtain the status of Long-Term (DV) and Permanent Residence (Permanent Residence) in the country. Moreover, it withheld, despite the violation of the relevant directives of the European Union, which prescribed to take an amount almost 10 times less for a residence permit – 110 BGN. And only after receiving an official notification from the EU that the Bulgarian authorities would be punished for failing to comply with the demands of the higher leadership, the "citadel" fell.
On March 15, 2017, the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria adopted a corresponding Solution to the delight of many foreigners permanently living in the country. Resolution No51 was registered on March 16, 2017, and the date of its entry into force should be considered the day of publication in the Darzhavny Vestnik. It was published on 21.03.2017 in No 24 (can be downloaded), but in price list on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs There are no changes yet. Nevertheless, for foreigners who have a five-year period of stay in Bulgaria, it's time to decide which option to choose – a more budget residence permit or permanent residence. The Migration Center "Window to Bulgaria" decided to look into the pros and cons of both statuses.
DVJ comes from the EU
Long-term residence status (long-term residence) is a status of residence not so much in Bulgaria as in an EU country. That is, the same status is granted to foreigners living in other EU states. Everything related to the procedure for granting a residence permit, the rights and obligations of its holder is regulated by the relevant Directive 2003/09/EC of November 25, 2003. The capabilities of the holder of a plastic card of the pan-European status living in Bulgaria are not much different from the capabilities of a Bulgarian citizen. He can also get a job, use the services of medical, educational and other institutions under the same conditions. Before obtaining citizenship, he cannot vote in elections and get a job in the civil service.
At the same time, despite the European level of the status of the DVZ, the possibilities of the person who received it in Bulgaria are limited to the territory of this state. In other words, in order to live and work in another EU country, you will need to replace your Bulgarian long-term residence card (DVZ) with a card of the state where its owner plans to live. Such a mechanism exists, but it is better to clarify its details with the migration authorities of the respective country. You should not try to move to the UK, Ireland and Denmark, as they have their own rules that differ from the European ones. Yes, and unfortunately, the possession of a Bulgarian residence permit does not give a citizen of a third country the right to move freely within the Schengen area.
To become a candidate for a residence permit in Bulgaria, you must have lived in the country for five years without leaving it for more than 10 months during this period of time. Also, you cannot travel once for a period exceeding 6 months. After five years, the status of a residence permit will have to be renewed or apply for citizenship. In both cases, this can be done with the help of experts from the MC "Window to Bulgaria". The list of documents for obtaining a residence permit does not differ from the one that is submitted for a residence permit or permanent residence. The main difference is the cost – 110 BGN. or BGN 1000, which will be requested for permanent residence.
Permanent residence as a national invention
Permanent residence status in the Republic of Bulgaria is exclusively a national treasure, and therefore no one will be able to tell the Bulgarian government how much it should cost. Consequently, the current price of 1000 leva (500 euros) per bidder remains unchanged for now. The holder of permanent residence status receives all the above-mentioned rights of the holder of a residence permit card on the territory of Bulgaria. At the same time, for many, one of the decisive differences between permanent residence and DVA will be the period of required stay in the country over the past five years. For the status of permanent residence, with which the specialists of the Migration Center "Window to Bulgaria" help, it is much longer – up to 30 months.
In more detail, the conditions and terms for obtaining the status of residence permit and permanent residence in Bulgaria are described in our article here.
Our conclusion
If you have not left Bulgaria for more than 10 months in the last five years as a residence permit, then it makes sense to obtain a residence permit. Soon it will become much cheaper in practice, plus it gives certain additional opportunities to change the country, if such a desire arises. If you have been absent longer, then the choice is not great – permanent residence. If you have any questions, the MC "Window to Bulgaria" will be happy to answer you in any way convenient for you.
MC "Window to Bulgaria"
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