Get a consultation
Not sure where to start? Just write to us - we'll figure it out together. We will respond within a day in Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber
Migration services in Bulgaria
WEALTHY PENSIONER
A wealthy pensioner (part 24, al. 1, vol. 10 of the Chernobyl Code)
Pension recipients in the country of origin, they can obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria if they have sufficient funds in a Bulgarian bank account. No additional grounds are required.
💳 It is enough to confirm the status of a pensioner and the availability of funds in a Bulgarian bank account - the minimum subsistence minimum × 12 months.
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable and attractive EU countries for pensioners. Its mild climate, affordable cost of living, developed infrastructure, and proximity to the sea make it a popular choice for those who want to retire in Europe.
The requirements for this ground are much simpler than in other EU countries: there is no need for employment, company registration or other difficult conditions. It is enough to be a recipient of a pension and have funds in a Bulgarian bank account.
A residence permit is issued for 1 year with the possibility of annual renewal. With continuous residence for 5 years - the right to permanent residence. The average processing time is 3-4 weeks.
Page navigation
Who is this type of residence permit for?
Pensioners from any country
Recipients of a state, labor or funded pension from any country in the world with an official pension certificate.
Retirement Couples
Retired spouses can submit documents at the same time. Everyone submits as an independent applicant, confirming their pension status.
Lovers of warm climate and sea
Those who want to live by the Black Sea or in the mountains of Bulgaria, enjoying a European quality of life at a low cost.
Property owners in Bulgaria
Pensioners who have already bought an apartment or house in Bulgaria and want to legally reside permanently.
Mild climate
Warm summers, mild winters. The Black Sea coast and mountain resorts in one country.
Affordable cost of living
Some of the lowest prices in the EU for food, housing, medicine and transport.
EU country
European standards of medicine, safety and infrastructure at Eastern European prices.
Advanced medicine
Modern clinics at an affordable price. Opportunity to connect to the state health insurance system.
Convenient location
Direct flights to most countries in Europe and the CIS. Near Greece, Turkey, Romania.
Russian-speaking community
There is a large Russian-speaking diaspora, especially in Varna, Burgas and Sunny Beach.
Important numbers
1 year
Validity of a residence permit with the possibility of annual renewal
3-4 weeks
Average processing time from the date of submission of documents
5 years
Continuous residence – and you can apply for permanent residence
The process of obtaining a residence permit
1
Consultation and verification of documents
We check pension documents: what type of pension, in which country it was issued, what is the amount. We clarify what needs to be apostilled and translated. We calculate the required amount in a Bulgarian bank account.
2
Opening a Bulgarian bank account
Open an account in a Bulgarian bank and place the required amount on it. This is a key requirement of the law - the funds must be in a Bulgarian bank. We help with the choice of a bank and registration.
The account is opened in person when visiting the bank
3
Preparation of pension documents
We collect a pension certificate or a certificate of pension assignment with an apostille and a notarized translation into Bulgarian. If necessary, a certificate of the amount of pension for the last 3-6 months.
Apostille + translation – 5–10 days
4
Collection of personal documents
We prepare a personal package: passport, certificate of no criminal record with apostille and translation, health insurance, documents on the place of residence in Bulgaria (lease agreement or certificate of ownership).
5
Submission to the migration service
We submit a full package of documents to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the place of residence in Bulgaria. The migration service checks the pension status and the availability of funds in the account.
Consideration – 2-3 weeks
6
Obtaining a residence permit card
After approval, you receive a residence permit card for 1 year. Upon annual confirmation of pension status and availability of funds, the permit is extended. After 5 years of continuous residence, the right to permanent residence is granted.
The card is ready within 7-10 days
Requirements and documents
Pension certificate
An official document on the assignment of a pension in the country of origin with an apostille and a notarized translation into Bulgarian.
Funds in a Bulgarian bank account
A Bulgarian bank account statement confirming the amount of at least the subsistence minimum × 12 months.
Certificate of the amount of pension
A document from the pension fund of the country of origin confirming regular pension payments and their amount.
Passport and criminal record certificate
A valid passport (at least 6 months) and a certificate of no criminal record with an apostille and translation into Bulgarian.
Health Insurance
A policy valid throughout Bulgaria, with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR for the entire period of stay.
Residence Documents
Apartment lease agreement or certificate of ownership of real estate in Bulgaria indicating the registration address.
Get a consultation
Not sure where to start? Just write to us and we'll figure it out together. We will respond within a day in Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber
With a residence permit, a pensioner does not have the right to work for a Bulgarian employer. If the spouse wants to work, he can apply for a residence permit for family reunification and obtain a work permit.
For D visa
6 minimum pensions
Amount in the bank account at the time of submission of documents to the consulate
For a residence permit
12 minimum pensions
The amount in the Bulgarian bank account at the time of applying for a residence permit
ⓘ
The current minimum pension in Bulgaria is changing – check with us before applying. Important: You do not need to show a regular income of a certain amount - it is enough to have an amount in the account and confirm your pension.
1
Consultation
We analyze your situation, check eligibility, explain the whole process and what needs to be prepared.
2
Collection of documents for a D visa
We are preparing a package for submission to the Bulgarian consulate in your country of residence. All documents are translated into Bulgarian and certified.
The list of documents is below3
Applying to the Consulate and Waiting for a D Visa
You submit the documents to the Bulgarian consulate in person. It is better to sign up in advance - there are queues.
The processing time is about 30-40 days4
Entry to Bulgaria
You enter with a visa D. From this moment, you have 6 months to apply for a residence permit - it is better not to delay.
5
Opening a Bulgarian bank account
Open an account and place the required amount - the equivalent of 12 minimum Bulgarian pensions. A bank statement is needed to apply for a residence permit.
📍
Our office is located next to the Burgas Migration Service. Come and we will prepare everything, show you where to go and what to do.
6
Applying for a residence permit
Submit documents to the migration service in person. In Burgas there is a live queue, there is no appointment, it is better to come in the morning.
7
Waiting for a decision
The migration service considers the documents.
14 days - up to 1 month8
Obtaining a residence permit card
The card is issued in person at the migration service. The first residence permit is for 1 year, then renewal. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Urgent – 3 days / Standard – 10 days / Regular – up to 30 daysFor a D visa – to be submitted at the consulate
International passport
Valid for at least 18 months, minimum 2 blank pages
Completed application form with photo
Certificate of pension for 3 months
Translated into Bulgarian
Bank statement
The amount is not less than 6 minimum Bulgarian pensions
Proof of housing in Bulgaria
1 Year Lease Agreement or Title Deeds
Health insurance
Coverage of at least €30,000, for a minimum of 6 months
Police clearance certificate
With translation into Bulgarian, valid for 6 months
Certificate of opening an account in a Bulgarian bank
For a residence permit – submitted to the migration service
Application in Bulgarian
International passport with visa D
Original + copy of the main page, page with visa D and entry stamp
Proof of accommodation
Notarized lease agreement or property documents
Health insurance
For the entire duration of the stay
Bank statement
The amount is not less than 12 minimum Bulgarian pensions
Certificate of pension
Translated into Bulgarian