Exciting Black Sea landscapes, high standard of living and warm sea make Bulgaria popular among those looking for happiness in other countries. Thousands of people dream of getting a residence permit, and later a Bulgarian passport. Immigrating to Bulgaria is an ideal option for families with children and retirees, because this country has a high standard of living and is considered promising for investment.
Migration policy of Bulgaria
Immigrating to Bulgaria from Ukraine opens up many advantages for a foreigner, because an immigrant has the same rights as a resident of the country, with the exception of those rights guaranteed by Bulgarian citizenship.
Immigrants who received a primary GNP (residence permit) have the following rights:
- Live in the country for 12 months or more.
- Get health insurance.
- Without additional permission to carry out employment.
- Educate children in local schools and receive education in Bulgarian universities.
- Start and run a business.
- Form pension savings, conduct other matters aimed at social protection.
In addition, the residence permit imposes a number of obligations on the foreigner:
- Registration of mandatory medical insurance.
- Availability of own housing and means of livelihood, independent of the social system of Bulgaria.
- To comply with constitutional and legislative norms.
- In case of granting tax residency, pay taxes conscientiously.
- Do not have a criminal record at the time of submitting documents to the VNP.
Methods of emigration to Bulgaria
The list of grounds for which immigration to Bulgaria is possible is determined by Bulgarian legislation. According to Part 1 of Article 24 of the “Law on Foreigners in Bulgaria”, a residence permit can be obtained using the following methods:
- Business. Attracting foreign capital is one of the main areas of interest of the Bulgarian government. That is why business immigration to Bulgaria from Ukraine is one of the most popular directions of moving to the republic. Creating at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens allows you to apply for a residence permit in Bulgaria. At the same time, the procedures for registering your own business in the country are quite simple – the absence of bureaucratic procedures, minimal authorized capital and the presence of a foreign passport will allow you to open a limited liability company within 2-3 days. Another option to obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria for Ukrainian businessmen is to open a representative office of a foreign commercial company, the owner of which can be an immigrant.
- Employment Contract work in Bulgaria is an equally popular way to become a citizen of this country. According to the Law “On Labor Migration and Mobility”, a work permit can be issued at the Employment Agency at the request of a local employer. At the same time, the business owner must prove that it is impossible to find a suitable Bulgarian citizen. The percentage of foreign workers in the enterprise should not exceed 20%, and the working conditions of immigrants should not differ from local workers. If these conditions are met, the employee receives a special work visa, and in the future can obtain a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria.
- Investments. Investing in the Bulgarian economy can also be a reason to apply for a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria. The most common way to invest is to buy real estate in the country. At the same time, the value of real estate is at least 300,000 euros (600,000 leva) per applicant. A foreign company can also buy housing. In this case, permanent residence in Bulgaria is possible for Ukrainians only if they own a share of 50% or more of the authorized capital. The second option is to invest 250,000 euros (125,000 BGN) in an enterprise whose activities will take place in an economically depressed region of the country, where at least 5 jobs will be created for Bulgarian workers. GNP in this case is received by the owner of 50 percent or more of the share in the authorized capital.
- Education. Studying at the country’s university can also be the answer to the question of how to get a residence permit in Bulgaria. A permit for a long-term (up to a year) stay can be obtained both by full-time students at universities and by students of secondary education institutions who are in Bulgaria under the exchange program. Internship in the country can also be the basis for granting GNP. In the case of a stay abroad longer than one year, the permit must be extended annually. In order to obtain the appropriate permit, it is necessary to provide the migration service with an invitation from the higher education institution, a receipt for the payment of tuition and prove the availability of funds for one’s own maintenance.
- Retirement age. All foreigners of retirement age, who have a Bulgarian or other pension and have sufficient funds for living, are allowed by local legislation to issue GNP. Emigration in this case takes place in two stages: first, the pensioner receives a national D-category visa, provides evidence of financial and social capacity, confirms the availability of a place of residence, and then enters the country. While already in Bulgaria, a foreigner collects a standard package of documents, as for obtaining a visa, and submits a request for GNP at the place of stay. The availability of financial support is the main requirement for receiving GNP. The applicant must receive at least 400-500 euros of pension and have 1500 euros in his own deposit account.
- Marriage. Another reason for obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is marriage with a citizen of the country. Clause 18 h.1 of Article 24 of the Law “On Foreigners in Bulgaria” allows not only the second spouse, but also family members of a citizen of the country, as well as his descendants living abroad, to apply for GNP. The fastest way to get citizenship is through the family reunification program, while the marriage can be documented in any country in the world.
- Obtaining asylum. Refugees from Ukraine in Bulgaria can receive GNP according to the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees, to which Bulgaria is a signatory. In this case, emigration from Ukraine to Bulgaria occurs as a result of Russian aggression on the territory of our country.
The main advantage of emigrating to Bulgaria is a large number of adaptation programs and reasons for leaving, as well as cheap housing and a mild climate. In order to successfully go through the procedure and choose the best way to emigrate, we advise you to contact a specialist who will provide you with professional and comprehensive advice.
