Bulgaria Tightens Rules for Obtaining Residence Permits and Permanent Residency

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Bulgaria is preparing new restrictions for holders of temporary and permanent residence permits. The authorities want to make permit renewals and the retention of permanent status conditional on actual presence in the country. Some categories of foreign nationals could be required to stay for at least six months a year. The bill has passed its first reading in parliament, but no final decision has been made.

Temporary Residence Permits in Bulgaria: New Stay Requirements

The government has proposed changes to the rules for renewing temporary residence permits in Bulgaria. Foreign nationals would have to prove they spent at least half the validity period of their previous permit in the country. Otherwise, immigration authorities could refuse renewal. For a one-year permit, this would mean staying in Bulgaria for at least six months.

The restriction could affect commercial representatives of foreign companies, self-employed professionals and holders of digital nomad residence permits. Exemptions are envisaged for financially secure pensioners, financially independent parents of Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents, and certain categories of family members. The applicable conditions would depend on the legal basis on which the permit was issued.

If the proposal is approved, documented reasons for absence could also be taken into account, including medical treatment, education, business trips, participation in investment projects abroad and emergencies. The final list of exemptions will be established when the law is passed.

Permanent Residence in Bulgaria: New Restrictions

The authorities also plan to tighten the rules for retaining permanent residence in Bulgaria. Foreign nationals would have to spend at least six months and one day in the country during the preceding calendar year. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to the revocation of their permanent residence status.

At present, one of the grounds for revoking permanent residence is spending 12 consecutive months outside the European Union. The bill would introduce an additional condition based on time spent in Bulgaria itself. Even regular visits may not be enough to retain the status if the total duration falls short of the required period.

The changes could affect foreign investors, entrepreneurs and family members of Bulgarian citizens who divide their time between several countries. The new requirement would not apply to holders of EU long-term resident status, which is distinct from permanent residence and is subject to separate rules.

Lawmakers have proposed exempting certain categories of major investors from the new requirements, including participants in former programs involving investments in shares and bonds. Exemptions could also cover their family members and certain relatives of Bulgarian citizens. Ordinary property ownership would not qualify someone for these benefits. The final list will be determined when the law is enacted.

Verifying Time Spent in Bulgaria

Immigration authorities would need to establish how many days permanent residents actually spent in Bulgaria. Passport stamps cannot always provide a complete picture. Following the removal of internal Schengen border controls, travel between member states may not be recorded. For example, foreign nationals entering from Greece or Romania do not receive entry stamps.

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) cannot resolve this issue either. It records crossings of the EU's external borders by non-EU nationals arriving for short stays. Holders of valid temporary and permanent residence permits are exempt from EES registration. Data from the system therefore cannot be used to calculate their actual time of residence.

Travel tickets, boarding passes and documents confirming accommodation, employment or study may be needed as evidence of presence in the country. However, address registration and property ownership do not prove that the required stay has been completed. It remains unclear which records immigration officials will consider sufficient, how an incomplete calendar year will be treated and how disputes will be resolved. The implementation procedure still needs clarification.

Risks for Investors

The proposed restrictions have prompted objections from legal professionals. On October 26, Citizenship and Investments submitted a statement to parliament criticizing the new requirements for permanent residence holders in Bulgaria. Its authors argue that mandatory physical presence would create additional difficulties for foreign investors and entrepreneurs operating in several countries. They called for the contested provisions to be reconsidered.

Analysts at International Investment believe that tighter immigration rules could reduce Bulgaria's appeal to foreign investors. Many foreign nationals obtained permanent residence under the previous rules, expecting to be able to travel freely between countries. Changing those conditions creates legal uncertainty and additional risks for people who have already invested in the local economy.

Transitional arrangements and safeguards for existing residents will be particularly important. The new rules should support immigration control without undermining investors' legitimate interests. The bill has passed only its first reading in parliament. Its final wording and effective date have not yet been approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must you stay in Bulgaria to renew a temporary residence permit?

The bill proposes requiring a stay of at least half the validity period of the previous permit — six months for a one-year permit.

How long can you stay outside Bulgaria without losing permanent residence?

One of the current grounds for revocation is an absence from the EU lasting 12 consecutive months. The proposed rules would require permanent residents to spend at least six months and one day in Bulgaria.

Who could be exempt from the new permanent residence requirements?

Certain categories of major investors, their family members and relatives of Bulgarian citizens. Buying property would not guarantee an exemption.

How can you prove that you actually live in Bulgaria?

Travel tickets and documents confirming accommodation, work or study may be required. The exact verification procedure has not yet been approved.