Continuous Residence Permit for Pensioners

Bulgaria's Continuous Residence Permit for Pensioners (Разрешение за продължително пребиваване за пенсионери) is a renewable one-year residence permit that allows foreign retirees to live in Bulgaria on the basis of their pension income. Established under Article 24(1)(10) of the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act, the program is administered by the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior. Bulgaria's flat 10% income tax rate, low cost of living, and full Schengen membership since March 2024 make it an increasingly popular retirement destination in Europe. The 2025 amendment to the Foreigners Act (State Gazette No. 52, 27 June 2025) restructured several other Article 24(1) categories but did not change the substantive eligibility for retirees under item 10.

• Must hold valid pension rights from any country (old-age, disability, military, or other pension types)
• Pension must be from a state or public pension system — private pension fund pensions may not be accepted
• Must demonstrate stable, regular, and sufficient means of subsistence at least equal to Bulgaria's minimum monthly salary (BGN 1,213 / approximately EUR 620 from 1 January 2026)
• Must maintain a Bulgarian bank account with a minimum balance of 2,200 BGN for initial application or 4,400 BGN for renewal
• No education, professional, or age requirements
• Employment and business activities are not permitted under this residence ground

For Type D Visa:

• Valid passport with at least 18 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages
• Completed visa application form with two colour passport photos (35×45 mm)
• Medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid across all EU member states
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement)
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria (notary deed or rental contract)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin or habitual residence, issued within 6 months, translated and apostilled
• Pension certificate or statement covering at least 3 months of payments, translated and apostilled

For Residence Permit:

• Application form and passport copy (photo page, visa D, entry stamp)
• Proof of state fee payment (10 BGN)
• Notary deed or rental contract for accommodation
• Bulgarian bank account statement showing minimum 4,400 BGN balance
• Criminal record certificate
• Pension certificate or statement
• Medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for the entire residence period

The process involves two stages:

1. Type D Long-Stay Visa — Apply in person at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. A personal interview is mandatory with no exceptions. Processing takes 30 working days, up to 60 days in exceptional cases. The visa fee is EUR 100 (non-refundable). The visa is valid for up to 6 months.

2. Residence Permit — After entering Bulgaria with the Type D visa, apply at the Migration Directorate in Sofia (29 Shesti Septemvri Street) or a regional Migration department within 3 months of entry. Processing takes 14 days standard, extendable to 1 month for complex cases. Fees: 10 BGN processing fee plus 200 BGN (up to 6 months) or 500 BGN (up to 1 year) issuance fee.

All foreign-language documents must be translated into Bulgarian and either apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalized through diplomatic channels.

The residence permit is issued for up to 1 year and can be renewed annually without limit. Renewal applications must be submitted in person at the Migration Directorate no later than 14 days before the current permit expires. The same supporting documents are required, along with the renewal fees (10 BGN processing plus 500 BGN issuance for 1 year).

There is no grace period after permit expiry — renewal must be submitted before expiration.

Spouses and minor children (under 18) may apply for family reunification after the sponsor has held a valid residence permit for at least 1 year. The sponsor must demonstrate adequate housing (with all family members listed on the notary deed or rental contract) and sufficient financial means for the family. Each family member must independently obtain a Type D visa (EUR 100 each, personal interview required) and then apply for their own residence permit in Bulgaria. Family member permits are valid for the same duration as the sponsor's permit. Children lose family reunification eligibility upon reaching age 18.

Residents spending more than 183 days in Bulgaria within a 12-month period become tax residents and are subject to a flat 10% personal income tax on worldwide income, including foreign pension income. Bulgaria maintains double taxation treaties with many countries that may exempt or reduce taxation on pension income. There is no wealth tax or inheritance tax on most assets. Tax residents must file annual returns with the National Revenue Agency by 30 April.

After 5 years of continuous legal residence (with absences not exceeding 30 months during the 5-year period), holders may apply for permanent residence under the Foreigners Act. The permanent residence fee is 1,000 BGN. Alternatively, long-term residence status (valid for 5 years, fee 110 BGN) may be obtained if absences did not exceed 10 months total with no single absence exceeding 6 consecutive months.

The requirement for a Bulgarian bank account can create a practical challenge, as some banks require a residence permit to open an account while the permit application requires a bank account. Some applicants resolve this by using banks that accept Type D visa holders or by engaging a local lawyer. Pension certificates should explicitly state that the pension is "for life" or "on an old-age basis" — without such language, additional written confirmation may be needed.

As a full Schengen member since March 2024, holders of a Bulgarian residence permit can travel visa-free within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.