Residence Permit (VNZ) and Permanent Residence (PMZ) in Bulgaria: How to Choose Your Path to Legal Residency

    Bulgaria is a country that is becoming increasingly attractive for those seeking not only temporary relaxation but also a permanent place of residence. Cozy, culturally rich, and financially accessible, Bulgaria offers foreigners various opportunities to obtain legal residency status. The choice between a residence permit (VNZ), which is a temporary residence permit in Bulgaria for up to one year with the possibility of extension, and permanent residence (PMZ) depends on your goals and the duration of your stay. Which path should you choose? Let’s figure it out.

    VNZ: The Beginning of the Journey
    For many foreigners, VNZ becomes the first step toward obtaining a long-term status in the country.

    What Does VNZ Provide?
  • Visa-free entry;
  • Residence in the country for a limited period;
  • The opportunity to study in Bulgarian schools and universities;
  • The chance to apply for permanent residence after 5 years;
  • A personal identification number, necessary for many administrative procedures.
What Are the Grounds for Obtaining VNZ?
There are several main grounds for obtaining VNZ, including:
  • Bulgarian descent;
  • Marriage to a Bulgarian or EU citizen;
  • Opening a representative office of a foreign company;
  • Ownership of real estate worth at least 300,000 euros;
  • Pension provision.
    You can apply for VNZ by submitting an application to the relevant authorities, after which the process of document verification and issuance of the permit takes place. It is important to understand that each case is individual, and the required document package may vary depending on the grounds for obtaining VNZ. For example, for retirees, the minimum costs for the process of obtaining the permit will be around 500 euros.

    Reasons for Refusal of VNZ
Despite all efforts, not every application for VNZ can be approved. Refusal is possible for the following reasons:
  • Incorrect or forged documents;
  • False data or non-compliance with requirements;
  • Violation of deadlines for submitting documents or payment;
  • Fake marriage or other legal violations.
    VNZ — The Path to Permanent Residence
    VNZ in Bulgaria is not only a temporary permit but also a pathway to obtaining permanent residence (PMZ) after five years of living in the country. Obtaining PMZ opens new horizons, including access to a broader range of social and economic rights.

    Our real estate agency provides a full range of services to assist retirees in obtaining VNZ and PMZ in Bulgaria. We offer professional support at all stages of the process: from collecting the necessary documents to accompanying you when submitting an application to the migration services. With our experience and knowledge of local legislation, we will help make the process as simple and efficient as possible for you.

    Bulgaria is truly one of the most attractive countries for those looking to organize their lives in a new cultural and economic reality. However, it is essential to choose the right path for legalization: VNZ or PMZ. Each of these statuses has its own advantages and conditions for obtaining.