Bulgaria, a Balkan nation lies in Southeast Europe and shares borders with five countries; Serbia, Romania, Turkey, Macedonia & Greece. Bulgaria is a small country with a population of almost 7 million people but offers great opportunities in terms of lifestyle and living standards.
Recent studies suggest that Bulgaria is one of the best European countries to live in. With diverse landscapes and flourishing city life, Bulgaria is aspired as a second home by many around the world.
Permanent residency
In this article, we will identify means and ways with which you may legally relocate to Bulgaria.
Residency for investors
One of the easiest but expensive ways to obtain permanent residency in Bulgaria is an investment. If you have and are willing to invest a large some in the country, whether through enterprise or direct business, you are likely to be illegible to the permanent residency of Bulgaria. The magical number though is around US$ 600,000, provided that this sum remains in Bulgaria for at least 5 years.
Subsequently, if you wish to expedite the status to citizenship to 18 months, the amount may be doubled. Investing the required money will only get the investor a residency status but also his immediate family.
Skills related residency
The country has a shortfall of skilled labor in many fields, such as barbering, plumbing, heavy machine operators, etc. A person having these or any skills that are in demand has a higher chance of obtaining a permanent residency. All one has to do is to keep an eye out for the “wanted for” ads in local papers or keep in touch with local recruiting agencies. These days, tons of agencies provide online services where you can register for a minimum annual or monthly subscription which will keep you posted with the jobs that match your skillset.
Some of the well-known websites are
- Career Jet
- Careers in Bulgaria
- EURES
Education visa
The Bulgarian education system is one of the finest in Europe. Universities and colleges host students from diverse nationalities, as far as China and Saudi Arabia. Students may also benefit from several government-run scholarship programs and grants. Grants are awarded to students based on the topic of the dissertation and doctoral programs.
Major cities & cost of living
The whole of Bulgaria is comprised of attractive cities that offer an excellent standard of living, working, and educational opportunities. Sofia, the capital city, is located at the foot of Vitosha mountain, which is one of the most visited ski spots in the area. Needless to say, Sofia is the financial, business, political, and educational hub of the country. It is one of the greenest cities in Europe too.
Another noteworthy city in Burgas. Located at the coast of the Black Sea, the city hosts major ports and serves as a commercial hub for the eastern part of the country. Beautiful beaches, sunny atmosphere, golden sands, and a tranquil environment make the city a perfect tourist destination and a permanent choice for a home.
The cost of living in Bulgaria is very low as compared to the other European states. A four-member family generally spends approximately EUR 1,700 per month, which includes, house rental, education, health insurance, and food. On the other hand, the wages in Bulgaria are lower if the same comparison is made, however, the low cost of living outweighs this argument.
Few important things to note
There are a few things to keep in mind while applying or preparing for a permanent relocation such as:
- Regardless of the type of visa/work permit/residency type, it is compulsory to have a bank account in a Bulgarian bank.
- Work permits are not issued unless the employment is obtained, before traveling to the country.
- An uncharred character certificate and clean police record are mandatory for all applicants.
- Any misrepresentation, misinformation, or submitting fake documents, will lead to disqualification and a permanent ban, not only in Bulgaria but probably in any EU state for the unforeseeable future.
- Health insurance, though not compulsory, definitely increases the chances to obtain residency and a visa
