Bulgaria's most settled status short of citizenship. Most people reach it after holding a continuous (prolonged) residence permit and living legally in Bulgaria for five years, though some routes (like qualifying investment) can lead to it more directly. Permanent residence is granted for an indefinite period and is a stepping stone toward Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation.
Non-EU nationals who have built up the required years of lawful residence (or qualify through investment) and want indefinite, stable status in Bulgaria.
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It lets a non-EU person who already holds a qualifying Bulgarian residence permit be joined by close family, typically a spouse and minor children. The family member usually gets a Type D visa on the family ground, then a continuous residence permit.
After five years of continuous lawful residence, most non-EU nationals can step up from a continuous permit to long-term EU resident status — a five-year permit giving near-equal treatment with Bulgarian nationals and, under conditions, mobility to other EU states.
Permanent residence is Bulgaria's most settled status short of citizenship, granted for an indefinite period. Most people reach it after five years of legal residence on a continuous permit, though some routes (like qualifying investment) can lead there more directly.
Bulgaria offers permanent residence (not a fast passport) for a qualifying investment under the Foreigners Act, such as a sizeable stake in licensed Bulgarian investment vehicles. The old fast-track citizenship-by-investment scheme was repealed in 2022.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, always confirm details with the official source.