Long-term residence is for non-EU nationals who have lived in Bulgaria lawfully for at least 50 months within the 5 years before applying. Like permanent residence, the card is valid for 5 years. Its main advantage is that you can apply to live in another EU member state for more than 90 days. You apply at least 2 months before your current permit expires, and the decision takes up to 2 months.
Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by Immigration Team
At a glance
| What it is | A residence status for non-EU nationals who have lived in Bulgaria for a long time. It is recognised across the EU Law |
| Who can apply | Only non-EU nationals |
| Residence requirement | At least 50 months of lawful residence in Bulgaria within the 5 years before the application. That is 20 months more than for permanent residence |
| Card | Valid for 5 years, then renewed |
| Main advantage | You can apply to live in another EU member state for longer than 90 days, under simplified conditions |
| Deadline | Apply at least 2.5 months before your current residence permit expires |
| Decision | Within 2.5 months, extendable by 2 months in complex cases |
| Family | You can start family reunification at the local Migration office |
Your pathway
- Lawful residence in BulgariaRequired · on a temporary or permanent residence permit
- 50 months within 5 yearsEligibility threshold · count the months you actually spent in Bulgaria
- Application deadlineAt least 2 months before your current permit expires
- Long-term residence applicationRequired · Migration Directorate, in person · decision within 2 months
- Long-term residence cardRequired · valid for 5 years
- Family reunification or a move within the EUOptional · family can join you, and you can apply to live in another EU member state
Required stageThreshold or deadlineOptional stage
What long-term residence is
Long-term residence is granted to a non-EU national who has lived in Bulgaria lawfully and without interruption for at least 50 months within the 5 years before the application. It is available only to non-EU nationals. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have their own route. See permanent residence for EU citizens
The status follows common EU rules, so it is recognised in the other member states that apply them. Law
Long-term or permanent residence
Both cards are valid for 5 years. The difference is what they let you do outside Bulgaria. With permanent residence you can visit other Schengen and EU states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay longer in another member state, for example to work, study or settle there, you need long-term residence.
| Long-term residence | Permanent residence | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Non-EU nationals, on the basis of residence | Non-EU nationals on many grounds, including investment and family |
| Time in Bulgaria | At least 50 months within 5 years | At least 30 months within 5 years for most grounds. None for Golden Visa investors |
| Card | 5 years | 5 years |
| Short visits to other Schengen and EU states | Up to 90 days in any 180 days | Up to 90 days in any 180 days |
| Living in another EU state | Yes, you can apply there under simplified conditions | No, you need a separate permit in that state |
| Decision | Within 2.5 months | Within 2.5 months |
The longer you stay in Bulgaria, the more you gain. If you have not yet reached 50 months, permanent residence may already be open to you. Read about permanent residence
Requirements
- 50 months within 5 yearsLawful and uninterrupted residence in Bulgaria, at least 50 months in the 5 years before the application
- Valid residence permitYour current permit must still be valid when you apply, with at least 2 months left
- Stable incomeEnough regular income to support yourself and your family
- Health insuranceCovering you in Bulgaria
- AccommodationAn address in Bulgaria
How to count the 50 months
Count the time you actually spent in Bulgaria within the last 5 years, using your passport stamps and travel records. Time on some types of permit, for example as a student, may count only in part. We can check your dates before you apply.
Living in another EU state
With long-term residence you can apply to live in another EU member state for more than 90 days, for example to work, study or settle there. You apply in that state, which may set its own conditions, such as proof of income and health insurance. Denmark and Ireland do not apply these rules. Law
Keeping your status
Long-term residence can be lost after 12 consecutive months outside the EU, or after 6 years outside Bulgaria. Renew the card before it expires.
Bringing your family
Non-EU nationals with long-term residence can start a family reunification procedure at the local Migration Directorate office. The office checks the family ties and the address in Bulgaria and issues a certificate. Your family members then apply for a Visa D at the embassy, which is decided within 15 calendar days. Read about family reunification
Deadline and timeline
| Stage | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application | At least 2 months before your current residence permit expires | Vary |
| Decision | Within 2 months of the application | |
| Extension in complex cases | Up to 2 more months, for example if additional documents or information are needed | |
| Card | Valid for 5 years, then renewed | Vary |
Do not miss the 2-month deadline
If less than 2.5 months remain on your current permit, you may have to renew that permit first and apply for long-term residence later. Contact us as soon as possible.
Questions
Is long-term residence better than permanent residence?
It depends on your plans. If you want to live in another EU state later, long-term residence is the right status. If you plan to stay in Bulgaria, permanent residence may be enough and requires less time in the country.
I have 40 months in Bulgaria. What can I apply for?
Not yet long-term residence, which needs 50 months. With at least 30 months within 5 years, you may qualify for permanent residence.
Can EU citizens apply?
No. Long-term residence is only for non-EU nationals. EU citizens can obtain permanent residence after 5 years.
Can I travel in Schengen with permanent residence?
Yes, for short visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays in another member state you need long-term residence.
Not sure whether you have 50 months?
Send us your residence history and travel dates. We will count your months and tell you whether long-term or permanent residence fits you better. Ask an advocate
Related routes
This page gives general information and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change and individual circumstances matter. Reading it does not create a lawyer–client relationship.