Last Updated on April 19, 2025 by Immigration Team
Who is eligible for Bulgarian permanent residency?
EU citizens do not need to follow the strict physical residency requirement of 30 months in any 5 year period to obtain Bulgarian permanent residency. EU citizens need 5 full years of holding a temporary residency card to qualify for permanent residency. The same rule applies for UK citizens who secured an Art. 50 of the TEU Bulgarian residency card.
Your Bulgarian temporary residency card is granted for less than 5 full years. Usually, it is granted for 4 years and either 363 or 364 days. Consequently, the process of changing to permanent residency entails a seamless renewal of your existing temporary residency card, paving the way for an application for a permanent residency card. Remarkably, the renewal and application process can often be concluded within the same Monday-to-Friday week, offering a swift and streamlined progression towards permanent residency.
Where to apply for permanent residency?
You can submit your permanent residency application with the Migration Office where your accommodation is located. In case you struggle to find a suitable accommodation we can help. Please note that Bulgarian embassies and general consulates do not assist with residency cards applications.
How long does it take to obtain Permanent residency in Bulgaria?
The application is considered within a day of submission. If you apply any Monday you can expect the below schedule:
Monday – submit the residency application
Tuesday – provide biometrics
Friday – receive the permanent residency card after 1pm
What is the validity of the permanent residency?
While the Bulgarian permanent residency card is valid for 10 years, the status of permanent residency itself is indefinite. This signifies that your card might have an expiration date, yet your permanent residency status remains unwavering.