DOCUMENT CHECK LIST FOR RESIDENCE PERMITS, RESIDENCE CERTIFICATES AND RESIDENCE CARDS
ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS, EU AND NON-EU, MUST APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT IF THEY WISH TO STAY IN BULGARIA FOR A PERIOD LONGER THAN 90 DAYS. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF RESIDENCE PERMIT ISSUED TO FOREIGNERS MOVING TO BULGARIA: LONG-TERM RESIDENCE PERMIT (Продължително пребиваване): Issued for one year to non-eu citizens and for five years to EU citizens
LONG-TERM RESIDENT PERMIT (Long stay visa) EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: Applications for a long-term residence permit must be made within 90 days of arrival in Bulgaria at the National Migration Directorate (Дирекция Миграция) in Sofia or the immigration department of the local Police station of the place of residence. The following documents are required:
EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: Passport (if the passport expires before the end of the five year period, the residence permit will only be valid until that date). Property title deeds or rental contract as proof of address. Company registration document or work contract (if applicable). Proof of health insurance from the former EU country of residence translated into Bulgarian. Proof of financial means if without employment. Application form.
THE APPLICATION FORM Is in Bulgarian and must be completed in Bulgarian. The following information is required on the form: Parents' full names and dates of birth if they are still alive. Children's full names and dates of birth. Full names. Nationality (and any other nationality also held). Date and place of birth. Number of the person's national identification document (passport). Date de issue. Date of expiry. Conditions for residence in Bulgaria (for example, homeowner, employment, long-term visa, type D).
PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT (Постоянно пребиваване): Issued for an indefinite period of time by the National Migration Directorate and its local branches. Applications for Permanent Residence can only be submitted in Bulgaria Before applying for a residency permit, it is necessary to open a bank account and get a letter from the bank stating that the applicant has an active bank account. There is a small fee for this letter.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMIT Permanent residence permits are issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior. After five years uninterrupted residency in Bulgaria, an application can be made for permanent residence. This entitles the person to the same rights as a Bulgarian citizen, except the right to vote. Foreign nationals who have been married to a Bulgarian citizen or to a foreigner with permanent residence in Bulgaria for five years may also apply for permanent residence. Applications for a Permanent Residence Permit must be done not later than 60 days prior to the expiry of the duration of the Long-Term Residence Permit. The permit is issued within two months after submission of the documents and is valid for 10 years.
BONUS: FAMILY REUNIFICATION IN BULGARIA The general regime applies to non-eu citizens who reside legally in Bulgaria holding temporary or permanent residence. The special regime applies to EU citizens who hold a Bulgarian ID card. The main difference between the two regimes is that under the special regime, the family members are not required to apply for a long-term Family D Visa (opposed to the general regime). The general regime is applicable in respect to Bulgarian citizens who would like to bring non-eu family members to Bulgaria.
WHO IS A FAMILY MEMBER? Official marriage partners or cohabiting partners; Children who are not over 18 years old. WHAT DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE PROVIDED? legalized Marriage Certificate; legalized CBR check; legalized birth certificate (for children).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FOREIGNER.BG For direct advice: Daniel@foreigner.bg