For those Indians who wish to live in European countries, Bulgaria has emerged as one of the best choices, offering a long-term residency.
In January 2025, Bulgaria officially attained full membership in the Schengen Area. As a result, Bulgaria launched the Golden Visa Scheme. The Golden Visa Scheme is most advantageous for Indians who wish to move freely across the EU and have long-term residency. Unlike the previous Citizenship Investment Scheme, which expired in 2022, this new visa scheme offers permanent residency and a clear pathway to citizenship after five years.
What the Schengen Expansion Means
On 1 January, 2025, including Bulgaria, the Schengen Area spans 29 EU countries. Once the Golden Visa is approved, its holders can move freely across these borders. So, with no passport checks or restrictions, Indians can now move to Europe for study, business, or enjoying their vacation.
What Is Bulgaria’s Golden
Launched in 2023, the Golden Visa offered by Bulgaria lets non-European individuals, including Indians, get permanent residency through investing 512,000 euros (around Rs 4.5 crore) in licensed Bulgarian funds.
Indian professionals, business families, and high-net-worth individuals can access this Bulgaria Golden Visa. Once approved, the applicant and his family gain direct residency rights straight away. Additionally, they can move freely across the Schengen Zone without a visa or internal border check.
It also allows them to access citizenship after five years if they meet all the legal requirements.
Why the Bulgaria Golden Visa Matters
Even though travel has become easier, EU residency is still the hardest step for many Indians. Most EU Golden Visa schemes are out of reach for Indian investors. Recently, Portugal pulled out real estate options, making it less flexible and unaffordable for Indians. When it comes to other visa schemes, Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program ended in 2022. Furthermore, Greece and Spain have initiated strict rules and investment thresholds. This is where Bulgaria’s Golden Visa schemes became significant.
Key Benefits of Bulgaria’s Golden Visa
1. Permanent Residency Approval:
Most European countries approve a temporary permit first, but Bulgaria grants direct permanent residency to all approved applicants as soon as possible.
2. Straightforward Investment Routes:
The Bulgaria Golden Visa scheme offers investment options with the lowest investment threshold of €512,000. Investors can opt to invest in approved funds, including Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). According to the Investment Migration Council, these are safer, more transparent, and better regulated investment options than the real estate options.
3. Family Coverage:
Bulgaria’s visa scheme allows applicants to include their spouses, children, and even parents. It is the most convenient option for those Indian investors who wish to move with their family.
4. EU Citizenship in Five Years:
After getting permanent residency, investors can apply for Bulgarian citizenship after five years. Moreover, this grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to travel across 180 countries.
5. Tax Advantages:
Unlike other EU countries, Bulgaria has the lowest tax rates of 10%. This makes it appealing for Indian entrepreneurs, students, and other professionals.
6. Schengen Travel Freedom:
In January 2025, Bulgaria officially became a full member of the Schengen Area. Under the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program, residents can move freely across all 29 countries with no visa, no border checks, and no delays.
How to Apply for an EU Golden Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pre-Approval & Due Diligence:
First, submit your details, including official name, identity, financial background, and clean-record checks.
2. Select Investment Option
Next, choose a convenient investment option. It is better to opt between Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
(NB: mixing is not allowed.)
3. Transfer Investment
Transfer your investment amount of €512,000 to the opted fund.
4. Submit Your Visa Application
Most people apply for a D-type visa along with investor data and family details.
5. Receive Residency Approval
You will receive a permanent residency approval in 3 to 6 months.
6. Travel Schengen-Wide
You can travel freely across 29 EU countries once granted.
7. Apply for Citizenship
If you meet all legal requirements, you can apply for Bulgarian and EU citizenship after five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Bulgaria’s Golden Visa?
Indian nationals and other non-EU citizens over 18 years old can apply for a Bulgarian Golden Visa. Moreover, the applicant should possess a valid passport, have no criminal record, and be capable of investing €512,000.
What funds can I invest in?
Investors can opt for licensed funds approved by Bulgaria, such as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
Is it necessary to live in Bulgaria to maintain residency?
Minimum stay requirement is not there. Applicants have full flexibility.
How much will the visa approval process take?
Bulgaria’s Golden Visa approvals take 3 to 6 months.
Can family members be included?
Yes, applicants can add their spouse, children, parents, and in-laws to their application.
How does Bulgaria compare to Portugal or Spain?
The Bulgarian Golden Visa provides permanent residency straight away within 3 to 6 months. Furthermore, it provides lower upfront costs than Greece or Spain and fewer restrictions than Portugal.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the 2025 Schengen entry, Bulgaria now opens up a golden opportunity for Indian investors. Its latest Golden Visa comes with several benefits, such as immediate EU permanent residency, family inclusion, broad mobility, low taxes, and a five-year track to citizenship.
Bulgaria’s Golden Visa isn’t just attractive for investors but also helps in boosting tourism and foreign interest. In addition, it may bring more revenue into growing sectors of the Bulgarian economy. Moreover, it may invite several talents and families who can contribute to Bulgaria’s cultural and economic cross-pollination.
