Bulgaria is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, having historically been ruled by various powers, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. Known as the "Garden of God," its unique geographical environment endows this country with distinct tourism resources, which, while not as flamboyant and prosperous as Western Europe, possesses a different kind of charm.
Bulgaria's immigration policy:
According to the latest revised Bulgarian Citizenship Law 'LAW FOR THE BULGARIAN CITIZENSHIP' dated February 19, 2013, regulations 14a and 35, non-Bulgarian citizens may be permitted to acquire citizenship after investing not less than 1,000,000 Bulgarian Lev (approximately 512,000 Euros) after having held permanent residence status for one year, with the citizenship planning time set at no more than 18 months.
Non-Bulgarian citizens, after holding permanent residence in Bulgaria for one year, can invest 1,000,000 Bulgarian Lev into a Bulgarian trade capital company (a state sovereign capital company that has received certification under the 'Bulgarian Investment Encouragement Act' to execute priority investment projects).
Application Requirements:
1. The principal applicant must be over 18 years old, and accompanying children must be under 18 years old.
2. No criminal record.
Citizenship Requirements:
1. Pass a medical examination.
2. Possess permanent residency and valid address in Bulgaria.
3. Have not committed any criminal offenses in Bulgaria.
Application Process:
Phase One, Principal Applicant:
1. Consultation and assessment, submit documents for review;
2. After one week, initial assessment, lawyer prepares POA;
3. The principal applicant signs POA authorization documents at either a law firm in Hong Kong or at the Bulgarian embassy in China;
4. The lawyer assists the principal applicant in purchasing qualifying investment products in Bulgaria through either financing or outright purchase, obtaining an investment confirmation letter;
5. The principal applicant applies for VISA D at the Bulgarian embassy in Beijing;
6. First entry to Bulgaria for fingerprinting and submission of permanent residency (PR) application, approval within 2-3 months;
7. Following completion, the applicant needs to return to obtain their PR card;
Phase Two, Family Members:
8. When the principal applicant receives their Bulgarian permanent residence card, eligible family members may initiate the application process, which follows the same procedures as the principal applicant, taking approximately 4-5 months (each applicant needs to go to Bulgaria once to complete all procedures);
Phase Three, Principal Applicant's Citizenship Application:
9. After the principal applicant has held PR status for 12 months, they may immediately initiate the citizenship application process, which can be processed at any Bulgarian embassy or consulate in foreign countries, and obtain citizenship ID and passport;
Phase Four, Family Members' Citizenship Application:
10. After the principal applicant obtains Bulgarian nationality, the lawyer assists other eligible family members in applying for citizenship, with all citizenship applications being processed at any Bulgarian embassy or consulate abroad to obtain citizenship ID and passport.