No Physical Stay Requirement for Bulgaria Golden Visa
Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by Bulgarian Citizenship Team
While some industry participants were publishing negative commentary about the potential introduction of a physical stay requirement under the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program, the same industry remained largely silent for years about the substantial delays affecting the Portugal Golden Visa, where investors have waited four to five years merely to complete biometrics.
Our team chose a different approach.
Rather than speculating or creating uncertainty, we engaged directly with the competent Bulgarian authorities and worked constructively throughout the legislative process to advocate for preserving the competitiveness of the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program. Much of this work takes place behind the scenes and is rarely visible to the public, but its results can now be shared.
We are pleased to attach the official response from the competent authorities confirming that the proposed six-month physical stay requirement will not apply to investors.
Furthermore, thanks to our constructive dialogue with the Bulgarian authorities and our long-standing professional relationships, discussions are also underway regarding the introduction of additional investment residence categories, which could further strengthen Bulgaria’s position as an investment destination.
Today, the Bulgaria Golden Visa remains the most attractive investment residency program in the European Union for investors seeking permanent residence from the outset through a regulated fund investment.
Perhaps most importantly, Bulgaria is no longer an untested program. Permanent residence within approximately eight months is no longer merely a projection—it has become a demonstrated reality for investors who have already completed the process.
