Pre-approval process for Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment

Last Updated on January 11, 2026 by Bulgarian Citizenship Team

On April 19th, 2023, authorities issued Decision No.58 to restart the Bulgarian citizenship by investment program. The decision lays out specific criteria for the initial approval of applicants. This program allows individuals to obtain permanent residency and potentially Bulgarian citizenship. To achieve this, the Bulgarian Investment Agency will carry out a preliminary approval process. If the preliminary application receives approval, applicants can then proceed with their investment in Bulgarian AIF or ETF. However, if the preliminary application is denied, applicants will be advised not to proceed with their investment.

Pre-approval documents

You must submit the pre-approval application, along with a set of required documents, to the Bulgarian Investment Agency. Applicants must provide the following documents:

  1. Copy of passport with a validity of at least 6 months;
  2. A bank reference from a credit institution located in a FATF-compliant jurisdiction, issued for an account opened in the applicant’s name, confirming that the account holds available funds equal to or exceeding the minimum investment threshold in EUR.
  3. Declaration of the origin of funds;
  4. Declaration regarding their public figure status;
  5. Work, professional, and investment activities documents;
  6. Certificate of no criminal record issued within the last 2 months; Please note: the certificate remains valid for 6 months when used for D visa and permanent residency applications.
  7. Certified and legalized Power of Attorney.

** The bank reference must be issued by a financial institution located in the EU, EEA, the Swiss Federation, or a third country as specified under Article 27 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). 

Bank Account Requirements for Applicants

To comply with international due diligence standards, applicants must provide bank account details from countries that adhere to the guidelines set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an organization committed to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Since many countries, including China, have been FATF members, bank accounts from these nations are generally acceptable. Applicants can also provide a bank account from any other FATF-compliant country, ensuring that the account meets the required due diligence standards for the application process.

How long does the pre-approval process take in 2026?

As of 10 January 2026, the pre-approval stage of the Bulgaria Golden Visa program has been completed within 4 weeks for the most recent client handled by the Advocate Markov office, well ahead of the statutory deadline of up to ten weeks.

This shortened timeline is the direct result of the law firm’s experience in managing Golden Visa pre-approval procedures. Proper preparation at the outset is critical. Inexperienced handling often leads to requests for additional documents months into the process, which can significantly delay approval—particularly as such documents must be apostilled in the country of issuance. Thorough upfront review and submission helps avoid these disruptions and ensures a smoother, faster overall procedure.

Service Fee for Pre-Approval Process

There is no service fee for the pre-approval process of the Bulgarian Golden Visa program. Our team offers assistance with the pre-approval stage complementary. 

Current Program

Recent changes to the Bulgarian Citizenship Act have cancelled the previous bond investment option. Investors now have the opportunity to invest in Bulgarian Golden Visa Funds. You must maintain a minimum investment of 512,500 EUR for at least five years. Investors can expect to receive permanent residency status within six months of making their investment.

It is important to note that once granted, permanent residency status in Bulgaria is indefinite. By maintaining your investment for the initial five-year period, you can indefinitely retain your status as a permanent resident. Unlike the Portugal Golden Visa program, Bulgaria does not impose any physical stay requirements for maintaining your permanent residency.

Our team is ready to assist you with the preliminary approval, and ensure your application is considered long before the deadline. For more details on meeting the requirements of the Investment Agency and securing a Bulgarian Golden Visa, please contact us.

Pre-clearance process for Bulgarian Golden Visa

Pre-approval process for Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment

top