Timeline to get Bulgarian Citizenship by Investment
Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Bulgarian Citizenship Team
This article presents a sample timeline for obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by investment in a Bulgarian AIF in 2024, outlining the process in distinct phases and specifying the timeframes for each step as follows:
Step 1 – Pre-approval Stage
The Investment Agency completes the pre-approval stage within two and a half months after receiving the application. During this stage, you must prepare a specific set of documents. You will use some of these documents later for the D visa and permanent residency applications.
Step 2 – Investor D visa
After making the investment and receiving the investment certificate from the Investment Agency, the investor must apply for a D visa. The issuance of the investment certificate takes 2 weeks, and the processing time for the D visa application is approximately 30 business days.
Step 3 – Permanent residency
The local Migration Office processes applications for permanent residency within 2 months from the date of submission. The investor must schedule a one-business-day visit to Bulgaria to file the application in person, as remote applications are not permitted. Once approved, the investor must return to Bulgaria to provide biometrics and receive the residency card the next day.
Step 4 – Bulgarian citizenship
Investors seeking Bulgarian citizenship must maintain their investment for a minimum of five years and either successfully pass a language test or obtain an exemption before submitting their citizenship application. Citizenship applications are processed within a timeframe of 12 months.
FAQs:
How long does it take to obtain Bulgarian citizenship by investment?
The process typically takes approximately 80 months. This includes:
- 8 months to obtain permanent residency.
- 5 years of maintaining permanent residency, as required by the Bulgarian Citizenship Act.
- 12 months for the Ministry of Justice to review your citizenship application after submission.
Please note that this timeline does not account for the presidential decree, which may take an additional 6 months.
How challenging is the citizenship interview?
The citizenship interview is a straightforward process involving standard questions. The key to a successful interview is maintaining a positive and relaxed demeanor.
Can my children apply for Bulgarian citizenship?
Yes, children of investors can apply for Bulgarian citizenship as soon as the main applicant has been granted citizenship. Children are not required to take a Bulgarian language exam or prove Bulgarian ethnicity. They qualify based on their parent holding Bulgarian citizenship.