EU member citizens can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without having a visa within each period of 6 months. If one wishes to stay in the country for more than 90 days within each period of 6 months she/he should apply for a permission to the authorities for Administrative Control of Foreign Persons of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria or such person should reapply for a long-term Bulgarian visa at an Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian residency gives all rights of a Bulgarian citizen except the right of voting. Obtaining a Bulgarian residency you will be able to buy land and other properties without any limitations and you will be able to enter and leave the country as many times you like without needing a visa.

To obtain a permanent residence one must spend 5 years in the country under the long-term stay conditions. A long term stay permit is valid for 1 year and is re-issued every year. During that time you are issued a Bulgarian Identity Card. After 5 years under long-term permit one can apply for a permanent residence.

To get the first year long-term permit you need to present the following documents:

A valid D-type Visa. You can apply for it in any Bulgarian embassy. More information about D Type visa for British citizens can be obtained at www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk A proof of national insurance or social security in the country of residence (such document can be issued from your local national insurance office). Minimum 3 000 BGN (approx. 1000 GBP) deposit in a personal bank account in Bulgaria.