Bulgaria Golden Visa Promotion in China

Advocate Markov and his team recently presented the Bulgarian Golden Visa program and its numerous benefits during a series of seminars held in mainland China. Their presentations provided a detailed comparison with other popular residency-by-investment programs, such as the Portugal Golden Visa. Here are the key advantages of the Bulgarian Golden Visa highlighted during the events:

1. Immediate Permanent Residency: Unlike other programs offering temporary residency initially, the Bulgarian Golden Visa grants permanent residency from the start.
2. Pre-Assessment Process: Investors undergo a thorough pre-assessment to confirm eligibility before making any financial commitment, ensuring peace of mind and reduced risk.
3. Fast Processing Time: Permanent residency cards are issued just a few weeks after biometrics are provided, with no unnecessary delays.
4. No Residency Requirement: Permanent residency status can be maintained without the need to physically reside in Bulgaria, providing unparalleled flexibility for global investors.
5. Convenient Renewal: Permanent residency cards need to be renewed only once every five years, simplifying long-term residency management for investors and their families.
6. Family Inclusion: Immediate family members, including spouses and children, can join investors as permanent residents. Additionally, parents of the investor can reside in Bulgaria on temporary residency cards.
7. Exemption from Language Exam for Citizenship: Investors can convert permanent residency into Bulgarian citizenship after demonstrating basic A1/A2 proficiency in the Bulgarian language. For those seeking an exemption, Advocate Markov’s team can assist with enrollment in a language preparation course through a partner institution.
8. Citizenship for Children: Once the investor’s citizenship is approved, their children can apply for Bulgarian citizenship without needing to meet language requirements or renounce their current citizenship.

Here are the specific requirements for Chinese citizens seeking to apply for the Bulgaria Golden Visa.

Investment Options in the Bulgaria Golden Visa Program

The Bulgaria Golden Visa program requires an investment of €512,000 in a government-regulated fund. This fund must be managed by a Bulgarian Fund Management Company and must invest exclusively in Bulgarian assets. As of the time of writing, only two funds meet the strict requirements outlined in the Bulgarian Citizenship Act to qualify for the Bulgaria Golden Visa.

Unlike the Portuguese program, the Bulgaria Golden Visa allows funds to invest in real estate, offering more flexibility. Real estate investments in programs like the Greek Golden Visa can be less reliable due to inflated property prices by local agents. The Bulgarian program provides a transparent, regulated framework, making it a competitive and reliable choice for investors seeking residency or citizenship.

Bulgaria Golden Visa Investment Process

1. Direct Investment Route
   Investors can deposit funds directly into the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), eliminating the need for brokers or banking intermediaries. This simplifies the process and ensures efficiency.
2. No Bulgarian Bank Account Required
   Investments can be made directly from your home country, as long as your bank complies with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. This removes the hassle of opening a bank account in Bulgaria.
3. Fast and Efficient Processing
   Investment certificates are issued promptly upon receipt of funds, allowing for a quicker application process for the Bulgarian Golden Visa.

For assistance with your Bulgaria Golden Visa application, please contact our dedicated Golden Visa team.