Bulgaria is a small yet captivating country in Southeastern Europe, famous for its scenic mountains, beautiful Black Sea coast, and centuries-old cultural heritage. Life here offers a charming mix of historic traditions, modern living standards, and a relatively low cost of living, attracting an increasing number of non-EU nationals every year.
Interesting opportunity
One lesser-known pathway for residing in Bulgaria is through establishing or participating in a Bulgarian non-governmental organization (NGO). Besides allowing you to carry out community-focused projects, it also grants you the opportunity to apply for a renewable, one-year residence permit.
The process starts with obtaining official permission from the Ministry of Justice. In your application, you should present a clear plan for the NGO’s activities, convincing evidence of having enough resources to fund them, and proof that you are not planning on taking up regular employment. Upon receiving the Ministry’s approval, you then apply for a Type D visa at the Bulgarian consulate in your home country. This visa allows you to travel to Bulgaria specifically to finalize your resident status.
Once you are in Bulgaria, you apply for the one-year residence permit through the Migration Directorate, presenting the Ministry of Justice permit and other standard documents. If approved, you receive a one-year residence card that can be renewed on an annual basis, as long as your NGO remains active and continues to fulfill its non-profit objectives. After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may even qualify for long-term or permanent residency in Bulgaria.
A foreigner holding this residency permit is legally entitled to reside in Bulgaria for the duration of the permit, with the ability to enter and exit the country freely during that period.
The individual can lawfully engage in the non-profit activities that were the basis for the permit. They enjoy similar civil rights as other long-term residents in Bulgaria. The foreign resident will be issued a Bulgarian Personal Number (ЛНЧ) on their residence card.
Whether you’re looking to start a small foundation, support a community program, or expand an existing nonprofit’s activities, there is great potential for growth and collaboration within Bulgaria’s friendly environment.
Conclusion
If you’d like to explore this option, we from Legalla would be happy to guide you through each step of the process. Our legal and accounting team specializes in helping clients confidently navigate Bulgarian immigration procedures, from building a solid NGO plan to coordinating the necessary paperwork and working with the authorities. By contacting us, you gain personalized support, professional advice, and the assurance that your application is well-prepared to meet every requirement. Let us help you begin your new journey in Bulgaria as smoothly as possible.
