Can you get residency in Bulgaria by buying property?

Answer a few quick questions and see straight away whether a property can support a residence permit in Bulgaria.

Only through a large investment. An ordinary home does not give residence on its own; the investor route needs about €306,755 in Bulgarian real estate, paid through a Bulgarian bank. EU citizens do not need it.

Your result: You do not need this permit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live in Bulgaria under EU free movement rules.

What the permit gives

  • Temporary residence, usually renewed yearly; permanent residence can follow after five years.

What it does not give

  • Residence from an ordinary home purchase: below the threshold, a home only counts as proof of accommodation for other permits.

Conditions

  • Paid through a licensed Bulgarian bank; a loan may cover at most 25%.
  • Keep the property for at least five years.

Confirm with a lawyer

  • Sources give slightly different thresholds (€306,755, about €307,000, €312,000); confirm the current figure with the Ministry of Interior.

Rules as of 2026-10-13. Not legal advice.

See homes in Bulgaria · Bulgaria buying guide · Buying costs in Bulgaria · European residency by buying property

Questions about Bulgaria residency by property

Does buying a home in Bulgaria give residency?

Not on its own. Only the investor route, about €306,755 in real estate, gives residence; an ordinary home counts only as proof of accommodation.

Was Bulgaria's golden visa abolished?

Citizenship by investment was abolished in 2022. The investor residence route still exists.

Sources