Bulgaria · citizenship by investment
Bulgarian citizenship by investment (naturalisation on the basis of investment under the Bulgarian Citizenship Act)
Closed as of 5 April 2022
The European Commission said Bulgaria abolished its investor citizenship scheme effective 5 April 2022.
Processing time (official)Not applicable, programme closed.
Data checked27 October 2026
Rules
Legal basis
Bulgarian Citizenship Act, investment based naturalisation provisions removed by amendments adopted at second and final reading on 24 March 2022
Due diligence
Not applicable, programme closed.
Residence requirement
Not applicable, programme closed.
Programme history
- Bulgaria's abolition of the investor citizenship scheme took effect, according to the European Commission.1
- The National Assembly adopted at second and final reading amendments to the Citizenship Act that end citizenship in return for investment, while investment based residence remains.2,3
- Euronews, citing AFP, reported that over 100 foreigners had obtained Bulgarian citizenship through the scheme since 2013.3
Sources
- European Commission, Investor citizenship schemes, Commission refers Malta to the Court of Justice (IP/22/5422) (29 September 2022) · official
- The Sofia Globe, Bulgaria's Parliament abolishes 'golden passports' (24 March 2022)
- Euronews with AFP, Bulgaria abolishes golden passport scheme for wealthy foreigners (24 March 2022)
Figures are the minimums and fees stated by the programme or its regulations on the date shown. Agents' fees and other costs are extra. This is not investment or immigration advice.