Residency for Directors or Shareholders of Bulgarian Companies Employing at Least 10 Bulgarian Citizens

Published On: 24/10/2025

Expanding your business into the European Union often requires more than just good management — it demands presence, leadership, and flexibility. Many successful international companies choose Bulgaria as a strategic base, appointing non-EU nationals as directors or shareholders of their local entities.

To make this possible, Bulgarian law provides a clear and practical pathway to residency for non-EU individuals who play a key role in Bulgarian companies employing at least 10 Bulgarian citizens full-time.

This type of residence permit allows business leaders to live and work in Bulgaria, travel freely within the EU Schengen area for 90 days within 180 days, and personally oversee their company’s operations on the ground.

The procedure for obtaining residency on this basis involves two main stages:

1. Visa D Application

Once the foreign national is appointed as a manager or shareholder of the Bulgarian company in the Bulgarian Commercial Register, they shall apply for a Visa D at the Bulgarian Consulate in their country of residence.

The application package includes:

  • A criminal record certificate;
  • A declaration confirming a valid address;
  • Certificates from the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency proving:
    • Employment of at least 10 Bulgarian citizens under full-time contracts, and
    • Absence of public liabilities;
  • Other standard supporting documents as required by the consulate.

The Visa D is typically issued within up to 35 working days.

2. Application for Residence Permit

After receiving the Visa D, the applicant should enter Bulgaria and submit an application for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate or its regional branch.

The required documents include:

  • Application form for granting a long-term residence permit;
  • Original and copy of the passport;
  • Copy of the Visa D and the most recent entry stamp;
  • Criminal record certificate;
  • Bank statement showing available funds equal to at least 12 minimum monthly salaries in Bulgaria;
  • Certificates from the National Revenue Agency concerning the Bulgarian entity.

3. Review and Issuance of Residence Permit

The Migration Directorate reviews the application within 14 days.
Once approved, the applicant is granted a one-year residence permit, which can be renewed annually, provided the business continues to employ the required number of Bulgarian citizens.

For more information or legal advice and assistance, please use the contact form or reach out to us at pberg@berglaw.eu

 

Polina Berg

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