The Bulgarian passport ranks among the top 15 most desirable passports in the world 06.08.2024 18:13According to The Henley Passport Index, the Bulgarian passport ranks among the top 15 passports in the world, holding the thirteenth position along with the passports of Romania and Croatia, and allowing visa-free access to 179 countries.
Citizens of third countries can obtain Bulgarian citizenship through:
- Repatriation Program (no residency requirement in Bulgaria), with the option to retain their original citizenship.
- General Naturalization, after three to five years of residence in Bulgaria with “Permanent Residency in Bulgaria” or “Long-Term Residency in the EU” status.
- Permanent Residency in Bulgaria can be obtained through an investment support program without residing in Bulgaria, or under general conditions after five years of residence in Bulgaria with a residence permit, provided that the total absence from the country during this period does not exceed 30 months.
- Long-Term Residency in the EU can be acquired after five years of residence in Bulgaria, with no more than 10 months (or six consecutive months) of absence from the country during the entire period.