Bulgaria Retirement Residence Visa 2026 (Type D) — Most Affordable EU Residence
Live in the EU member state of Bulgaria on your pension — one of Europe's most affordable residence paths, neighbor to Turkey.
What is the Bulgaria Retiree (Type D) Visa?
Bulgaria's retiree residency program allows non-EU citizens with a regular pension to legally reside in Bulgaria, an EU member state. The process begins with a long-term national Type D visa, which is subsequently converted into a residence permit. For Turkish retirees, it is one of the most affordable and closest residency options in Europe; Bulgaria shares a border with Turkey and has some of the lowest living costs in the EU.
2026 Income and Requirements
- Regular pension income: Documentation of retirement income at or above the level of Bulgaria's minimum wage/minimum pension (2024 minimum ~933 BGN ≈ 477 €/month)
- Bank balance: It is recommended to show approximately 12 months of minimum pension (~3,300 €) in a Bulgarian bank account
- Travel/health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 €
- Apostilled criminal record certificate and a medical report issued within the last month
Note: Although there is a retiree category, the general requirement for "sufficient means of subsistence" applies; very low pension incomes may increase the risk of rejection.
Process and Timeline
The Type D visa is obtained from the Bulgarian Consulate in your country and is valid for 6 months; within this period, a residence permit application must be submitted in Bulgaria (the first permit is typically valid for 1 year and renewable). The total process, from preparation to obtaining the residence permit, takes approximately 3-6 months. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, an application for permanent residency can be made.
Why Bulgaria?
- EU member — facilitates legal residence and free travel within Europe
- Shares a land border with Turkey — easy access
- Lowest cost of living in the EU and low taxes (10% flat income tax)
- Accessible thresholds for pension income
With Resida Global
Resida Global has specialized in international residency procedures since 2021. For Bulgaria's retiree residency, we manage the entire process in Turkish, including consulate applications, bank account setup, insurance, document preparation, and residence permit tracking.
Estimated Costs
| Type D visa fee | ~100-200 € |
| Residence permit card | ~200-500 € |
| Health insurance (annual) | ~200-500 € |
| Translation, apostille, notary | ~200-400 € |
| Consulting | On request |
Costs are indicative and may vary with current official fees and exchange rates.
How the Process Works
- 1
1. Preliminary assessment
Pension income and profile suitability are evaluated.
- 2
2. Documents + bank
Pension documents, criminal record, and health report are apostilled; a Bulgarian bank account is opened.
- 3
3. Type D visa application
File is submitted to the Bulgarian Consulate in your country.
- 4
4. Entry to Bulgaria
Travel to Bulgaria with a 6-month valid D visa.
- 5
5. Residence card
Apply for residence at the Migration Directorate; receive the card.
- 6
6. Renewal + permanent residency
Annual renewal; apply for permanent residency after 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income is required for the Bulgaria retirement visa?
Your regular pension must be at or above Bulgaria's minimum level (2024 ~933 BGN/month ≈ 477 €) and you are expected to show approximately 12 months of minimum pension (~3.300 €) in a Bulgarian bank account.
Is Bulgaria an EU member?
Yes, Bulgaria is an EU member (since 2007). Residence provides legal stay in the EU and easy travel within Europe.
How long does it take to get residence?
The Type D visa is valid for 6 months; the residence card process takes 2-3 months after entry. Total time including preparation is 3-6 months.
When can I obtain permanent residency?
Permanent residency can be applied for after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Is tax high in Bulgaria?
No; Bulgaria has a flat income tax rate of 10% — one of the lowest in the EU. Cost of living is also low.
Can I include my family?
Yes, spouse and dependent family members can be included through family reunification.
Let’s plan your process together
Contact our team for a free, tailored preliminary assessment of your case.