Bulgaria: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-11
Path to citizenship
Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation comes after 5 years with permanent (or long-term) residence, which is itself usually granted after 5 years of temporary residence — about 10 years in total. You need a Bulgarian exam (20 questions, 12 correct), means of living, no convictions and giving up your previous citizenship — except spouses of citizens, EU citizens and nationals of reciprocity countries. Spouses of citizens married for 3+ years need 3 years with permanent residence. People of Bulgarian origin need no residence period, but must know the language; processing takes ≈ 9 months. Whether Ukrainians' temporary-protection time counts we could not find — the graph does not count it. Bulgaria has been in the euro area since 2026.
- • spouses of citizens — 3 years with permanent residence, no renunciation
- • 5 years with permanent residence, the exam and renunciation
- • EU citizens — 5 years with permanent residence, no renunciation
- • by origin — no residence period
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.75–2.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sofia | €1,250 | €2,780 |
| Plovdiv | €1,050 | €2,330 |
| Varna | €1,150 | €2,530 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety79
- Earning potential71
- Healthcare66
- Path to citizenship26
- Schools and education43
- Environment41
- Warm, sunny climate62
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Bulgaria, and how long does it take?
spouses of citizens — 3 years with permanent residence, no renunciation; 5 years with permanent residence, the exam and renunciation; EU citizens — 5 years with permanent residence, no renunciation; by origin — no residence period. Processing takes 0.75–2 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Bulgaria?
The main routes we cover: Temporary residence (work, business, study, family); EU citizen registration; Person of Bulgarian origin. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Bulgaria?
Naturalisation in Bulgaria usually requires giving up your previous citizenship; spouses of citizens, EU citizens and nationals of reciprocity countries are exempt.
How much does it cost to live in Bulgaria per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Sofia ≈ €1,250 / €2,780; Plovdiv ≈ €1,050 / €2,330; Varna ≈ €1,150 / €2,530. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026.
How much is rent in Bulgaria?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Sofia €650–€875; Plovdiv €485–€650; Varna €565–€765.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 11.2026; budget as of 11.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.