Startup Visa

Bulgaria's Startup Visa enables non-EU foreign nationals to obtain a long-term residence permit for the purpose of developing innovative or high-tech businesses. Launched in February 2023, it was the last EU member state to introduce a startup visa framework. The program is administered by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, which evaluates projects and issues certificates, while the Migration Directorate handles residence permits. Unlike general investor visa pathways, the Startup Visa has no minimum share capital or investment requirement -- eligibility is based on the innovativeness and quality of the business project, assessed through a points-based scoring system.

• Must be a non-EU foreign national
• Must present an innovative or high-tech business project
• Project must score at least 8 out of 14 points in the evaluation by the Council of Experts
• Must demonstrate at least 3 Bulgarian minimum monthly wages (BGN 3,639 as of 2026) in a bank account for at least 30 days prior to application
• For the Type D visa, a bank statement showing at least 6 minimum monthly wages is required
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• No language requirement

The project evaluation uses a 14-point system with a minimum threshold of 8 points:

• Financial support (up to 3 points) — available funds for stay
• Financial projections and capital (up to 3 points) — business plan financial viability
• Client network (up to 1 point) — sales contracts, existing customers
• Investment commitments (up to 1 point) — venture capital or funding (minimum BGN 100,000)
• Patent or utility model (up to 1 point) — valid registration in EU/US/OECD
• Business plan quality (up to 5 points) — innovation, economic justification, presentation

Supporting evidence that can strengthen an application includes: a Seal of Excellence from Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe, scientific publications in Q1/Q2 journals, proof of sales exceeding BGN 100,000 over 2 years, and partnership agreements with Bulgarian entities.

For the Startup Visa Certificate:

• Electronic application via the ISUN 2020 platform (enims.egov.bg)
• Business plan and project presentation (pitch deck) including project title, product description, 3-year financial forecasts, market analysis, and HR information
• Bank document proving at least 3 minimum wages available for 30+ days
• Supporting documents as applicable: patent registrations, investment contracts, scientific publications, educational credentials, proof of sales, partnership agreements

For the Type D Visa:

• Valid passport
• Criminal record check
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Proof of funds (6 minimum monthly wages)
• Valid medical insurance

The application follows a three-stage process:

1. Startup Visa Certificate — Submit an electronic application to the Ministry of Innovation and Growth through the ISUN 2020 platform (as of January 2026). Applications can be in Bulgarian or English. The Council of Experts evaluates the project within 30 days. If the application has discrepancies or missing information, you have 14 days to provide corrections. Refusal decisions can be appealed within 7 days. The certificate is free of charge.

2. Type D Long-Stay Visa — Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes 1 to 2 months. The visa fee is EUR 100.

3. Residence Permit — Upon entering Bulgaria, register with the Migration Directorate to obtain a residence permit card valid for up to 1 year.

The initial certificate is valid for 1 year and can be extended for an additional 2 years (up to 3 years total). To qualify for the extension, you must own at least 50% of the capital of a Bulgarian company with business activity matching the approved project, and submit a project progress report. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, holders may apply for permanent residence.

Spouses and dependent children under 18 are eligible for family reunification residence permits once the main applicant's Bulgarian residency is approved. Family members must apply separately but the process is streamlined when tied to an approved primary applicant. They receive the same residency duration as the main applicant.

Bulgaria applies a flat 10% personal income tax rate on worldwide income for tax residents. Tax residency arises after spending more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year.

The business activity carried out in Bulgaria must correspond to the project for which the certificate was issued. If circumstances change, you must notify the Ministry of Innovation and Growth -- failure to do so may result in certificate revocation. The certificate can also be revoked if false information is discovered or if project implementation becomes impossible.

The certificate is issued specifically for the development of the approved high-tech or innovative project. Business activity in Bulgaria must correspond to the approved project. This differs from both the self-employment work permit pathway (which requires language proficiency and professional experience) and the Digital Nomad Residence Permit (which is for remote workers employed by foreign entities).