As a pensioner to move to Bulgaria?

As a pensioner to move to Bulgaria from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, countries near and far abroad? Where to start? Do I need to buy a home? What documents to collect for obtaining a visa D and residence permit? How to transfer a pension? In this article we will try to give answers to these and other issues of concern to retirees who want to migrate to this cozy European country.

The relocation of a pensioner in Bulgaria: milestones

The whole process of moving can be divided into 3 phases: housing, visa D and getting on base this Bulgarian residence permit.

Step 1. Obtaining a tourist visa and rent/buy housing.

Rent or buy the retiree apartment in Bulgaria – the first step to obtaining a visa D, residence permit and permanent residence. It is worth noting that the presence of their homes (rented or purchased) gives the retiree the right to obtain a residence permit under the simplified scheme and to reside in Bulgaria (unlike other groups of foreigners).

In order to personally view the available options you can simply apply for a short-term visa C, which gives the right to stay in the country up to 3 months.

The cost of the monthly rent in one of the resort cities varies in the range of 100-400 €. Sale two-bedroom apartments will cost from 30 000 to 60 000 euros.

If to speak about purchase of real estate, the option of not to consider. This is due to a law that prohibits foreign citizens (natural persons) to acquire land in property. Therefore, we recommend the pensioner to buy an apartment or apartments in a residential complex.

When choosing accommodation, consider not only its overall condition and location, but also the presence/absence of individual metering devices (meters for water and electricity). With their help, you can save on utility bills.

In addition, we offer you to learn about the mandatory taxes and service in the article "the Costs of housing."

Step 2. Visa D.

Undertake it after to solve the housing problem. It is made in the migration service of the regional center and gives the right to stay in the country for 6 months (regularly updated before the deadline).

The cost of consideration of visa documents — 100 € (in addition, they should be legalized, but it is at least 1500 rubles).

Step 3. A residence permit

Visa D – the first step to the residence permit. You then need to obtain permission from ISI migration service of Ukraine ("the Ministry will work vytesnit") for continuous stay in the country. For that, we will submit the same package of documents that was collected for a visa type "D" (he served in the city of regional importance, by place of residence).

Consideration of the application and issuance of a residence permit takes 14 working days. The applicant receives a plastic card, which confirms his status and right to stay in Bulgaria for 12 months.

The procedure for updating this status are repeated annually for 5 years (the price is 800 leva or 405 - 410 €.). After five years you can apply for permanent residence. Another 5 - you can apply for citizenship.

How to transfer a pension to Bulgaria?

There are two ways to receive a pension from Russia to Bulgaria. This principle applies to retirees from Belarus, Ukraine, Israel and other countries.

1. To get a card international standard (VISA/MasterCard) in a Russian Bank and list her income with pension card (monthly in EURO).
2. Officially transfer a pension to Bulgaria after obtaining a residence permit.

For the transfer of a pension in Bulgaria should:

• to open an account in a Bulgarian Bank;
• contact NOI at the place of registration (Bulgarian pence��district Fund);
• fill in the application form, provide original and copies of the following documents: a passport. passport, certificate of opening the account, identity card, pension certificate and certificate of insurance;
• to send documents in Sofia;
• expect 3 to 6 months (after renewal of the pension will come 1 every three months in Bulgarian national currency without EDV and EDK).

Important! Must annually confirm that the applicant is still alive with a special reference (sent it in Sofia). You can get it in NSSI (free) or the Russian Consulate (for a fee).

Program "for pensioners

As such, the program does not exist, but has a "Law on foreigners", according to which any foreign retiree is entitled to receive a residence permit in Bulgaria under the simplified scheme if it has:

• real estate (rented or purchased);
• open a Bulgarian Bank account with the desired amount (minimum 2 euros);
• required by the Bulgarian law, the monthly income.

List of documents for the completion of this procedure can check with the lawyers of the Agency BolgarskiyDom (about the same as for a visa type "D").

Important! Under this legislation, the government of Bulgaria offers only the opportunity to be in the country for at least 6 months. No special features and bonuses pensioner receives.

Six reasons to move to live in Bulgaria for retiree

1. Easy to relocate (especially in comparison with other categories of foreigners). After 5 years of regular updates of the residence permit.
2. A suitable, warm climate (over 80% of the days – solar), which has a beneficial effect on the health of the pensioner. A special role is played by the black sea coast. It is proved that it is suitable for patients with asthma.
3. Convenient location allowing quick access to the neighboring countries (Serbia, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Macedonia).
4. Stability. Especially in terms of prices for food, clothing and medicine. Most often the rise and fall occurs within a few percent, so they are not felt so acutely (as in Russia).
5. Varied holiday. Protected areas, clean waters, boat trips, ski resorts, and fishing and more.
6. Cheap property. For example, in Bulgaria it is possible to buy an apartment close to the sea ranging from 7 000 euros.

The Agency BolgarskiyDom 11 years helps everyone, including seniors, to purchase or rent quality housing in Bulgaria. To verify this, you can view feedback from our customers.