For long-term residence in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit status
And also – European legislation, which guarantees the preservation of capital for foreign investors, and the friendly attitude of the local population towards Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians. All this fully applies to the Czech Republic, which today is no less popular among citizens of the CIS.
Many are concerned about how to obtain a residence permit in Europe in general and particularly in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. A residence permit allows one to stay in the country for a long time. The grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria are marriage to a citizen of that country, studies at educational institutions, employment, long-term medical treatment, entrepreneurial activity, and other reasons.
Buying property in Bulgaria is not a ground for obtaining a residence permit. Property owners have the right to obtain a multiple-entry visa, on the basis of which one can stay in the country for no more than 180 days. Wealthy Russian pensioners who own property can obtain a visa that does not limit their stay in the country during the year.
Obtaining legal grounds for living in the country is also allowed by registering a company in Europe. In this case, as a result of commercial activity, the legal entity must create at least 10 jobs for Bulgarian citizens and pay taxes. It is this option – starting a business – that is the most common way of immigrating to the Czech Republic. By opening a Czech company, one can apply for a residence permit in that country.
In Bulgaria, the residence permit status is issued for 1 year, in the Czech Republic – for 2 years. Subsequently, upon confirmation of the basis for staying in the country, it can be extended annually.
Each holder of a residence permit in Bulgaria is issued a LNC – personal number of a foreigner. A citizen who has received a residence permit must live in Bulgaria for at least 6 months and 1 day per year. After 5 years of residence permit status, grounds for applying for permanent residence appear.
The following may qualify for permanent residence in Bulgaria: persons born on the territory of the state, citizens who have continuously lived in the country for 5 years, foreigners who have high merits, and other citizens. The law allows for permanent residence if a foreigner has invested over 500 thousand dollars in the Bulgarian economy. Everyone who has permanent residence status is assigned an EGN – uniform civil number. After 5 years of permanent residence status, a citizen has the opportunity to obtain Bulgarian citizenship.
However, obtaining permanent residence in the Czech Republic is possible 2 years after marriage to a Czech citizen and after 5 years of continuous renewal of a residence permit, provided that the time of absence from the Czech Republic does not exceed 10 months. There are other ways, but these are the most common and accessible.
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