Bulgaria has become a prime destination for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for European residency. With its strategic location in the European Union, strong economic stability, and business-friendly tax policies, it offers numerous advantages. One of the most efficient pathways for non-EU citizens to obtain Bulgarian residency is through the Trade Representative Office (TRO) program.
This route allows non-EU business owners to gain a Bulgarian Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) without making significant investments or hiring local employees. Instead, by leveraging an existing foreign company, individuals can establish a representative office in Bulgaria and secure a long-term visa and residence permit.
What is the Trade Representative Office (TRO) Program?
Definition of a Representative Office
A Trade Representative Office (TRO) in Bulgaria is an extension of a foreign company that is registered for non-commercial purposes. Unlike a Bulgarian company, a TRO cannot engage in direct profit-making activities. Instead, it is primarily used for market research, business development, networking, and promotional activities.
Registration of a representative office must be done through the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), which maintains the official database of foreign company representations in Bulgaria.
How the TRO Program Leads to Bulgarian Residency
Foreign nationals who are listed as trade representatives of a foreign company’s Bulgarian RO are eligible for a Type D Bulgarian long-stay visa, followed by a one-year renewable temporary residence permit. The legal basis for this program is outlined in Article 24, Item 6 of the Bulgarian Law on Foreigners.
This residency pathway is appealing due to its affordability and minimal financial requirements. Unlike traditional business residency options, which require hiring local employees or making large capital investments, the TRO route offers a legally recognized way to live in Bulgaria while maintaining an existing foreign business.
Key Benefits of the TRO Program
No local hiring requirement (unlike other business-based residence permits).
No minimum investment amount required.
The ability to sponsor up to three foreign representatives per company.
Family reunification opportunities for spouses and children.
Easy renewal process with minimal obligations.
Access to visa-free Schengen travel after Bulgaria’s full Schengen integration.
Possibility of obtaining Bulgarian permanent residency after five years.
Eligibility Criteria for the TRO Program
Who Can Apply?
The TRO residency program is open to non-EU/EEA nationals who meet the following criteria:
Business owners or company directors of a registered foreign company.
Key employees or managers assigned to represent the company in Bulgaria.
Entrepreneurs or freelancers who own an established company abroad.
Requirements for the Foreign Parent Company
To qualify, the foreign company must meet the following conditions:
Operational for at least two years before applying.
Legally registered and in good standing in its home country.
Financially stable, ensuring that it is actively engaged in business.
A legitimate reason for opening a Bulgarian representative office, such as business expansion or market exploration.
Requirements for the Applicant (Trade Representative)
Must be formally appointed as a representative of the foreign company.
Must have a clean criminal record from their country of residence.
Must show proof of financial means (sufficient funds to support themselves in Bulgaria).
Required to have valid health insurance covering their stay.
Must provide proof of a residential address in Bulgaria (rental agreement or property ownership).
Step-by-Step Process: How to Obtain Bulgarian Residency via TRO
Step 1: Register a Representative Office with BCCI
The first step involves registering the foreign company’s representative office with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Required Documents
Certificate of Good Standing for the foreign company.
Company’s Articles of Incorporation.
Board resolution approving the establishment of a Bulgarian representative office.
Power of Attorney (if someone else is handling the registration on your behalf).
Proof of a Bulgarian business address.
Application form from BCCI.
All documents must be translated into Bulgarian and apostilled.
Step 2: Apply for a Type D Long-Stay Visa
Once the representative office is registered, the applicant must apply for a Type D visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Required Documents for Type D Visa
Completed visa application form.
BCCI registration certificate.
Appointment letter confirming the applicant’s trade representative status.
Proof of financial means (bank statements).
Health insurance policy valid for at least 6-12 months.
Clean criminal record certificate.
Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria.
Processing typically takes up to 90 days.
Step 3: Apply for a One-Year Temporary Residence Permit
After entering Bulgaria with the Type D visa, applicants must apply for a temporary residence permit at the local Migration Office.
Required Documents for Residency Permit
BCCI registration certificate for the representative office.
Passport with the valid Type D visa.
Proof of accommodation (lease or property deed).
Updated proof of financial means.
National health insurance (if the previous travel insurance has expired).
Biometrics submission (fingerprints and photographs).
Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Once approved, the applicant receives a Bulgarian residence card valid for one year, renewable each year.
Advantages of the TRO Residency Program
No Investment Requirement – Unlike many residency-by-investment programs in Europe, the TRO program does not require a minimum capital investment or big financial commitments.
Ability to Live in Bulgaria without Local Business Operations – You can continue running your foreign company remotely while living in Bulgaria.
Visa-Free Travel to Schengen – Bulgarian residency permits allow you to travel visa-free across Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and EU Long-Term Residence – After five years, you may apply for permanent residency, followed by eligibility for an EU Long-Term Residence Permit.
Family Sponsorship – Once you secure a residence permit, you can bring your spouse and children under residency family reunification rules.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Documentation and Legalization
A common challenge applicants face is the complexity of document preparation and legalization. Certain documents require apostille certification and official Bulgarian translations.
Solution: Work with a local lawyer or immigration consultant to ensure correct paperwork submission.
Type D Visa Processing Delays
Some consulates take longer than expected to process the D visa application (up to 90 days).
Solution: Apply as early as possible and ensure all documents are complete to minimize back-and-forth delays.
Holding a TRO-based residence permit does not automatically grant permission to work for a Bulgarian employer.
Solution: If you plan to work locally, you would need a work visa or permit, or alternatively, operate as a self-employed individual running your own business.
Conclusion: Is the TRO Program Right for You?
The Bulgarian Trade Representative Office (TRO) residency program is one of the most accessible business immigration pathways in the European Union. It allows non-EU entrepreneurs and business owners to secure residency without large investments or job creation requirements.
With Bulgaria’s Schengen integration now complete, this residency program has become even more attractive, offering seamless European travel and long-term settlement opportunities.
If you are an entrepreneur, investor, or self-employed professional looking to establish an EU base, Bulgaria’s TRO program might be the perfect solution for you.