To understand why the Bulgarian Investor Immigration Program is rated among one of the best to gain entry into the EU, let us understand the other investment programs by other nations.
Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program
It provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 185,000 for European citizenship and passport after five years in residency status. The “fast track option” starts at EUR 270,000 and shortens this period to only 18 months.
Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program
on the other hand, begins its investment options at a whooping EUS 2m for immediate citizenship and passport. This process, on the contrary, can be as fast as 90 days.
Greece Golden Visa
This non-EU applicants to file for Greek residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The applicant may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of permanent residency.
Malta Individual Investor Program
You will get a European citizenship via Malta in return for a non-refundable donation to the Maltese government in the amount of EUR 650,000 plus a EUR 150,000 investment in approved securities and an investment in real estate. This process can anytime between six months to 2 years to complete.
Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program
This program is relatively simple and not so investment heavy. But this is very time consuming and can waste good years of your productive life. If you prove that you have access to accommodation and you are financially self sufficient, you can live in this country as a permanent resident for 10 years after which you can file for a Monaco citizenship.
Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program
This requires an investment of EUR 350,000 in real estate, or the transfer of 1 Million Euro, or the creation of 10 new jobs in Portugal. After 6 years of Portuguese residency, one can apply for a citizenship.
Spain Golden Visa
To be a Spanish Citizen, it requires a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in real estate, or a 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project in return for Spanish residency. After 10 years of residency the applicant may file for citizenship.
If you are looking outside EU, there are several other countries, which offer citizenship by investment programs. Here is a brief overview.
Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000 (Approx. EUR 133,000)
The United States EB-5 Program will give you a permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States if you invest a minimum US-Dollar 500,000 (EUR 425,000 approx.) in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After five years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.
So, as you have seen above, in terms of investment as well as time taken, the Bulgarian Investor Immigration Program seems to have the best mix to get your foothold inside the EU.
