Bulgaria: growth of property demand and the simplification of visa regime

Bulgaria: growth of property demand and the simplification of visa regime

According to the National Union of "Property IMOTI", the demand for real estates (both private homes and apartments) increased by 20-30% compared to the same period of 2014 year.

Prices also are rising: according to the results of 2014 the average market prices in Sofia have increased by 2.8% compared with 2013 year. Besides the capital, the average market prices rose also in Plovdiv and Burgas. This year the trend toward moderate growth in housing prices in major cities of the country continued.

Contrary to fears, Bulgarian market has not seen a boom in sales of real estate acquired by the Russians (more than 400 thousand Russians own property in the country): according to the "REAL ESTATE IMOTI", mainly the Russians put up for sale objects acquired for investment purposes, and it is not related to financial difficulties.

Bulgaria: growth of property demand and the simplification of visa regime | Photo 1 | ee24

"Blue card" for foreigners - now three times easier

Bulgaria accelerates the issuance of work permits: skilled foreigners will be able to receive  "blue card" (a special work permit) three times more quickly. The validity of the document also will increase three times (from one to three years).

Before you had to wait for "blue card" for six months, now the term will be reduced to two months. Submission of all documents will be carried out on the principle of "single window" in the Ministry of Economy.

Bulgaria: growth of property demand and the simplification of visa regime | Photo 2 | ee24

The visa regime: more loyal

This year Bulgaria greatly simplified the procedure for obtaining visas for those who have already visited the country and did not violate the visa regime: such a tourists can receive a multiple-entry visa for a year. Similar measures apply to those who have property - issuing visas for up to 3 years.


Foreigners who have not previously visited Bulgaria, but go there for the purpose of purchasing property, will be eligible for short-term double or multiple entry visas valid for up to 1 year, and those who already had the Bulgarian visa - up to 3 years.


In addition, minor citizens who want to visit Bulgaria for tourism or organized recreation in summer camps, as well as for training, sports, cultural exchange, can get short-term multiple entry visas valid for up to 5 years.

Recall that Bulgaria does not issue Schengen visas, so with the Bulgarian visa you can not visit other European countries. However, if you have a Schengen visa issued by another Member State, you can visit Bulgaria.


The new rules apply to citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Georgia.


To Bulgaria by car

Since the end of April tourists can reach Bulgaria from Russia by car - Novorossiysk was included in the schedule of the ferry "Friendship". Now the ferry runs along the route Burgas (Bulgaria) - Poti (Georgia) - Batumi (Georgia) - Novorossiysk - Burgas.

Bulgaria: growth of property demand and the simplification of visa regime | Photo 3 | ee24

According to the materials NewsBG.ru, pggazeta.ru and Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Photocredit shutterstock.com

 

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