Approximately 1.3 million UK citizens reside in Europe, with many choosing Bulgaria for vacation homes or permanent residency. Around 7,000 British nationals lived permanently in Bulgaria as of March 2016.

Property Ownership Rules

In Bulgaria, non-EU citizens can purchase built structures on equal terms with EU members. However, they cannot acquire land directly. British nationals seeking to buy rural properties with land must establish a Bulgarian company to hold the title. Thousands of UK property owners already hold individual titles in the countryside, creating uncertainty about future implications.

Brexit’s Potential Effects

The EU’s free movement protections significantly influenced British investment in Bulgarian real estate. Should a “hard Brexit” occur, European nations may require visas for UK travelers, potentially dampening the property market’s appeal. Conversely, British investments in Bulgaria predate the country’s 2007 EU accession.

Bulgarian officials suggested two pathways: applying for permanent residency permits, which grant near-equal legal standing with Bulgarian citizens, or pursuing Bulgarian citizenship directly. The Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov mentioned that after Brexit UK citizens from Bulgaria are welcome to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.