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Bulgaria's Trade Representative Office Route to EU Permanent Residency · IMI Podcasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: This episode first appeared as an article titled Bulgaria's Trade Representative Office, Route to EU Permanent Residency, and authored by Ivan Petrov on IMIDaily.com.
• 0:13
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• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: Digital nomads and young entrepreneurs continuously seek viable pathways to residence within the European Union.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: Bulgaria, now a member of the Schengen area, presents one such path through its trade representative office, also known as the TRO route, which offers not just residence rights in Bulgaria, but access to the broader Schengen area.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: This article considers how the TRO route can serve as an efficient way for digital nomads to establish their presence in the EU.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: The recent accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen marks a pivotal development for those holding a Bulgarian residence permit.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: This milestone means that digital nomads, through acquiring Bulgarian residents, can now enjoy unrestricted movement across the Schengen area.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: One less capital-intensive route to gaining residence in Bulgaria, and by extension, the EU, is by registering as a trade representative at a trade representation office of a company incorporated outside Bulgaria.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: This pathway is particularly tailored for digital nomads and entrepreneurs looking to explore and eventually expand their business within the Bulgarian market.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: The regular IMI reader will find that Bulgaria's TRO route shares many similarities with Italy's representative office visa, which also serves as a path to residency in the country without investment, crucially, without making the representative a tax resident.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: The company on which the TRO resident bases his application must have been incorporated no fewer than two years ago and must have remained active and tax compliant throughout that period.
• 2:19
  SPEAKER_00: The company should also have plans to enter the Bulgarian business environment, conduct market research, and prepare for future business expansion.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: The company is permitted to appoint up to three trade representatives based on its business needs and expansion plans.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: Note that the TRO does not operate as a separate entity.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: It requires no director or shareholders.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: Trade representatives can obtain prolonged residence permits, enabling them to settle in Bulgaria.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: These permits are subject to annual renewal.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_00: After five years of holding a valid prolonged residence permit and residing in Bulgaria for over 30 months during this period, trade representatives can apply for permanent residence or EU long-term residence.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: The latter status allows for residence in another EU country without a visa.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: Upon completing five years under the TRO scheme, applicants can seek permanent residence, which then allows for employment and leads to Bulgarian citizenship, subject to certain requirements.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_00: To initiate the process, you must establish a TRO, secure an office address, provide proof of long-term accommodation in Bulgaria, and appoint up to three individuals as trade representatives.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks for joining us today on IMI Podcasts.
• 3:48
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