The “muhacir certificate” is the common name for the papers issued to families who migrated from the Balkans to Turkey, kept today by the Turkish Presidency’s State Archives. The most requested are the Declaration of Turkish Citizenship (Tabiiyet Beyannamesi) and the Immigrant Paper (Muhacir Kâğıdı). To get them, you send the archive a request petition with the details of the head of the family, the people who came with him and the place where the family was settled in Turkey. You can prepare the petition in its official layout in a few minutes with our free online petition tool.
\nThis guide explains what the muhacir certificate is, how it differs from the iskân (settlement) record, which details the petition asks for and what to do once the documents arrive.
\n“Muhacir” means immigrant. Families who migrated to Turkey from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Yugoslavia and other Balkan countries received several documents during the migration. Known together as the “muhacir certificate”, they are kept by the State Archives as Muhacir Records:
\nThe records are kept under the name of the head of the migrating family, so his name, father’s name and Turkish ID number (T.C. kimlik no) are the most important details in the request.
\n“Tabiiyet beyannamesi” is the Ottoman-era Turkish name of the declaration the head of an immigrant family and those with him made when taking Turkish citizenship. It is kept with the Immigrant Paper among the muhacir records and is not requested separately but with the Muhacir Records Request Form. So the answer to “how do I get the Tabiiyet Beyannamesi?” is the same as for the muhacir certificate.
\nThe two are often confused but are requested separately:
\n| \n | Muhacir records | \nIskân records | \n
|---|---|---|
| What they contain | \nDeclaration of Turkish Citizenship, Immigrant Paper and the immigrant file | \nDocuments on the house and land given to the immigrants for settlement | \n
| Which form | \nMuhacir Records Request Form | \nIskân Record Request Form | \n
| What they prove | \nThe migration, the naturalisation and the family | \nThe property given to the family | \n
A muhacir request does not return iskân documents; they need their own request. Our petition tool prepares both petitions from the same details in one PDF.
\nThe muhacir certificate officially shows where and when the family migrated from. It is used most often in a Bulgarian citizenship application: to show that you descend from an ancestor who emigrated from Bulgaria, the muhacir certificate and, if needed, a name equivalence certificate are requested. Our Bulgarian citizenship guide explains which documents you need.
\nMuhacir and iskân records are requested from the Muhacir and Iskân Records Branch of the Turkish Presidency’s State Archives (Devlet Arşivleri Başkanlığı). You sign the petition and send it by post or courier:
\nThe archive states that you may use its request form or write a letter that contains all the details of the form. Official form pages: Muhacir Records Request Form and Iskân Record Request Form.
\n| Section | \nDetails | \n
|---|---|
| Applicant | \nFull name, Turkish ID number, phone, email, postal address | \n
| Place of origin | \nCountry, date of arrival, province, district, village or neighbourhood, locality | \n
| Head of the immigrant family | \nFull name, father’s name, date of birth, Turkish ID number | \n
| Those who came along | \nFor each person: full name, father’s name, date of birth, Turkish ID number | \n
| Place of settlement | \nProvince of entry into Turkey, province, district, village or neighbourhood where settled | \n
| Additional | \nIf known, the date and number of the Council of Ministers naturalisation decision | \n
According to the archive, without the family members who came along and the place of settlement the record cannot be searched; requests with only a name, place of origin and place of settlement are not searched. Incomplete requests are not processed and you are asked to complete them.
\nIf you know the old Turkish name of the village but not today’s name, find it with the Ancestral Village Finder. Writing both names in the petition makes the search easier.
\nThe head of family and those who came with him have Turkish ID numbers even if they are deceased. The numbers are on the full civil registry extract (vukuatlı nüfus kayıt örneği) from e-Devlet or a Turkish civil registry office. The applicant’s own Turkish ID number must also be written so the descent can be established.
\nIf you apply on someone else’s behalf, attach the original or a certified copy of the power of attorney. For applications through a lawyer, the original authorisation is required.
\nNot all muhacir and iskân records were transferred to the State Archives. The search covers only the archive’s holdings, so not every request succeeds. The more complete your details, the better the chance: write all family members who came along, the old and new names of the village and the village where the family was settled.
\nIf a muhacir record is found, the Declaration of Turkish Citizenship, the Immigrant Paper and any documents in the immigrant file are posted to you. With them:
\nWhen your documents arrive, upload them on our free document review page; our consultants review them and map out your route.
\nThe Declaration of Turkish Citizenship (Tabiiyet Beyannamesi) is one of the documents called the muhacir certificate. It is kept with the Immigrant Paper and the immigrant file among the muhacir records and is requested with the same form.
\nYes, each has its own request form. Both petitions go to the same branch, so one envelope is enough. Our petition tool prepares both from the same details.
\nYes. The archive accepts its form or a letter containing all the details of the form. What matters is that every required detail is there.
\nGet the full civil registry extract from e-Devlet or a civil registry office; the Turkish ID numbers of your grandfather, great-grandfather and other family members are written there.
\nThe muhacir certificate is one way to show descent. If no record is found, other documents may still allow you to proceed. Let us assess your case with a free document review.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/muhacir-belgesi-nedir-nasil-alinir.BPZxNbZr_ksjqJ.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-28T12:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-28T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","muhacir certificate","tabiiyet beyannamesi","declaration of Turkish citizenship","iskan record","Turkish State Archives","Bulgarian citizenship"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/find-your-ancestral-village-in-bulgaria/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/find-your-ancestral-village-in-bulgaria/","title":"Where Is My Grandfather's Village in Bulgaria? Find Your Ancestral Village for Free","summary":"Type the old Turkish name of your grandfather's village and see its current name, province and map location. Free tool for Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Macedonia.","content_html":"Do you only know the old Turkish name of the village your grandfather or grandmother talked about? Type it into our ancestral village finder and within seconds see the village’s current name, the province it belongs to and its location on the map. The tool is free and covers settlements in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and North Macedonia. Once you have found the village, you can also check your right to Bulgarian citizenship with a free preliminary assessment.
\nThe sentence we hear most often from families who emigrated from Bulgaria is: “My grandfather was from Mestanlı, but we don’t know where that is today.” Most Turkish place names in Bulgaria were replaced with Bulgarian names, especially from 1934 onwards. That is why the village name told in the family often does not appear on today’s maps, in official records or online. We built our tool to solve exactly this problem.
\nTry it now: find your ancestral village →
\nA Bulgarian citizenship application needs records showing that your ancestor was born or lived in Bulgaria. These records are kept at the municipality and in the archives under the current name of the place of birth. Knowing the village’s current name and province:
\nIn short, the location of the village is the first and most important clue of a citizenship file.
\nThe year your family emigrated is decisive:
\n| Emigration period | \nSituation | \n
|---|---|
| 1948–1950 emigrants | \nThose who emigrated can apply together with their children and grandchildren. | \n
| 1969–1978 emigrants | \nThose who emigrated can also apply together with their children and grandchildren. | \n
| 1989 and later | \nNo new application is needed: the birth certificate is corrected, citizenship is checked in Sofia and then a passport is issued. Details: Bulgarian citizenship for 1989 emigrants. | \n
| Pomaks and people of Bulgarian origin | \nCan apply through origin regardless of the emigration date. | \n
You can apply even if your ancestor has passed away; see can I become a citizen if the person who emigrated from Bulgaria has died? You can find all routes on our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nSome villages may have been merged, abandoned or renamed more than once. If the search returns nothing, use the “Search the archives” option under the tool. Write what you know (the approximate village name, a nearby town, the emigration year, family names) and we will search the Bulgarian archives for the records. The preliminary assessment is free.
\n| Name told in the family | \nToday’s name | \n
|---|---|
| Mestanlı | \nMomchilgrad | \n
| Kırcaali | \nKardzhali | \n
| Eğridere | \nArdino | \n
| Şumnu | \nShumen | \n
| Hezargrad | \nRazgrad | \n
Search for your family’s village in our tool too.
\nYes. The search works with old Turkish names, current names and Bulgarian spellings, and also finds similar spellings.
\nYes. The village search and the preliminary assessment that follows are completely free.
\nNo. After finding the village you can fill in a short form about your family if you wish; our consultant gets back to you and you assess your right to apply together. The decision is yours.
\nNo documents are required at the first stage. A migrant certificate, an old Bulgarian ID or a civil registry record speeds up the preliminary assessment. For the document list, see our free document review page.
\nYes. You can search by selecting Romania as the country in the tool. For Romanian citizenship, see our Romanian citizenship page.
\nA Bulgarian citizenship application is a document-heavy process lasting 1.5-3 years, so most families work with a consultancy. To choose the right firm, ask what the fee covers, whether there is a written contract, how the file is tracked and whether the firm has a real office. Stay away from firms promising “guaranteed citizenship” or a “guaranteed passport”.
\nThousands of people apply for Bulgarian citizenship every year, and this demand has created many firms and intermediaries. Some do their job well; others leave families with unfinished files, hidden fees and phones nobody answers. In this article we list 10 questions to ask before hiring a Bulgarian citizenship consultancy and what the answers tell you.
\nYou can apply yourself. But the process involves:
\nEach of these requires correspondence in Bulgarian and local experience. A good consultant reduces lost time and the risk of refusal; a bad one can leave your file waiting for years.
\nAsk for the total fee and what it covers in writing. Are state fees, apostille, translation, documents from Bulgaria and the passport stage included? A low “starting fee” can be followed by separate charges for every step. We explain the cost items in our article on Bulgarian citizenship fees.
\nThe scope of service, payment plan, timelines and refund conditions should be in a written contract. A verbal agreement will not protect you in a dispute.
\nPaying the full fee up front is risky. A payment plan split into stages (file preparation, application, result) protects you and encourages the firm to finish the job. Pay into the firm’s corporate account and get an invoice.
\nAn office you can visit in Türkiye and Bulgaria, a tax number and a trade registry entry are basic signs of trust. Be careful with intermediaries who only have a social media account and a mobile number.
\nThere should be a named representative handling your file. If you speak to someone different every time you call, nobody may actually know the state of your file.
\nAfter the application you should receive a file number. With it you can check the status yourself. Our Bulgarian citizenship file tracking system is open to everyone and free. Do not trust a firm that will not give you your file number.
\nBulgarian citizenship is decided by the Citizenship Council and the Vice President. No firm can guarantee the result. Promises like “guaranteed citizenship” or “passport in 6 months” are the biggest warning sign.
\nA good firm reviews your family history and documents before talking about fees. If you are not entitled, it says so clearly. Be careful with a firm that says “you are entitled” without seeing any documents. You can also have a preliminary assessment with our free document review.
\nThe Ministry may ask for additional documents during the process, usually giving 2-3 months. What will be done in that case, and whether there will be extra charges, should be written in the contract.
\nAsk in advance what the firm will do if the application is refused: reviewing the reason, support for a new application, refund conditions. We discuss refusal in our article Bulgarian citizenship application refused: what to do next.
\n| Warning sign | \nWhy is it dangerous? | \n
|---|---|
| A guaranteed result | \nOnly the Bulgarian state decides | \n
| A positive answer without seeing documents | \nYou may not be entitled; the fee is wasted | \n
| Full payment up front | \nHard to recover if the file is abandoned | \n
| Not giving a file number | \nYou cannot prove the application was actually made | \n
| Payment to a personal account without an invoice | \nNo legal protection | \n
| Offering forged documents | \nLeads to refusal and legal problems | \n
The last point is especially important: the Citizenship Council can separately check the authenticity of documents. A forged or altered document leads to refusal and makes future applications harder.
\nYes. You can apply yourself. However, because archive research, translation, apostille and correspondence in Bulgarian are required, most families get professional support.
\nNo. State fees are paid to the Bulgarian authorities; the consultancy fee is the price of the service you receive. Ask for the two items to be shown separately in the quote.
\nYes. If you have your file number and copies of your documents, you can continue with another firm. That is why you should always get your file number.
\nWe first review your documents free of charge. If you are entitled to apply, we proceed with a written offer and contract and follow your file through a single representative until it is concluded. Details: Bulgarian citizenship.
\nTo find out whether you are entitled to apply, send your documents to our free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandaslik-danismanlik.MQAAN-zy_2fvRI8.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-22T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-22T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship consultancy","citizenship consultant","choosing a consultancy","Bulgarian citizenship application"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/does-bulgarian-citizenship-affect-turkish-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/does-bulgarian-citizenship-affect-turkish-citizenship/","title":"Do You Lose Turkish Citizenship When You Become a Bulgarian Citizen?","summary":"A Turkish citizen who becomes a Bulgarian citizen keeps Turkish citizenship. Which passport to use where, notification, military service, inheritance.","content_html":"No, you do not lose your Turkish citizenship when you acquire Bulgarian citizenship. Türkiye allows dual citizenship, and Bulgaria does not require applicants of Bulgarian origin to give up their previous citizenship. So you become both a Turkish and a Bulgarian citizen. You must notify the Turkish authorities of your new citizenship; this notification does not affect your citizenship.
\n“Will I lose my Turkish ID if I get a Bulgarian passport?” is the question we hear most. The short answer is no. In this article we explain how dual citizenship works in both countries, which document to use where, and topics that are often confused.
\nTurkish nationality law does not prohibit Turkish citizens from acquiring another country’s citizenship. Acquiring a foreign citizenship does not automatically end Turkish citizenship. Leaving Turkish citizenship is only possible through a separate application made at the person’s own request.
\nThe only thing you need to do is notify the Turkish authorities of your new citizenship. We explain step by step how to do this in our article on notifying Türkiye of Bulgarian citizenship.
\nPeople who become Bulgarian citizens through Bulgarian origin, a parent or birth registration are not required to give up their previous citizenship. That is why Bulgarian emigrants in Türkiye and their grandchildren hold both citizenships.
\nConditions may differ for some routes, such as long-term residence. You can find which route suits you in our article on requirements for Bulgarian citizenship.
\n| Situation | \nDocument to use | \n
|---|---|
| Entering and leaving Türkiye | \nTurkish ID card or Turkish passport | \n
| Entering Bulgaria and EU countries | \nBulgarian ID card or Bulgarian passport | \n
| Countries outside the EU | \nThe passport that gives visa-free entry (usually the Bulgarian passport) | \n
| Official procedures in Türkiye | \nTurkish ID | \n
| Official procedures in Bulgaria and the EU | \nBulgarian ID | \n
A practical rule: if you enter a country as its citizen, use that country’s document. We recommend carrying both documents when travelling.
\nCompulsory military service was abolished in Bulgaria in 2008; being a Bulgarian citizen does not create a military obligation in Bulgaria. Your military obligation in Türkiye continues under Turkish law; Bulgarian citizenship does not remove it.
\nSince your Turkish citizenship continues, your property and inheritance rights in Türkiye do not change. As a Bulgarian citizen you can also buy any property in Bulgaria, including land, in your own name.
\nYour pension rights in Türkiye are tied to Turkish citizenship and continue. Periods you work in the EU are assessed according to that country’s system.
\nTax obligations are determined not by citizenship but by where you live and earn income. Türkiye and Bulgaria have a double taxation avoidance agreement.
\nFor details on the advantages, see our article on the advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship.
\nNo. Your Turkish ID and passport remain valid. Your Turkish citizenship continues.
\nNotification is an obligation and should be made. It does not affect your Turkish citizenship; it keeps your records correct. We recommend not delaying it.
\nThe child of a Bulgarian citizen parent is a Bulgarian citizen from birth; once the birth is registered in Bulgaria, the child can obtain a Bulgarian ID and passport. Turkish citizenship also continues. Details: Bulgarian citizenship for your child through birth registration.
\nAs a Turkish citizen you should enter Türkiye with your Turkish document. Use the Bulgarian passport when travelling to Bulgaria, the EU and other countries.
\nTo find out whether you can become a Bulgarian citizen while keeping your Turkish citizenship, see our Bulgarian citizenship page or send your documents to our free document review.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandasligi-turk-vatandasligi-gider-mi.CmlARgpF_1l9WsR.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-21T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-21T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian dual citizenship","Turkish citizenship","dual citizenship","Bulgarian passport"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/notifying-turkey-of-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/notifying-turkey-of-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"How to Notify Türkiye of Your Bulgarian Citizenship (Multiple Citizenship Notification)","summary":"Turkish citizens who become Bulgarian citizens must notify Türkiye. Where to apply, which documents are needed and whether it affects citizenship.","content_html":"Turkish citizens who acquire Bulgarian citizenship are obliged to notify the Turkish authorities of their new citizenship. In Türkiye the notification is made to the provincial or district civil registry offices, and abroad to Turkish consulates. A document showing Bulgarian citizenship (ID card, passport or citizenship certificate) is submitted with a translation. The notification does not affect your Turkish citizenship; it only records your second citizenship.
\nThis notification is one of the steps after the Bulgarian citizenship decision. Many people fear that it will cost them their Turkish citizenship; this is not true. In this article we explain what the notification is, where to make it and which documents are needed.
\nTurkish law allows Turkish citizens to acquire another country’s citizenship. In return, the person is asked to notify the official authorities of the foreign citizenship acquired. As a result, your civil records show that you are a “multiple citizen” and which country your other citizenship belongs to.
\nThe notification is not a request for permission. Your citizenship continues before and after it.
\nAfter you receive the first official document showing your Bulgarian citizenship. This can be:
\nIn practice most people notify after receiving their Bulgarian ID or passport. We recommend not postponing it for long.
\n| Where you live | \nWhere to apply | \n
|---|---|
| Türkiye | \nProvincial or district civil registry office | \n
| Abroad | \nThe Turkish consulate general or embassy in your country | \n
The application is made in person. Check with the office before applying whether an appointment is needed.
\nThe list may vary slightly by office. Generally requested:
\nWe can prepare the Turkish translation of Bulgarian documents with our sworn translation service.
\nIn Bulgarian documents your name appears in Cyrillic and sometimes in a different spelling (e.g. Mehmed instead of Mehmet). This is usually not a problem for the notification, but the translation should clearly state that both spellings belong to the same person. See our article on the name equivalence certificate.
\nYou use your Turkish document when entering and leaving Türkiye, and your Bulgarian document in Bulgaria and the EU. We explain this in our article do you lose Turkish citizenship when you become a Bulgarian citizen?
\nIf your child became a Bulgarian citizen through birth registration, the child’s Bulgarian citizenship is also notified in Türkiye. For minors, the parent makes the notification. For Bulgarian citizenship for children, see Bulgarian citizenship for your child through birth registration.
\nNo. The notification is only a registration procedure. Your Turkish citizenship continues.
\nUsually no fee is charged for the notification itself. Translation and notary costs are separate.
\nPractice may differ between offices. An in-person application is usually required; ask the civil registry office or consulate where you will apply whether it can be done by proxy.
\nOnce your Bulgarian citizenship is documented (when you receive a new Bulgarian ID or passport), it is recommended to notify so that your records are up to date. Details: Bulgarian citizenship for 1989 emigrants.
\nFor all steps from the Bulgarian citizenship application to the passport and the notification in Türkiye, see our Bulgarian citizenship page or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/cok-vatandaslik-bildirimi-bulgar-vatandasligi.y6LAQHKF_zLvk9.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-20T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-20T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","multiple citizenship notification","dual citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship","Turkish civil registry"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/what-prevents-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/what-prevents-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"What Prevents Bulgarian Citizenship? Criminal Records, Security Checks, Earlier Refusals","summary":"Who is refused Bulgarian citizenship? Weak proof of origin, criminal records, security checks, forged documents and earlier refusals, and the solutions.","content_html":"The most common obstacle in Bulgarian citizenship applications is that Bulgarian origin cannot be shown sufficiently with documents. Beyond that, a conviction for an intentional crime, a negative opinion from security agencies, a forged or doubtful document and failing to answer a request for additional documents on time can lead to refusal. Most of these obstacles can be prevented with the right preparation before applying.
\nA citizenship application can take years, so it is important to know before applying whether there is an obstacle in your file. In this article we explain the situations that can prevent Bulgarian citizenship and what can be done in each case.
\n| Obstacle | \nWhat it means | \nPreventable? | \n
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient proof of origin | \nYour ancestor’s birth or life in Bulgaria could not be shown with documents | \nOften yes, with archive research | \n
| Criminal record | \nThere is a conviction for an intentional crime | \nDepends on the case | \n
| Negative security check | \nA problem arose in the review by the interior and security agencies | \nLimited | \n
| Forged or doubtful document | \nThe authenticity of documents could not be verified | \nYes, by obtaining documents from official sources | \n
| Additional documents not submitted on time | \nThe requested document was not submitted within 2-3 months | \nYes | \n
| Inconsistent information | \nNames, dates and places contradict each other across documents | \nYes | \n
In applications through Bulgarian origin, the key is proving your ancestor’s link with Bulgaria with documents. Saying “my grandfather came from Bulgaria” is not enough. A migrant certificate, old civil records, a Bulgarian birth certificate and, if needed, a certificate of Bulgarian origin strengthen the file.
\nIf you don’t know your ancestor’s village, you can find its current name from the old Turkish name with our ancestral village finder. This determines where the records are searched.
\nThe Bulgarian authorities ask the applicant for criminal record certificates from Türkiye and other countries where the applicant has lived. A conviction for an intentional crime can lead to refusal. Not every conviction is assessed the same way; the type of crime, the date the sentence became final and whether the record has been erased matter. We explain this in detail in our article is a criminal record an obstacle to Bulgarian citizenship?
\nYour application is reviewed by Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior and national security agencies. The “mandatory coordination” stage seen in the file tracking refers to this check. A negative opinion from these agencies is a reason for refusal. The content of this check is not shared with the applicant and cannot be influenced in advance; but declaring all information correctly and completely avoids unnecessary suspicion.
\nBecause forged document cases have increased in recent years, the Citizenship Council can separately check the authenticity of documents. This check takes months. If a document turns out to be forged, the application is refused and future applications become harder.
\nWhat to do: obtain documents only from official institutions. Do not work with intermediaries who say “we’ll arrange the document”. For choosing a consultant, see 10 questions to choose the right firm.
\nIf something is missing in the file, an “Irregular / Additional” status appears and usually 2-3 months are given to complete it. If this deadline is missed, the application can be terminated or refused. Check your phone, email and file status regularly. We explain the statuses in our article on the interview and file stages.
\nNames spelled differently in Turkish and Bulgarian records, birth dates that do not match or village names that differ are common. If these differences are not explained, the file may look suspicious. The solution is to identify them from the start and explain them with a name equivalence certificate and consistent translations.
\nAfter a refusal no documents can be added to the same file; the only way is a new application. Applying again with the same gaps leads to the same result. First the reason for the refusal must be reviewed and the gaps closed. Details: Bulgarian citizenship application refused: what to do next
\nThe following are not obstacles on their own:
\nAdministrative fines are not entered in the criminal record and are usually not an obstacle. If there is a conviction due to a traffic incident, it is assessed separately.
\nYes, a short reason appears in the file tracking system. In refusals based on security checks, details may not be shared.
\nProof of origin and criminal records can be reviewed before applying. Send your documents to our free document review and we will tell you the risks up front.
\nMost obstacles can be spotted before applying. You can see all routes on our Bulgarian citizenship page and send your documents to our free document review.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandasligina-engel-durumlar.8ugk5zOn_Z1ukJBa.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-19T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-19T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship refusal reasons","obstacles to citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship requirements","criminal record"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/criminal-record-and-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/criminal-record-and-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Is a Criminal Record an Obstacle to Bulgarian Citizenship?","summary":"How is a criminal record assessed for Bulgarian citizenship? Which convictions can be an obstacle, where to get the certificate, apostille, translation.","content_html":"A Bulgarian citizenship application requires criminal record certificates from Türkiye and other countries where you have lived. A final conviction for an intentional crime can lead to refusal; but not every record means automatic refusal. The type of crime, the time passed since the sentence and whether the record has been erased are assessed. A clean criminal record certificate is added to the file with an apostille and a Bulgarian translation.
\n“I had a court case in the past, can I still get citizenship?” is a common question. The answer depends on the file. In this article we explain how a criminal record is assessed and how the certificate is prepared.
\nBulgarian citizenship law requires that the applicant has not been convicted of an intentional crime; if the conviction has later been erased (rehabilitation), the situation is assessed differently. Your application is also reviewed by the Ministry of Interior and security agencies.
\nIn practice the following distinctions matter:
\n| Situation | \nGeneral assessment | \n
|---|---|
| Clean criminal record | \nNo obstacle | \n
| Administrative fine (such as a traffic fine) | \nNot entered in the criminal record, usually no obstacle | \n
| Conviction for a negligent (unintentional) offence | \nAssessed case by case | \n
| Final conviction for an intentional crime | \nCan be a reason for refusal | \n
| Erased or lapsed record | \nAssessed according to the document and situation | \n
| Ongoing criminal case | \nApplying before the outcome is risky | \n
This table is a general guide. The final assessment is made by looking at the decision itself and the documents.
\nFrom Türkiye: the criminal record is obtained through e-Devlet or the criminal records units at courthouses. The document must be issued for submission to official institutions and be recent.
\nFrom other countries where you lived: if you lived in a country such as Germany or the Netherlands, a certificate from that country’s authority may also be requested.
\nFrom Bulgaria: applicants born in Bulgaria may also be asked for a Bulgarian criminal record certificate. We can obtain it from Bulgaria on your behalf with our document retrieval service.
\nSince the criminal record certificate from Türkiye will be used in Bulgaria:
\nThe order matters: apostille first, then translation. For details see our civil registry record and apostille guide and our sworn translation page.
\nCriminal record certificates are accepted for a short period. If you obtain it long before applying, you may need to renew it. Plan according to your application date.
\nA criminal record certificate is usually not requested for minors. Children often become citizens through birth registration via a parent’s Bulgarian citizenship; for this route see Bulgarian citizenship for your child through birth registration.
\nHAGB decisions do not appear on the standard criminal record certificate but may appear in some records. It is assessed according to which document the Bulgarian authorities request and the status of the decision; we recommend having your file reviewed before applying.
\nCertificates are accepted for a short period. Submitting a recent certificate obtained just before applying is the safest way.
\nFor people born in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian criminal record certificate is obtained from the court of the place of birth. We can obtain it on your behalf with a power of attorney.
\nYou can apply; but the result depends on the type of conviction and the status of the record. Send your documents to our free document review and we will tell you the risk up front.
\nWe discuss other obstacles in our article what prevents Bulgarian citizenship? For all application routes, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/sabika-kaydi-bulgaristan-vatandasligi.C8r4waBf_2nHSTv.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-18T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-18T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","criminal record","criminal record certificate","Bulgarian citizenship requirements","apostille"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-application-mistakes/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-application-mistakes/","title":"The 15 Most Common Mistakes in Bulgarian Citizenship Applications","summary":"15 mistakes that delay a Bulgarian citizenship application: weak proof of origin, name differences, wrong apostille order, expired documents.","content_html":"Most delays and refusals in Bulgarian citizenship applications come from avoidable mistakes. The most common are insufficient documentation of Bulgarian origin, name and date differences between documents, doing the apostille and translation in the wrong order, expired documents and missing requests for additional documents.
\nSince an application can take 1.5-3 years to conclude, even a small mistake can cost months. Below are the 15 mistakes we see most often in files, with solutions.
\nApplying without knowing whether the origin, parent, birth registration or residence route suits you. For example, someone whose mother or father is already a Bulgarian citizen may apply through the longer origin route. Check the right route in our article who can obtain Bulgarian citizenship?
\nMost 1989 emigrants are still Bulgarian citizens and do not need a new application. Filing an origin application without knowing this wastes years. See Bulgarian citizenship for 1989 emigrants.
\nRelying only on family stories. A migrant certificate, an old Bulgarian ID, birth records and archive documents are the foundation of the file. If you don’t know your ancestor’s village, use the ancestral village finder.
\nNames may be spelled differently in Turkish and Bulgarian records, and birth dates may not match. If these differences are not explained, the file looks suspicious. Solution: a name equivalence certificate and consistent translation.
\nA civil registry record that is not complete or does not show the family link. Every generation between the emigrant ancestor and you must appear in the documents.
\nTranslating first and then getting the apostille. The correct order: apostille first, then a Bulgarian translation including the apostille. Details: civil registry record and apostille guide.
\nDocuments such as the criminal record certificate are accepted for a short period. Preparing documents months before applying and leaving them waiting means they must be renewed.
\nOriginals or certified copies are required. Uncertified photocopies are not accepted.
\nThe autobiography in the application file is an important document telling your family history. It must not contain information that contradicts other documents. We explain how to write it in our article on the autobiography for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nBlank fields or information that does not match other documents slow the file down. See how to fill in the application form.
\nThe file number given after the application is the only way to follow your status. Don’t lose it; follow the status yourself with our file tracking system.
\nWhen missing documents are requested, usually 2-3 months are given. If this deadline is missed, the application can be refused. Check your file at least once a month.
\nNot reporting a change of phone or address means critical correspondence does not reach you.
\nIntermediaries who say “we’ll find the document” and supply documents of unclear origin cause refusals. For choosing a reliable consultant, see 10 questions to choose the right firm.
\nReapplying with the same gaps without reviewing the refusal reason. Close the gaps first: Bulgarian citizenship application refused: what to do next
\nIf missing documents are requested during the review, they can be completed within the deadline. After a decision, however, no documents can be added to the same file; a new application is needed.
\nIn practice the most common reason for refusal is that Bulgarian origin is not documented sufficiently.
\nYes. Send your documents to our free document review and we will tell you what is missing before you apply.
\nFor all application steps, see our article how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship and our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandasligi-basvuru-hatalari.CZS50z9J_Z1OgTa.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-17T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-17T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship application","application mistakes","citizenship refusal","document preparation"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/why-bulgarian-citizenship-files-are-delayed/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/why-bulgarian-citizenship-files-are-delayed/","title":"Why Are Bulgarian Citizenship Files Delayed? Solutions for Long-Running Files","summary":"Why has your Bulgarian citizenship file been stuck for months? Security checks, document reviews and requests for documents. When to worry, what to do.","content_html":"In practice Bulgarian citizenship applications take an average of 1.5-3 years. The stages where files wait longest are the security agency checks (mandatory coordination), the Citizenship Council review and separate checks of document authenticity. Requests for additional documents, name inconsistencies and periodic workload extend the time. A file staying at the same stage for months does not by itself mean there is a problem.
\n“My file has been at the same place for a year – is something wrong?” We hear this every day. In this article we explain why files are delayed, when waiting is normal and when you should take action.
\n| Stage | \nWhat happens? | \nTypical duration | \n
|---|---|---|
| Application and file creation | \nDocuments reach the Ministry of Justice and a file number is issued | \nA few weeks to a few months via the consulate | \n
| Mandatory coordination | \nThe Ministry of Interior and security agencies check the file | \nOne of the longest stages | \n
| Expert review | \nExperts of the Citizenship Directorate check the file a final time | \nA few months | \n
| Citizenship Council | \nThe Council gives its opinion on the file | \nDepends on the meeting schedule | \n
| Vice President | \nThe citizenship decree (ukaz) is signed | \nA few weeks to a few months | \n
We explain how each stage appears in the tracking system in our article on the interview and file stages.
\nThe message “the file is in the mandatory coordination process” means your application is being reviewed by the Ministry of Interior and national security agencies. This check is done for every application and can take long depending on the agencies’ workload. Waiting at this stage is normal.
\nBecause of forged document cases, the Citizenship Council separately investigates the authenticity of documents in some files. This check requires correspondence with the issuing country and takes a few months. If your documents came from official sources, it usually ends positively.
\nIf something is missing, an “Irregular / Additional” status appears. Usually 2-3 months are given to complete the documents; the file waits until they arrive. Answering quickly shortens the time.
\nNames spelled differently and dates or places of birth that do not match between documents require extra review. If these differences are explained before applying with a name equivalence certificate and consistent translations, the delay is avoided.
\nWhen the number of applications rises, every stage takes longer. The Council’s meeting schedule and the frequency of decree signing also affect timing.
\nIf you applied through a Bulgarian consulate abroad, it takes time for the documents to reach Sofia by diplomatic post and for the file to be created. For applications made in person in Sofia, the file is created on the same day.
\n| Situation | \nWhat it means | \nWhat to do | \n
|---|---|---|
| Waiting at the same stage for months | \nUsually normal | \nCheck regularly | \n
| “Irregular / Additional” status | \nA document is missing | \nPrepare the documents immediately | \n
| “Additional review” note | \nDocument authenticity is being checked | \nKeep the originals ready | \n
| No file number ever created | \nThe application may not have reached Sofia | \nContact the place where you applied | \n
| Refusal status | \nA decision has been made | \nReview the reason | \n
There is no official way to speed up the citizenship decision; do not trust intermediaries who say “we’ll speed it up for money”. See 10 questions to choose the right firm.
\nIn practice it takes an average of 1.5-3 years from application to decision. Details: how long does Bulgarian citizenship take?
\nThere is no fixed time; it depends on the agencies’ workload and is one of the longest stages of the process.
\nUsually not. However, if no file number was ever created, or if you are not sure whether a document arrived, asking for information can help.
\nAfter a refusal no documents can be added to the same file; a new application is needed. See Bulgarian citizenship application refused: what to do next
\nIf you find it hard to interpret your file status, book an online appointment. For a new application, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandaslik-dosyasi-neden-gecikir.DjM2mX3K_Z1Y5FMv.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-16T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-16T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship process","file delay","citizenship file tracking","mandatory coordination"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/can-you-apply-for-bulgarian-citizenship-online/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/can-you-apply-for-bulgarian-citizenship-online/","title":"Can You Apply for Bulgarian Citizenship Online?","summary":"Can you apply for Bulgarian citizenship online? Which steps are online and which in person: origin certificate, file tracking and the application itself.","content_html":"The Bulgarian citizenship application itself is not made online; it is submitted in person to the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or to a Bulgarian consulate abroad. However, many steps of the process can be handled remotely: the certificate of Bulgarian origin application, obtaining documents from Bulgaria, tracking the file status and the preliminary assessment can be done online or through a power of attorney.
\n“Can I become a Bulgarian citizen without leaving Türkiye?” is a common question. In this article we explain which steps can be done online or by proxy and which require you to be present.
\n| Step | \nHow is it done? | \n
|---|---|
| Preliminary assessment of your right to apply | \nOnline (by sending scanned documents) | \n
| Finding your ancestor’s village | \nOnline (ancestral village finder) | \n
| Birth certificate and archive records from Bulgaria | \nBy power of attorney | \n
| Certificate of Bulgarian origin application | \nIn person, by post or electronically | \n
| Apostille and translation of Turkish documents | \nBy power of attorney or yourself | \n
| Submitting the citizenship application | \nIn person (Ministry of Justice in Sofia or consulate) | \n
| Tracking the file status | \nOnline (with the file number) | \n
| Submitting additional documents | \nIn person, by post or by proxy depending on the file | \n
| Receiving the citizenship certificate | \nIn person (in Sofia or at the consulate) | \n
| Bulgarian ID and passport | \nIn person (biometric data is taken) | \n
You don’t need to go anywhere to find out whether you are entitled to apply. Upload scans of your documents to our free document review; our experts reply within 2 working days.
\nThe certificate of Bulgarian origin needed for applications through origin is issued by the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application can be made in person, by post or electronically. Details: certificate of Bulgarian origin: what it is and how to get it
\nWith the file number issued after the application, you can follow your status online. Our Bulgarian citizenship file tracking system makes this easier.
\nThe citizenship application is submitted in person by the applicant. There are two options:
\nWe compare the two routes in our article how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nAfter the citizenship decision, an in-person application is required for the Bulgarian ID and passport because fingerprints and a photo are taken. This can be done in Bulgaria or at consulates. Details: how to get a Bulgarian passport
\nFor people who cannot travel to Bulgaria often, a power of attorney makes things much easier. Obtaining documents from municipalities in Bulgaria, archive research and follow-up can be handled by proxy. We explain which power of attorney is needed for which step in our article on the power of attorney for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nSince the application must be submitted in person, the promise “become a citizen fully online without going anywhere” is not true. Be careful with intermediaries who make such promises; for choosing the right firm, see our article with 10 questions.
\nNo. Türkiye’s e-Devlet system is not used for Bulgarian citizenship applications. The application is made to the Bulgarian authorities. Documents from Türkiye, such as the civil registry record and criminal record, can be obtained from e-Devlet.
\nIf you apply at a consulate in Türkiye, you can apply without going to Bulgaria at all. For the ID card and passport, you need to go to Bulgaria or use the consulate route.
\nThe citizenship application itself is made in person. Preparation and follow-up can be handled by a proxy.
\nWe handle most of the preparation remotely on your behalf and guide you only for the steps that require you to be present. Details: Bulgarian citizenship.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandasligi-online-basvuru.ByZ1O1sU_1WCB2v.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-15T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-15T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship online application","remote application","Bulgarian citizenship application","file tracking"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/power-of-attorney-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/power-of-attorney-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Bulgarian Citizenship by Power of Attorney: How to Prepare It","summary":"Which Bulgarian citizenship steps can be done by power of attorney? The powers it needs, notary, apostille and Bulgarian translation steps.","content_html":"The Bulgarian citizenship application itself is made in person; but most of the process can be handled by power of attorney. A power of attorney is given at a notary in Türkiye for obtaining birth certificates from municipalities in Bulgaria, archive research, corrections of the date and place of birth, submitting documents and follow-up. The power of attorney is apostilled and given a sworn Bulgarian translation.
\nTravelling back and forth to Bulgaria is costly and tiring. A properly prepared power of attorney lets us carry out most steps on your behalf. In this article we explain what can be done by proxy and how to prepare the power of attorney.
\n| Step | \nBy proxy? | \n
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage and death certificates from Bulgaria | \nYes | \n
| Archive research and finding old records | \nYes | \n
| Applications to correct date and place of birth | \nUsually yes | \n
| Preparing documents for the certificate of Bulgarian origin | \nYes | \n
| Answering requests and submitting additional documents | \nDepends on the file | \n
| File follow-up and obtaining information | \nYes | \n
| Submitting the citizenship application | \nNo, in person | \n
| Bulgarian ID and passport application | \nNo, in person for biometrics | \n
Practice may differ between institutions. We clarify in advance which steps can be done by proxy for your file.
\nThe power of attorney should not be general; it should clearly list the steps to be carried out. Bulgarian institutions want to see in the text what the proxy is authorised to do. It usually includes powers to:
\nWe prepare the wording for you so that all the powers Bulgarian institutions require are included.
\nThe power of attorney is drawn up at any notary in Türkiye. The person giving it only needs to go to the notary with their ID. The spelling of the name should match the spelling in the Bulgarian records; if it differs, both spellings should be stated in the text.
\nThe notarised power of attorney is apostilled at the governorship or district governorship of your province. Without an apostille it is not valid in Bulgaria.
\nThe whole power of attorney, including the apostille, is given a sworn Bulgarian translation. We prepare the translation with our sworn translation service.
\nThe order matters: notary → apostille → translation. For details, see our civil registry record and apostille guide.
\nIf you live in Germany or another country, you can draw up the power of attorney at a notary in that country with that country’s apostille. Another option is to have it drawn up at a Bulgarian consulate; in that case no apostille is needed.
\nEach adult gives a power of attorney in their own name. For minors, the mother and father give it together. Drawing up the powers of attorney for several family members on the same day saves time and cost.
\nPowers of attorney are usually given for a certain period or task. Since the citizenship process takes long, it is practical to make it valid without a time limit or until the task is completed. Some institutions may ask for a recent power of attorney.
\nBulgarian institutions require the original or a certified copy. A scanned copy is only used for a preliminary check.
\nThe notary fee depends on the length of the text; apostille and translation costs are added. We tell you the total cost for your file.
\nYes. A power of attorney can always be revoked with a revocation drawn up at a notary.
\nObtaining the birth certificate and correcting the date and place of birth are usually handled by power of attorney. For the process, see Bulgarian citizenship for 1989 emigrants.
\nTo have us prepare your power of attorney and carry out your procedures in Bulgaria, see our documents from Bulgaria and Bulgarian citizenship pages. We explain which steps can be done online in our article on applying online.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/vekaletle-bulgaristan-vatandasligi-basvurusu.DWEVrAnM_Z2tckyY.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-14T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-14T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","power of attorney Bulgarian citizenship","power of attorney","apostilled power of attorney","Bulgarian citizenship application"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-autobiography-example/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-autobiography-example/","title":"How to Write the Autobiography for Bulgarian Citizenship (with an Example)","summary":"What should the autobiography for a Bulgarian citizenship application include? A section-by-section guide, a sample text and consistency tips.","content_html":"A Bulgarian citizenship application requires an autobiography (in Bulgarian “автобиография”, avtobiografiya) describing the applicant’s life and link with Bulgaria. It includes personal details, information on the parents and the emigrant ancestor, family status, education, working life and the reason for applying. The text is prepared in Bulgarian, signed and must be fully consistent with the other documents.
\nThe autobiography is not like a CV for a job application. Its purpose is to describe your family’s link with Bulgaria clearly and accurately. In this article we share the sections of the autobiography, a sample text and common mistakes.
\nWhen reviewing your file, citizenship experts compare your autobiography with the other documents. The names, dates and places in the autobiography must match the civil registry record, the migrant certificate and the Bulgarian birth records. Contradictions lead to extra review or requests for documents. Questions about your autobiography may also come up at the interview; see questions asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview.
\n| Section | \nContent | \n
|---|---|
| Personal details | \nFull name (in Turkish and as spelled in Bulgarian records), date and place of birth, citizenship | \n
| Mother and father | \nFull names, dates and places of birth, citizenships | \n
| Emigrant ancestor | \nWho they were, where in Bulgaria they were born and lived, when they emigrated | \n
| Family status | \nMarital status, spouse and children | \n
| Education | \nSchools and graduation years | \n
| Working life | \nWorkplaces and positions, briefly | \n
| Link with Bulgaria | \nFamily history, traditions, language, relatives, visits | \n
| Reason for applying | \nWhy you want to become a Bulgarian citizen | \n
| Date and signature | \nAt the end of the text | \n
The example below only shows the structure. After filling it in with your own information, it must be translated into Bulgarian.
\n\n\nAUTOBIOGRAPHY
\nI, Ahmet Yılmaz (in Bulgarian records: Ахмед Йълмаз), was born on 12.03.1985 in Bursa. I am a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye.
\nMy father, Hasan Yılmaz, was born in 1958 in Mestanlı (today Momchilgrad), Kardzhali province. My mother, Ayşe Yılmaz, was born in 1960 in Bursa. My grandfather, Hüseyin Yılmaz, was born in 1932 in Mestanlı, emigrated to Türkiye with his family in 1969 and settled in Bursa.
\nIn 2010 I married Elif Yılmaz. We live in Bursa with our son Can, born in 2012, and our daughter Zeynep, born in 2015.
\nI completed my primary and secondary education in Bursa. In 2007 I graduated from the Department of Economics at Uludağ University. Since 2008 I have worked as an accounting specialist at a private company.
\nOur family has never forgotten its past in Bulgaria. The village life, holidays and traditions my grandfather told us about are still kept alive at home. We visit our relatives in Mestanlı.
\nI am applying for Bulgarian citizenship to have my Bulgarian origin officially recognised and to allow my children to continue this bond.
\nDate: …./…./…….. Signature: ………………
\n
The names and details in the example are fictional. In your own autobiography, write only information that can be verified with documents.
\nThe autobiography is submitted in Bulgarian. Having the text translated by a sworn translator ensures that terms and names are rendered correctly. With our sworn translation service we translate your autobiography consistently with your other documents. For the current template or additional requirements, we follow the format required by the institution where you apply.
\nA text typed on a computer and signed is usually accepted. If the institution where you apply has a specific requirement, it is followed.
\nSince minors are usually processed through a parent, a separate autobiography may not be required. Each adult applicant prepares their own.
\nA small typo is usually not a problem; but a name, date or emigration detail that contradicts other documents requires extra review. Have the text checked before applying.
\nWhen preparing your whole application file, we also write your autobiography consistently with your documents. For other documents, see our article on documents required for Bulgarian citizenship, and for the whole process our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristan-vatandasligi-ozgecmis-ornegi.LPVAFsbK_4uYgG.jpeg","date_published":"2026-10-13T09:00:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-13T09:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","autobiography example","avtobiografiya","Bulgarian citizenship application","application documents"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/working-in-germany-with-a-bulgarian-passport/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/working-in-germany-with-a-bulgarian-passport/","title":"Working in Germany with a Bulgarian Passport: 2026 Guide","summary":"With a Bulgarian passport you can work in Germany without a visa or work permit. Address registration, tax ID, insurance, family and ways to get the passport.","content_html":"Someone with a Bulgarian passport can live and work in Germany without a visa or work permit. Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007, and Bulgarian citizens have had full access to the German labour market since 1 January 2014. After moving to Germany, the main tasks are address registration within two weeks, a tax identification number and health insurance. You can also keep your Turkish citizenship, because Bulgaria allows dual citizenship.
\nIn this article we explain what a Bulgarian passport gives you in Germany, which steps to follow after you move, and the ways you can obtain the passport.
\nA Bulgarian citizen lives and works in Germany with largely the same rights as a German citizen. The EU rules on free movement of persons guarantee this.
\n| Topic | \nWith a Turkish passport | \nWith a Bulgarian passport | \n
|---|---|---|
| Entering Germany | \nVisa required | \nNo visa required | \n
| Working | \nResidence with a work permit is required | \nNo permit needed, you can work from day one | \n
| Job seeking | \nA job-seeker visa is subject to conditions | \nYou can come freely and look for work | \n
| Starting a business | \nA separate residence permit is required | \nFreelancing and setting up a company are free | \n
| Family | \nFamily reunification conditions apply | \nThey come as family members of an EU citizen | \n
These rights apply not only in Germany but in all EU countries. You can find which countries you can visit without a visa in our article which countries can Bulgarian citizens travel to.
\nNo. Bulgarian citizens have worked in Germany without a work permit since 1 January 2014. The employer hires you like a German citizen and does not file a permit application on your behalf. This is the biggest difference for Turkish citizens: with a Turkish passport, working in Germany depends in most cases on the approval of the employer and the migration authorities.
\nIn regulated professions such as medicine, nursing and teaching, however, your diploma must be recognised in Germany (Anerkennung). This requirement relates to the profession, not to citizenship; foreign diplomas are also assessed for German citizens.
\nNone of these steps requires a residence permit or work permit. Your Bulgarian passport or Bulgarian ID card is enough to prove your identity.
\nYes. Your spouse and children can live with you in Germany as family members of an EU citizen, even if they are Turkish citizens. For this they apply for the residence card issued to family members of EU citizens (Aufenthaltskarte). This card is much more flexible than the classic family reunification conditions applied to Turkish citizens.
\nOften an even better route is for family members to become Bulgarian citizens as well. Children of a Bulgarian citizen are citizens by birth; it is enough to report the birth to Bulgaria. Details: Bulgarian citizenship for a child through birth notification and can I get Bulgarian citizenship through my spouse.
\nEU citizens gain the right of permanent residence after living legally in Germany for 5 years without interruption. Germany has also allowed dual citizenship since 27 June 2024; the legal residence period required for German citizenship is generally 5 years. So someone who settles in Germany with a Bulgarian passport can later apply for German citizenship while keeping both Turkish and Bulgarian citizenship.
\nNo. Bulgaria allows dual citizenship; Türkiye also does not require permission to acquire Bulgarian citizenship, you only need to report the new citizenship to the Turkish population records. Your Turkish citizenship, your rights in Türkiye and your property remain as they are. For other advantages, see our article advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship.
\nA Bulgarian passport is the result of Bulgarian citizenship. The most common routes from Türkiye are:
\n| Your situation | \nRoute to follow | \n
|---|---|
| You emigrated from Bulgaria in 1989 or later | \nNo new application needed: birth certificate, inquiry, passport. Guide for 89 emigrants | \n
| Your mother or father is a Bulgarian citizen | \nBirth notification or citizenship through a parent. Bulgarian citizenship through my father | \n
| Your grandfather or grandmother was born in Bulgaria | \nCitizenship through Bulgarian origin. Bulgarian citizenship through my grandfather | \n
| Your spouse is a Bulgarian citizen | \nCitizenship through marriage. Bulgarian citizenship through my spouse | \n
To find out which route suits you, you can read our article who can get Bulgarian citizenship or go directly to our citizenship services page. The passport application after citizenship is explained in how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\nThe first step of your Germany plan is Bulgarian citizenship and the passport. With a free document review you can find the route that suits your situation, and with an online appointment you can speak with our specialist.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. Bulgarian citizens have worked in Germany without a work permit since 1 January 2014. Only regulated professions require recognition of the diploma.
\nA valid Bulgarian ID card is enough when travelling between EU countries and while living in Germany. When setting out from Türkiye, using your passport is the smoothest way.
\nRegister the address of your new home with the municipality within two weeks (Anmeldung). Your tax identification number arrives by post after this registration.
\nYes. They apply for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. Your spouse can also acquire Bulgarian citizenship.
\nNo. Bulgaria allows dual citizenship. Your Turkish citizenship continues; it is enough to report the Bulgarian citizenship to the Turkish population records.
\nIf your surname changed through marriage, the change enters the Bulgarian civil record only when the marriage is registered in Bulgaria. A name change in your home country, for example Türkiye, does not pass to Bulgaria on its own. Once the marriage is recorded, the new surname is entered, and then your Bulgarian ID card and passport must be renewed. A divorce follows a similar path.
\nThis article explains how a surname change reaches Bulgarian records, why spelling differences cause trouble, and how to go back to a former surname after divorce.
\nIf you married abroad and changed your surname, Bulgaria does not learn about it automatically. The civil registers of the two countries are not connected. Your surname in the Bulgarian record stays as it was until you report the change.
\nThe way to change it is to register the marriage in Bulgaria. When the marriage is entered in the Bulgarian civil record, the surname shown in the marriage certificate goes into the record too. We explained the process in our guide on registering a marriage in Bulgaria.
\nIn general you need:
\nHow exactly the surname is entered together with the marriage can depend on your situation. We therefore recommend a review of your file before applying.
\n\n\nImportant: The choice of surname is made at the time of marriage. The surname written in your marriage certificate is generally the one entered in Bulgarian records. Choosing correctly at the wedding avoids later corrections.
\n
The same person’s name can look different in two countries. The reasons:
\nThese differences look small but cause serious problems in official procedures. If the spelling in the marriage certificate does not match the Bulgarian ID, registration can stall.
\nIf the records in your home country and in Bulgaria refer to the same person but spell the name differently, a name equivalence certificate helps. It officially proves that two spellings belong to one person.
\nYou may need it, for example, if your married surname is recorded with a different Cyrillic spelling, or if the spelling in an old Bulgarian document does not match current records. See what is a name equivalence certificate for details.
\nA practical tip: use one Cyrillic spelling of your surname in all documents, and do not change it once chosen.
\nIf you want to return to your former surname after a divorce, the divorce must first be recognised and recorded in Bulgaria. We described this in recognition of a divorce in Bulgaria.
\nThe usual order is:
\nExactly which document is needed to enter the return to a former surname depends on the file, so we must review your papers to give a firm route.
\nOnce the surname changes in the record, the information on your old ID card and passport is out of date. After the change:
\nYou can apply in Bulgaria at the relevant police unit, or at Bulgarian consulates abroad. Fees and times can change, so check current figures before applying. For the passport process see how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\n| Step | \nWhat is done | \nNote | \n
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \nCheck the marriage certificate and ID details | \nNote the surname spelling exactly as written | \n
| 2 | \nPrepare a name equivalence certificate if needed | \nOnly if there is a spelling difference | \n
| 3 | \nApostille and official Bulgarian translation | \nUse the same Cyrillic spelling in all documents | \n
| 4 | \nMarriage is entered in the Bulgarian civil record | \nThrough the municipality or a consulate | \n
| 5 | \nID card and passport are renewed | \nWith the new surname | \n
The order of documents matters. Even a small inconsistency can lead to a refusal. Also see our guide on how to get a Bulgarian marriage certificate. For consistent translations you can use our translation service.
\nA surname change links marriage registration, translation, name equivalence and ID renewal. An inconsistency in one step delays the whole process. In our birth and marriage registration service we plan these steps for you. You can send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nNo. The civil records of the two countries are not connected. The new surname enters the record when the marriage is registered in Bulgaria.
\nIf the surname is not updated, your old ID does not match your new documents. This can cause trouble with banks, property and travel, so updating the record is recommended.
\nNo. It is requested only when the spelling in two records differs and you must prove you are the same person.
\nThe first step is recognition of your divorce decision in Bulgaria. After the record is updated, the surname and ID steps follow.
\nA divorce decision issued by a court outside the European Union, for example in Türkiye, is recognised in Bulgaria directly, without a separate lawsuit. Under the Bulgarian Private International Law Code (КМЧП), the civil registrar checks the conditions and records the divorce. You need a certified copy of the decision, a finality certificate, a notarised declaration, an apostille and a Bulgarian translation.
\nThis article explains how recognition works, which documents to prepare and what happens if the registrar refuses.
\nSuppose you divorced in your home country, for example in Türkiye. If the Bulgarian civil record still shows you as married, then in Bulgaria’s eyes the marriage continues. This causes several problems:
\nIf your marriage was registered in Bulgaria earlier, this article is important for you. For the marriage itself, see registering a marriage in Bulgaria.
\nRecognition of foreign court decisions in Bulgaria is governed by the Private International Law Code (Кодекс на международното частно право, КМЧП). Articles 117 and 118 set the conditions under which foreign decisions are recognised.
\nThe key point: the decision is recognised directly. You do not need to start a separate court case in Bulgaria. The civil registrar at the municipality checks whether the conditions are met. If they are, the divorce is entered in the record.
\nIn general the registrar looks at the following:
\n\n\nNote: Special situations, such as a Bulgarian court having already decided on the same matter, can affect recognition. If your file may include such a case, we recommend a free preliminary review first.
\n
| Document | \nWhere to get it | \nNote | \n
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of the divorce decision | \nThe family court that issued it | \nMust carry the court seal and certification | \n
| Finality note or certificate | \nThe same court | \nShows that no appeal is possible | \n
| Notarised declaration | \nNotary | \nConfirms the decision was not later cancelled and no related case is pending | \n
| Apostille | \nGovernor’s or district office (in Türkiye) | \nFor the decision and the finality certificate | \n
| Official Bulgarian translation | \nSworn translator | \nThe apostille text is translated too | \n
| Marriage certificate and ID | \nCivil registry, Bulgarian ID | \nShows which record the marriage is based on | \n
Our guide on how to obtain a Bulgarian marriage certificate can help with preparation. For translations, see our translation service.
\nThe time depends on the municipality and on the file. We do not promise a fixed number of days. With complete documents, the process usually moves within a few weeks.
\nThe registrar can refuse because of a missing document or an unmet condition. First, the reason for the refusal is examined. If a document is missing, it is completed and you apply again.
\nIf the reason is a legal one, the court route is open. These cases are usually heard at the Sofia City Court, which decides whether the foreign decision is recognised in Bulgaria. At this stage you need a Bulgarian lawyer. Still, most files are settled at the registrar stage when documents are prepared correctly.
\nNo. While the earlier marriage remains open in the Bulgarian record, a new marriage cannot be registered, because the person still appears as married. The correct order is:
\nIf both are planned together, time is saved. We can have the documents prepared at the same time.
\nSurname: After a divorce you may keep the surname you took at marriage or return to your previous one. To reflect the change in Bulgarian records, the divorce must be recognised first. For details see surname after marriage in Bulgarian records.
\nChildren: A divorce does not change a child’s Bulgarian citizenship or birth record. A child who is a Bulgarian citizen by birth stays a citizen. If the decision also covers custody, how those parts appear in records depends on the file. For birth records, see our article on birth registration.
\nRecognition of a divorce leaves little room for error in document order and translation. In our birth and marriage registration service we review your decision, prepare the documents and follow the application for you. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nUsually not. Your decision is recognised directly under the Bulgarian Private International Law Code, and the civil registrar checks the conditions and makes the entry. A lawsuit comes up only if the application is refused.
\nIt shows that the decision can no longer be appealed. Bulgaria recognises only final decisions.
\nRemarrying in your home country depends on its own law. But to register the new marriage in Bulgaria, the divorce must first be recognised in the Bulgarian record.
\nFirst the reason is examined. If a document is missing, it is completed and you reapply. For a legal reason, an application to the Sofia City Court is possible.
\nNo. The citizenship of a child who is Bulgarian by birth is not affected by the parents’ divorce.
\nThe EGN (ЕГН, Единен граждански номер) is Bulgaria’s 10-digit personal number. It is given to Bulgarian citizens when their birth or citizenship is entered in the Bulgarian civil register. It is used for ID, passports, health, banking and tax. Foreigners receive a separate number called the ЛНЧ instead.
\nThis guide explains what the EGN is, how it is issued, where it is used and how to find your number.
\nThe EGN is the unique identification number given to every Bulgarian citizen. Think of it as similar to a national identity number in other countries. It has 10 digits and stays with a person for life.
\nSome information is encoded in the number:
\nThis structure helps verify that the number was not typed incorrectly. Do not share it unnecessarily; it is personal data.
\nThe EGN is given to people entered in the Bulgarian civil register. The main cases are:
\n| Situation | \nHow the EGN is issued | \n
|---|---|
| Bulgarian citizen born in Bulgaria | \nWhen the birth is registered | \n
| Child of a Bulgarian citizen born abroad | \nWhen the birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil register | \n
| Person granted citizenship | \nAfter the citizenship decision, upon registration | \n
| Person who acquires citizenship by origin | \nWhen the citizenship is recorded | \n
For children born abroad the process runs through birth registration: the birth is registered at the municipality of the mother’s permanent address (the father’s if the mother is a foreigner), and the EGN is issued with the registration. This applies whether the birth took place in Türkiye, Moldova or any other country.
\nForeigners who are not Bulgarian citizens do not receive an EGN. They are given a ЛНЧ (Личен номер на чужденец, Personal Number of a Foreigner). It also has 10 digits and serves a similar purpose, but only for foreigners.
\nWhen you obtain Bulgarian citizenship, your record moves to an EGN. Earlier records made under a ЛНЧ are linked to it. For this to go smoothly, names and identity details must be consistent; if they differ, a name equivalence certificate may be needed.
\nThe EGN is at the centre of almost every official procedure in Bulgaria:
\nSo once citizenship or birth registration is complete, keep your documents in order. The EGN is also needed when you apply for a Bulgarian passport.
\nYou do not apply for the EGN yourself; it is issued automatically once your status is registered. What you must do is make sure the registration is correct.
\nYou can see your number on:
\nIf you have none of them, you can ask the municipality or consulate for a record containing your number. You will have to show your identity. If you struggle, we can handle it on your behalf.
\nIf relatives emigrated from Bulgaria, they may have an EGN in Bulgarian records. The number makes it easier to find records when researching origin and family line. If you do not know a relative’s number, old Bulgarian documents or birth and marriage records can give clues.
\nThe EGN links your identity to many records, so handle it carefully:
\nThe EGN is issued by itself, but it depends on a correct and complete registration. Through our citizenship services we prepare the documents and follow the registration. Send your documents for a free document review or book an appointment online.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nThe EGN has 10 digits. It contains the date of birth, a regional code, gender information and a check digit.
\nNo. Foreigners receive a ЛНЧ instead. When Bulgarian citizenship is acquired, the record moves to an EGN.
\nWhen the birth is registered in Bulgaria at the municipality, the child receives an EGN. The birth certificate, apostille and official Bulgarian translation are required.
\nIt is written on your Bulgarian ID, passport or birth certificate. If you have none, a record can be requested from the municipality or consulate.
\nNo, the number is given for life. A change of first name or surname does not change it, only the record is updated.
\nIf your mother is of Bulgarian origin and that origin can be documented, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship through her. Three points are specific to the maternal line: the surname changed by marriage, documents showing her maiden name, and the date your mother acquired citizenship. For children, birth registration is a separate and faster route.
\nFor the paternal line, see our guide on citizenship through your father. Here we cover only what is specific to the mother’s side.
\nYes. Your origin can be shown through a Bulgarian mother or her family. What matters is that you can document Bulgarian ancestry on the maternal side. Your mother does not have to be alive; her records can be used after her death.
\nWho can apply is summarised in who can get Bulgarian citizenship. The steps of the application are in how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIn law, mother and father count equally. In practice, the maternal side raises a few more issues:
\nThis is where most problems appear. Your mother’s record in Bulgaria may stand under her maiden name, while your home-country civil record shows her married surname. An authority will not join the two on its own.
\nThe following usually help to prove the link:
\n| Document | \nWhat it shows | \n
|---|---|
| Mother’s civil registry record | \nMarried surname and maiden-name information | \n
| Mother’s marriage record | \nDate and reason of the surname change | \n
| Mother’s old ID or passport | \nHow her name was used in the past | \n
| Your birth record | \nHow your mother’s name appears in it | \n
If names are spelled differently in two countries, a name equivalence certificate may be needed. It shows that two spellings belong to one person.
\nThe route depends on this question: was your mother a Bulgarian citizen, or only of Bulgarian origin? And when did she acquire citizenship?
\nMixing up birth registration and a citizenship application delays the process. In practice birth registration takes 2-3 months, while a citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years.
\nIf the child is over 18 and the mother was not a citizen at the time of birth, the adult child applies on the basis of origin. See Bulgarian citizenship for adult children.
\nDepending on the file, the general list is:
\nHow to obtain, apostille and translate home-country documents is explained in our civil registry extract and apostille guide.
\nTalking to older relatives is often the best start. Your mother’s place of birth, her parents’ names, the year the family emigrated and the old village or town name all make a record search easier. Write this information down.
\nOld names and nicknames may appear differently in documents. Keep old photographs, IDs and letters. A small detail can make it possible to find the record.
\nFinding the right record and linking the surnames takes experience. In our citizenship services we review your records, identify the right route and handle the process on your behalf. Send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nYes. Her records and documents can still be used after her death. What matters is that Bulgarian origin can be documented.
\nThe link can be built with her marriage record, old IDs and family records. If needed, a name equivalence certificate is obtained.
\nNot in law. In practice the document chain needs more care because of surname changes.
\nIf the mother was a Bulgarian citizen before the child’s birth, birth registration is enough. If she became a citizen later, a separate application is required.
\nA citizenship application usually takes 1.5-3 years in practice. Birth registration takes 2-3 months if documents are complete.
\nTo get a Bulgarian passport, the citizenship decision (UKAZ) must be issued first and the citizenship certificate collected. Then a Bulgarian birth record (акт за раждане) is drawn up and an EGN is assigned. After that you apply for an ID card (лична карта) and a passport, in Bulgaria or at a consulate. A registered address in Bulgaria is also needed.
\nThe citizenship decision does not mean the process is over. This article explains, in order, the steps from the decision to the passport.
\nA citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years in practice. When the decision is positive, the file moves to the “Implementation” stage. This means you are a Bulgarian citizen. You can see the status in the file status checking system.
\nThe next procedures run in this order:
\nThe citizenship certificate is the official proof of citizenship. How it is handed over depends on where you applied:
\nYou cannot move to the next steps without the certificate, because the passport and ID application are based on it. For your rights and duties see rights and obligations after citizenship.
\nA person who receives citizenship is entered in the Bulgarian civil register. The following are produced:
\nThe entry is made by the municipality or the relevant institution, depending on the document type. Which municipality handles it depends on your address and file. If the name in your documents differs from the name in your home-country records, a problem can arise. In such cases a name equivalence certificate matters.
\nThe passport application is made in person, because fingerprints and a photo are taken. There are two ways:
\n| Route | \nWhere | \nNote | \n
|---|---|---|
| In Bulgaria | \nID and passport unit of the Ministry of Interior | \nYou need to travel to Bulgaria | \n
| At a consulate | \nBulgarian consulate in your country | \nPractical for people living abroad | \n
Applications for both can be planned together. Usually the citizenship certificate, the birth record, valid ID and photographs are requested. Current fees and times depend on the official tariff and may change. So confirm them with the institution before applying.
\nIf you want a passport for your child, the process differs. We cover it in getting a Bulgarian passport for a child.
\nA Bulgarian ID is tied to a registered address. Even if you do not live in Bulgaria, you generally need to declare a permanent address. This address:
\nWithout address registration, problems can arise with the ID application. Which route suits you is assessed case by case.
\nThe documents requested can vary with each application, but the general preparation is:
\n| Document | \nWhat it is for | \n
|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate | \nShows that you are a citizen | \n
| Bulgarian birth record | \nShows your registration and identity data | \n
| EGN | \nUsed as your identity number in all applications | \n
| Valid ID or old passport | \nFor identity verification | \n
| Current photographs | \nFor the ID card and passport | \n
| Address document | \nTo show the registered address | \n
The safest way is to confirm the documents with the consulate or institution before applying, so you do not have to go twice.
\nDelivery time of the passport varies with the place of application, the workload and any expedited option. So giving an exact number of days would not be correct. If you have travel plans:
\nA Bulgarian passport gives its holder the right to move freely as a citizen of the European Union. You can learn which countries you can visit without a visa in which countries Bulgarian citizens can travel to.
\nWe manage every step from collecting the citizenship certificate to receiving the passport through our citizenship services. You can send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. First the citizenship certificate is collected, the Bulgarian record and EGN are drawn up, and then the ID card and passport application is made.
\nYes. The application can also be made at Bulgarian consulates abroad. It is made in person, because fingerprints and a photo are taken.
\nThe fee depends on the official tariff and may change. Confirm the current amount with the consulate or the institution before applying.
\nA registered address is needed for the ID. Options include a relative’s address or a rental contract; the suitable one is assessed case by case.
\nThe ID card is your identity document in Bulgaria and also helps for travel within the EU. The passport is the general travel document. Both can be planned together.
\nThe most common reasons a Bulgarian citizenship application is refused are: Bulgarian origin not proven well enough, a negative result in the background checks, suspicion that documents are forged, and extra documents not supplied in time under “Irregular” status. After a decision, no extra documents can be sent. The remedy is to apply again from scratch with a stronger file.
\nThis article explains the reasons for refusal, what can be done during the “Irregular” stage before a refusal, and how to build a file that avoids refusal in the first place.
\nThe Citizenship Council reviews each application. The reason for a refusal appears as a short note in the file status system. In practice these reasons stand out:
\n| Reason for refusal | \nWhat it means | \n
|---|---|
| Insufficient proof of origin | \nBulgarian origin was not shown well enough by documents | \n
| Negative background check | \nThe interior and security authorities gave a negative opinion | \n
| Suspicion of forged documents | \nThe authenticity of documents could not be verified | \n
| Irregularities not fixed in time | \nRequested extra documents were not submitted within the period given | \n
Every file has its own reasons. So the exact cause of a refusal is assessed case by case from the wording in the file.
\nWhile following your application in the file status checking system you may see “Irregular / Additional”. It means your documents are incomplete or contain a problem. It is not yet a refusal.
\nSo if you see this status, do not wait. Start preparing the documents at once, because apostilles and translations take time. We describe all stages in citizenship file stages and interview.
\nIf your application was refused by the Citizenship Council or at the Vice President stage, the situation is as follows:
\nIf you reapply with the same weaknesses, the same result is possible. So the first job is to understand why it was refused and to complete what was missing. Whether a refusal can also be challenged in court depends on the file and needs a legal assessment.
\nGeneral mistakes that lower the chance of a new file being accepted are also listed in the most important points to watch when applying.
\nNo. The two outcomes look different in the file status system:
\nIn both cases the remedy is a new application. But termination mostly arises from document and deadline problems, so preparing documents properly from the start may change the result.
\nRefusals often come from several small gaps rather than one error. So during the application:
\nAnswer these questions before you apply:
\nIf any answer is “no”, fix that gap before you apply.
\nThe risk of refusal can usually be identified before the application. In our citizenship services we review your documents before you apply, report gaps and follow the file statuses. If you have a refused file, you can have your situation assessed through a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. After a refusal decision, extra documents cannot be sent. The right to submit extra documents exists only under “Irregular / Additional” status, within the period given.
\nUsually 2-3 months. If the requested documents are not submitted within this period, the application may be terminated or refused.
\nYes. The only remedy is to apply again from scratch with a stronger file that fixes the gaps. The application goes to the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or through a consulate.
\nThe reason appears in the status text of the file status system. What the note means is assessed case by case.
\nThe earlier refusal stays on record, so it is important that the new file is prepared more strongly. Its effect is assessed case by case according to the reason for refusal.
\nPeople who emigrated from Bulgaria in 1989 (the “89 emigrants”) do not need to file a new citizenship application. The process has 3 stages: obtaining the birth certificate and correcting the date and place of birth (1-2 months), an inquiry into your Bulgarian citizenship at the Ministry of Justice in Sofia (2 months), and issuing the passport and ID card. The passport can be issued in 1 day if you come to Bulgaria; at Bulgarian consulates in Türkiye it takes 1-3 months.
\nIn this article we explain the 3 stages that 89 emigrants and their children go through, what is done at each stage, how long it takes and which documents are required.
\nIn the summer of 1989, tens of thousands of people left Bulgaria for Türkiye. They were born in Bulgaria and were Bulgarian citizens registered in the population records there. In later years they acquired Turkish citizenship.
\nBulgaria allows dual citizenship. Becoming a Turkish citizen does not end Bulgarian citizenship by itself. For this reason, what 89 emigrants need is not a new citizenship application but documenting the citizenship they already hold and having their identity documents issued again. It should not be confused with new applications based on origin; the process for 89 emigrants is measured in months.
\n| Stage | \nWhat is done? | \nTime | \n
|---|---|---|
| 1. Birth certificate | \nA birth certificate is obtained from the birth record in Bulgaria; date and place of birth are corrected | \n1-2 months | \n
| 2. Inquiry | \nBulgarian citizenship is checked with the Ministry of Justice in Sofia | \n2 months | \n
| 3. Passport and ID | \nBulgarian passport and ID card are issued | \n1 day in Bulgaria, 1-3 months at consulates in Türkiye | \n
The stages go in order: the result of each stage is the document for the next.
\nThe first step is to obtain a birth certificate from the record at the municipality of your birthplace in Bulgaria. This document shows who you are in the Bulgarian population register and is the basis of the next two stages.
\nThe most common problem for 89 emigrants is that the details in Turkish and Bulgarian records do not match:
\nThese mismatches are corrected at this stage. If they are not corrected, the file is returned at the inquiry and passport stages. We explained how the birth certificate is obtained in detail in our article how to get a birth certificate from Bulgaria.
\nTime: 1-2 months.
\nOnce the birth certificate is ready, your Bulgarian citizenship is checked with the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice in Sofia. The inquiry officially establishes that your citizenship continues. The passport and ID application rests on this result.
\nWe can carry out the inquiry on your behalf with a power of attorney; you do not need to travel to Bulgaria for this stage.
\nTime: 2 months.
\nWith the inquiry result, you apply for the Bulgarian passport and ID card. There are two ways:
\nYou can find the details of the passport application in our article how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\nTime: 1 day in Bulgaria, 1-3 months in Türkiye.
\nAdded together, the process usually takes 4-7 months when handled from Türkiye, and 3-4 months when the passport is collected by coming to Bulgaria. Preparing the documents completely and correcting the differences in birth details at the first stage keeps the time at the short end.
\nChildren of 89 emigrants who were born in Türkiye are Bulgarian citizens by birth if one of their parents was a Bulgarian citizen when they were born. No new citizenship application is made for them either; their birth is notified to Bulgaria. For this, the parent’s record is first completed through the stages above. We explained the process step by step in our article Bulgarian citizenship for a child through birth notification.
\nIn the mid-1980s the names of Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin were changed by force. After emigrating, most people used their original names in Türkiye. As a result, the same person can have one name in Bulgarian records and another in the Turkish population record.
\nThe document showing that the names belong to the same person is called a name equivalence certificate. If there is a name difference, this document is prepared at the first stage together with the birth certificate. Details are in our article what is a name equivalence certificate.
\n| Document | \nWhy is it needed? | \n
|---|---|
| Old Bulgarian passport or ID card (if you have one) | \nShows your Bulgarian record and identity details | \n
| Birth certificate from Bulgaria | \nResult of stage 1; the basis of the inquiry | \n
| Full family register extract from Türkiye | \nShows the name, date of birth and place of birth in Turkish records | \n
| Name equivalence certificate (if there is a name difference) | \nShows that the names in the two records belong to the same person | \n
| Power of attorney | \nSo that we can carry out the procedures on your behalf | \n
Turkish documents must carry an apostille and a sworn Bulgarian translation. If you no longer have your old Bulgarian documents, do not worry; the record is found at the municipality of your birthplace. For details see our population record extract and apostille guide.
\nWe carry out the 3 stages on your behalf with a power of attorney. With a free document review you can send us the documents you have, and with an online appointment you can speak to our specialist. For the general framework, see our citizenship services page.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. There is no new application for people who emigrated in 1989. The process has 3 stages: birth certificate, Ministry of Justice inquiry, and passport and ID.
\nThe birth certificate stage takes 1-2 months and the inquiry takes 2 months. The passport is issued in 1 day if you come to Bulgaria, or in 1-3 months at consulates in Türkiye. The total is usually 3-7 months.
\nIt is not a barrier, but it must be corrected. Differences in date and place of birth are corrected at the first stage, while the birth certificate is obtained.
\nNo. We carry out the birth certificate and inquiry stages on your behalf with a power of attorney. You only need to go to Bulgaria, or to a Bulgarian consulate in Türkiye, for the passport.
\nIf one of the parents was a Bulgarian citizen when the child was born, the child is a citizen by birth. No new application is made; notifying Bulgaria of the birth is enough.
\nA name equivalence certificate shows that names written differently in your home-country records and in Bulgarian records belong to the same person. In Bulgarian it is called удостоверение за идентичност на имена (or “for a person with different names”). It is usually issued by the municipality where your Bulgarian record is kept, and it removes name mismatches in citizenship and civil-registry procedures.
\nThis guide explains why the certificate is needed, when it is requested and how the process generally works.
\nA person can be recorded under one name in Bulgaria and under another elsewhere, for example in Türkiye. Even when both records describe the same individual, an authority cannot assume it. The certificate builds that link: it states that the person in this record and the person in that record are the same.
\nThe certificate does not change a name. It only confirms that two spellings belong to one person. That is why it is common in citizenship files and civil-registry work.
\nSeveral reasons are common, especially in families that emigrated:
\nIt comes up when:
\nTo find out how an ancestor’s record connects to your case, see who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\nAs a general rule, the municipality (civil registry office) where the person’s Bulgarian record is kept issues the certificate. So the municipality you apply to depends on where you or your ancestor are registered.
\nThe competent office can vary with the state of the record. For this reason, confirm where the record is held before applying.
\nDetails depend on the case. Timing and extra proof can differ between municipalities.
\n| Document | \nPurpose | \n
|---|---|
| Home-country civil registry extract | \nTo show the name used there | \n
| Bulgarian record or ancestor’s document | \nTo show the name used in Bulgaria | \n
| Old ID, passport or school records | \nTo prove how the name was used over time | \n
| Sworn translation into Bulgarian | \nSo foreign documents are accepted | \n
| Application letter | \nTo explain the reason for the difference | \n
\n\nTip: The more consistent documents you can provide (old IDs, military, school or property records), the easier it is to show that the records belong to one person.
\n
A name difference can also affect a child’s birth registration. We cover this in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children. Spelling names consistently in translation prevents later problems.
\nCompare the records calmly. Writing down which name appears in which document, with the document type and date, makes the difference easy to explain. Identify the difference first, then collect documents. Collecting unnecessary papers wastes time and money.
\nSpotting name differences, finding records and sending documents to the right municipality takes experience. In our citizenship services we review your records and, if needed, run the certificate process on your behalf. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. It only confirms that two different spellings belong to the same person. Changing a name is a separate procedure.
\nUsually from the municipality where the Bulgarian record is kept. The competent office can vary, so the location of the record is confirmed first.
\nNo. It is needed only when names in your documents and the Bulgarian records do not match. If the names are the same, it is normally not required.
\nCollect the records showing the change and your old documents. They are used to explain the difference and to prepare the certificate request.
\nOften not. The procedure can be handled on your behalf with a power of attorney. Whether that is possible depends on your file.
\nChildren can receive a family reunification residence card in Bulgaria through one of their parents. But if a parent is a Bulgarian citizen, the child is often already a Bulgarian citizen by birth. In that case, registering the birth with Bulgaria is a shorter and more lasting route than residence. Stepchildren, custody and the other parent’s consent need extra care.
\nThis article first helps you choose the right route, then explains how a child’s family reunification residence works, the documents needed and school enrolment.
\nBefore you start, answer this: Was a parent of the child a Bulgarian citizen when the child was born?
\nResidence gives the child a time-limited status. Citizenship is lasting and brings EU citizenship too. So for every child with a Bulgarian parent, check the citizenship option first.
\nThe foreign child of a Bulgarian or EU citizen is generally an “EU citizen family member”. The child’s card depends on the parent’s right in Bulgaria. In general:
\nChildren with a card must also watch expiry dates. File a residence permit renewal before the card expires. For the parent’s own route, see residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nDocuments depend on your file. In general:
\n| Document | \nNotes | \n
|---|---|
| Child’s passport | \nValid, with clear identity details | \n
| Child’s birth certificate | \nShowing the parents; apostille and sworn Bulgarian translation | \n
| Documents of the Bulgarian parent | \nID and address in Bulgaria | \n
| Parents’ marriage certificate | \nIf needed, with apostille and translation | \n
| Visa or entry record | \nDepending on how the child entered | \n
| Other parent’s consent | \nFor the child to live abroad, notarised | \n
| Health insurance and proof of address | \nMay be requested depending on the application | \n
For the details of the document set, see family reunification visa and documents.
\nFamily reunification can also apply to your spouse’s child from an earlier relationship, your stepchild. Two cases differ:
\nIn stepchild files the key point is proving the relationship with documents. The birth certificate, marriage certificate and the other parent’s situation are prepared together.
\nIf the other parent lives in another country or custody is shared, note the following:
\n\n\nImportant: Without the other parent’s consent, acceptance in Bulgaria becomes harder and border crossings may also cause problems. Plan this document at the start of the application.
\n
Children living in Bulgaria can enrol in school. In general:
\nIt is best to ask the school and the education authority for the current required documents.
\nIf the child was registered as a Bulgarian citizen, see getting a Bulgarian passport for your child. On the residence route, the child uses their home-country passport and the residence card issued in Bulgaria.
\nChoosing the right route for a child, citizenship or residence, makes a difference lasting many years. In our family reunification service we identify the best route for your child and manage the documents. Send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our family reunification in Bulgaria page.
\nIn most cases, no. The child may be a Bulgarian citizen by birth, and then it is enough to register the birth with Bulgaria. See our birth registration article for details.
\nUsually yes. The child’s age, the care relationship and the other parent’s situation are assessed, and documents proving the relationship must be complete.
\nFor the child to live in Bulgaria, the other parent’s written consent is mostly requested. It should be notarised, apostilled and translated into Bulgarian.
\nYes. A document proving lawful stay, previous school records and health documents allow school enrolment.
\nFor adult children, residence as a family member may depend on extra conditions such as dependency. If the parent is Bulgarian, citizenship routes are also assessed.
\nCitizenship through Bulgarian origin has no language test, no residence requirement and no income requirement, so you do not have to speak Bulgarian. When citizenship is granted through marriage or residence, knowledge of Bulgarian is required. The route you apply under decides whether a language requirement applies to you.
\nThis guide explains which routes carry a language requirement, what the interview covers and how to prepare.
\nIt depends on the route. Bulgarian citizenship is mainly acquired in two different ways:
\n| Route | \nLanguage requirement | \n
|---|---|
| Bulgarian origin (descent) | \nNo language test | \n
| Marriage or long-term residence | \nKnowledge of Bulgarian is required | \n
Under the origin route you prove with documents that you have Bulgarian roots. Under the marriage or residence routes your ties to Bulgaria, integration and language skills are assessed.
\nIf your ancestors left Bulgaria and you can document your origin, you do not need:
\nThe application rests on documents that prove your origin and family line. To prepare them, read our civil registry extract and apostille guide and the required documents article. For eligibility, see who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\nFor naturalisation through marriage to a Bulgarian citizen or long-term residence, knowledge of Bulgarian is among the conditions. Other conditions such as residence period, background and public order are assessed as well.
\nThe format and level of the language check can change over time, so we do not state an exact standard here. Confirm the current rules with the Ministry of Justice or your adviser before applying.
\nKnowledge of Bulgarian is checked by answering questions and simple conversation in the format set by the competent authority. The aim is whether you can express yourself in everyday life, not whether you speak literary Bulgarian.
\nQuestions usually touch on:
\nEven where there is no language test, an interview may take place and usually covers identity, family and origin. We have collected sample questions and tips in questions asked in the Bulgarian citizenship interview. You can also read about the interview stages.
\nIf your route has a language requirement:
\nMany people think “I do not speak Bulgarian, so I cannot apply”. Yet most descendants of families who left Bulgaria can apply through origin without a language test. Being born in Türkiye, Moldova or elsewhere, or not speaking Bulgarian, does not remove that right.
\nWhat matters is that your documents are complete and correct. Family records, civil registry documents and the certificate of Bulgarian origin are therefore central to the file.
\nIn one family, members may apply through different routes. One person may apply by origin, the spouse by marriage. The language requirement then concerns only the person applying by marriage. Separating the files correctly saves time. For children, shorter options such as birth registration should also be checked.
\nIf your Bulgarian origin can be documented, descent is usually the easiest and most suitable route, with no language test. Without origin, marriage or residence applies. The whole process can take 1.5-3 years in practice. See our citizenship services to decide.
\nKnowing at the start which route suits you, which documents are required and whether a language requirement applies saves time. Send your documents for a free document review or book an appointment online.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. The origin route has no language test, residence or income requirement. Origin and family line are proven with documents.
\nYes, knowledge of Bulgarian is required for naturalisation through marriage or residence. Confirm the current format with an official source before applying.
\nThe aim is to communicate in daily life. It is achievable for applicants who study regularly and know basic conversation.
\nUsually identity, family and origin details and basic questions. You can find examples in our interview article.
\nYour origin, family records and marital status decide. In our free document review we determine the suitable route together.
\nA Bulgarian marriage certificate is issued by the municipality after your marriage has been entered in the Bulgarian civil register. In Bulgarian it is called “удостоверение за сключен граждански брак”, a certificate of a concluded civil marriage. If you married abroad, the marriage must be registered first. After that you can request the certificate or a register extract.
\nThis guide explains what the document is, how to obtain it, where it is used and what to do if it is lost.
\nIn Bulgaria civil registers are kept by municipalities. Once a marriage is entered, related documents can be issued. The two most requested are:
\nWhich one you need depends on the institution requesting it. Ask in advance which one they expect; it saves time.
\nIf you married abroad, you cannot get the Bulgarian certificate straight away. First the marriage has to be entered in the Bulgarian civil register: вписване на брак, сключен в чужбина. We explain it in registering a foreign marriage in Bulgaria. In short, you apply to the municipality with the international marriage extract, an apostille and an official Bulgarian translation.
\nIf the marriage was concluded in Bulgaria, this step is not needed. You can request the certificate directly.
\nIf you cannot be in Bulgaria, a person you authorise by power of attorney, or we, can apply for you.
\nIt generally shows the spouses’ names, the date and place of the marriage and the entry number. For a marriage concluded abroad, it shows that the marriage was entered in the Bulgarian register. When you receive the document, check the Cyrillic spelling of the names and the dates straight away; correcting them later takes longer.
\n| Use | \nWhy it is requested | \n
|---|---|
| Family reunification and residence for the spouse | \nProof of marriage for a foreign spouse who seeks residence as a family member of a Bulgarian citizen. See residence through a Bulgarian spouse | \n
| Registering a child | \nTo show that the parents are married when the birth is registered. See birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children | \n
| Surname procedures | \nTo reflect a surname change after marriage in ID and passport. See surname change after marriage | \n
| Public institutions | \nProving marital status for tax, social security, inheritance or property matters | \n
| Divorce procedures | \nWithout the marriage entry it is harder to record a divorce in Bulgarian registers. See recognition of a foreign divorce in Bulgaria | \n
If you will use the certificate in another country, check beforehand whether that country asks for an apostille or a translation.
\nIf you live outside Bulgaria you can obtain the certificate without travelling. There are two routes: a notarised power of attorney, or a request through a consulate. The power of attorney is apostilled and used together with its official Bulgarian translation. The certificate is then sent to you or handed over. If you will use it in your country of residence, an apostille and translation may be needed as well; ask the receiving institution.
\nThe register entry stays with the municipality, so losing the paper does not erase your marriage. To get a replacement:
\nThe new document replaces the old one. You do not need the original in your hands.
\nIf a name, date or surname is wrong, a correction is requested from the municipality. Mistakes happen most often when names are transcribed into Cyrillic. If needed, a name equivalence certificate is prepared. Fixing an error early prevents problems later with family reunification or a child’s registration.
\nThe spelling in the marriage certificate becomes the base for later Bulgarian documents. If one spouse takes the other’s surname, how it appears matters. When a child’s birth is registered, the municipality compares the parents’ names with the marriage entry; a difference can stop the procedure. We suggest checking the certificate against all of your ID documents once you receive it.
\nFinding the right municipality, registering the marriage first, keeping names consistent and obtaining the document from abroad all take time. Our birth and marriage notification service handles the process for you. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our birth and marriage registration page.
\nNo. The marriage must first be entered in the Bulgarian civil register. After that you can request the Bulgarian certificate or an extract.
\nNot exactly. The certificate confirms that the marriage was concluded; the extract reproduces the data in the entry. Which one you need depends on the institution.
\nApply to the municipality that holds the entry and ask for a new copy. The entry stays in the register, so a replacement is issued.
\nA foreign spouse who seeks residence as a family member of a Bulgarian citizen must prove the marriage. We confirm in a first consultation which document your file needs.
\nYes. A person you authorise by notarised power of attorney, or our advisory team, can apply on your behalf.
\nFor a Bulgarian citizenship file you need a complete civil registry extract that shows all life events and traces your line back to the earliest registered ancestor. The extract receives an apostille from the competent authority in your country, then a sworn translator renders it into Bulgarian. Documents are usually expected to be no older than 6 months.
\nThis guide explains which document is asked for, where to get it, how the apostille and translation work, and which mistakes cause delays. We use Türkiye as the main example, but the logic is the same in Moldova, Romania, Ukraine or any other country.
\nA civil registry extract is an official document drawn from the population register. It shows name, parents’ names, place and date of birth, marital status, and where relevant spouse and children.
\nIn a Bulgarian citizenship file it proves your Bulgarian origin and family line. A simple identity summary is not enough. Two features matter:
\n\n\nKey point: This document links you to your Bulgarian ancestor. It is the backbone of the file.
\n
In most countries you can get a record in two ways, and they do not give the same result. Using Türkiye as an example:
\n| \n | Online portal (e-Devlet) | \nPopulation registry office | \n
|---|---|---|
| How | \nInstantly, online | \nIn person or by power of attorney | \n
| Family tree | \nUsually close family only | \nFull record with family tree can be requested | \n
| Apostille | \nA printout may not be accepted | \nA signed and stamped document can be apostilled | \n
| Use | \nYour own information, pre-check | \nOfficial file submitted to Bulgaria | \n
In practice, use the portal to see which relatives are registered. Get the official document from the registry office with an authorised signature and stamp. If you are unsure which type to request, show us your case first.
\nAn apostille is an international certification that lets a public document be accepted in another country. Türkiye, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and most European countries are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, so you do not need extra consular legalisation.
\nIn your home country the apostille is issued by the designated authority. In Türkiye this is the governorship or district governorship (valilik or kaymakamlık) of the place where the document was issued. In other countries it may be a ministry, court or notary chamber. Ask the issuing office which authority applies.
\nThe apostille is a separate certificate attached to the document. It is translated together with the document itself.
\nThe apostilled document is submitted in Bulgarian. For that:
\nLetters that do not exist in Bulgarian are rendered differently. The same name must look the same in every document, otherwise the file may stall. If names differ between records, a name equivalence certificate may be needed. See our translation service if you need help.
\nBulgarian institutions expect recent records. The general rule is that documents should be issued within the last 6 months. This can vary, so:
\nThe extract alone is not enough. The certificate of Bulgarian origin, identity papers and the application form belong in the file. Once citizenship is granted, the next step is getting a Bulgarian passport.
\nDocument preparation is where most mistakes happen. A wrong document, a missing apostille or an inconsistent translation can cost months. Through our citizenship services we handle the file for you from the document list to the application. Send your documents for a free document review or book an appointment online.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nOften not. For an official file, request a document issued by the registry office with an authorised signature and stamp. Use the online record for pre-checking and confirm before the apostille.
\nFrom the authority designated in the country where the document was issued. Because the country and Bulgaria are parties to the Apostille Convention, no extra consular legalisation is needed.
\nAs a general rule, documents should have been issued within the last 6 months. It can vary by institution, so obtain them shortly before applying and renew them if the file takes longer.
\nYes. The translation must be made in the form accepted in Bulgaria, and the apostille must be translated too.
\nThe principle is the same: a registry record, an apostille and a Bulgarian translation. Only the issuing office and the apostille authority change.
\nIf a Bulgarian citizen marries abroad, for example in Türkiye, the marriage must also be entered in the Bulgarian civil register. This is the marriage notification, sometimes called “marriage confirmation”. The marriage is valid from the date it took place; the notification only makes it visible in Bulgarian records. You need an international marriage extract, an apostille, an official Bulgarian translation and ID documents.
\nThis guide explains what the notification is, who needs it, which documents are required and how the steps work.
\nA marriage held in your home country (for example Türkiye) is entered in that country’s civil register. Bulgaria does not learn about it automatically. When a Bulgarian citizen marries abroad, the marriage has to be entered in the Bulgarian civil register as well. In Bulgarian this is called вписване на брак, сключен в чужбина: the entry of a marriage concluded abroad.
\nAn important point: the notification is not a new marriage. The marriage was already validly concluded abroad and is valid from the date it took place. The notification only records this fact in the Bulgarian register.
\nThe spouse may be a foreign national. The spouse does not need to be Bulgarian. The person who files the notification is the Bulgarian spouse.
\nIt may look like a formality, but many other procedures depend on it:
\n| Document | \nWhere to get it | \nNote | \n
|---|---|---|
| International marriage extract | \nCivil registry office of the country where you married (e.g. Türkiye) | \nMultilingual international form | \n
| Apostille | \nIssuing authority designated by that country | \nAttached to the document | \n
| Official Bulgarian translation | \nSworn translator | \nThe apostille is translated too | \n
| Bulgarian spouse’s ID or passport | \nThe spouse | \nPersonal number (EGN) should be visible | \n
| Foreign spouse’s ID document | \nThe spouse | \nPassport or ID copy | \n
| Power of attorney (if we act for you) | \nNotary | \nApostilled and translated | \n
For help preparing the papers, read our civil registry extract and apostille guide.
\n\n\nNote: The application belongs to the municipality of the Bulgarian citizen’s permanent address in Bulgaria. If you are unsure which municipality that is, check your civil registration first.
\n
If you cannot travel to Bulgaria, the file can be submitted through a Bulgarian consulate in the country where you live. The consulate receives the papers and forwards them to the competent municipality. This suits people who prefer not to issue a power of attorney. We help you decide which route is more practical, depending on your documents and the municipality of your permanent address.
\nPreparing the documents abroad (extract, apostille, translation) usually takes from a few days to two weeks. The entry in Bulgaria depends on the municipality and on whether the file is complete. We can give you an estimate for your file at the first consultation, but we do not promise exact dates.
\nThe notification updates the record of someone who is already a Bulgarian citizen. If your spouse is not Bulgarian, the notification does not make them a citizen. A foreign spouse has other routes, most commonly a residence permit, and the marriage record is a precondition for that application.
\nThe papers look simple, but finding the right municipality, keeping names consistent in the translation and submitting a complete file takes time. In our birth and marriage notification service we handle the process for you, from the documents abroad to the entry in Bulgaria. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our birth and marriage registration page.
\nThe marriage is valid from the date it took place, but it must be notified for Bulgarian records to show it. It is also usually a precondition for registering a child’s birth, a spouse’s residence and surname procedures.
\nYes. The Bulgarian spouse files the notification. The other spouse does not need to be Bulgarian; a copy of their ID document is added to the file.
\nNo. You can file through a Bulgarian consulate, or authorise someone by power of attorney to act at the municipality for you.
\nFrom the date it was concluded abroad. Entering it in the Bulgarian register does not change that date; it only reflects the marriage in Bulgarian records.
\nAn international marriage extract, an apostille, an official Bulgarian translation and the spouses’ ID documents. Additional papers may be requested depending on your file.
\nA certificate of Bulgarian origin (Bulgarian: удостоверение за български произход) is an official document confirming that a person is of Bulgarian descent. Since 2025 it is issued by the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (ИАБЧ), which reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You apply in person in Sofia, by post or through the e-government portal. The decision takes 14 days. It is not required in every citizenship case.
\nThis guide explains what the certificate does, who needs it, which documents are required and how the application works.
\nThe certificate is an official statement that you, or your ancestors, are Bulgarian. The issuing body is the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (abbreviated ИАБЧ; its former name was ДАБЧ). Since 2025 the agency has been part of the structure of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
\nIt is not an identity document and it does not grant citizenship on its own. It records your Bulgarian origin. That record is then used in procedures where origin has to be proven.
\nThe most common confusion is thinking the certificate is a must in every citizenship file. It depends on the case. In general terms:
\nWhich route suits you depends on your family’s emigration history and on the documents you hold. To check your own situation, see who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIn general the application includes:
\n| Document | \nNotes | \n
|---|---|
| Application form | \nCompleted in the format the agency requires | \n
| Identity document | \nCopy of your passport or ID card | \n
| Original document showing a Bulgarian ancestor | \nAt least one Bulgarian ancestor (parent, grandparent) must be shown | \n
| Declaration of Bulgarian national consciousness | \nA written statement that you regard yourself as being of Bulgarian origin | \n
| Translations | \nForeign documents are translated into Bulgarian | \n
The current list and forms are published on the agency’s official website (aba.government.bg). Always check the latest version before you apply.
\n\n\nImportant: The original of the document showing the ancestor is needed. A photocopy alone may not be enough. Keep the original safe before you send it for translation.
\n
For documents issued in your home country, read our guide to the civil registry extract and apostille.
\nWe can help you choose the way that fits your file.
\nGetting the certificate does not mean you have applied for citizenship. The citizenship application is separate. It is filed with the Ministry of Justice or through consulates, and in practice the whole process usually takes 1.5-3 years. You can find the steps in how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIn short: the certificate shows your origin; the citizenship application gives you citizenship. They should not be confused.
\nChoose the oldest and clearest document that shows your origin. The ancestor’s document should be legible and the names clear. Check that names are spelled the same across all papers. If your records differ between countries, solve that before applying; see name equivalence certificate.
\nWrite the declaration carefully in your own words. Keep copies of the whole application, because you may need them again later for citizenship or residence.
\nPreparing papers in the right order, keeping translations consistent and choosing the right route saves time. In our citizenship services we identify the best way to show your origin, prepare the documents and follow the application on your behalf. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nYes, in many cases. For emigrant families, origin is often shown through a parent’s or grandparent’s documents in the citizenship application. The certificate matters more for people with no direct Bulgarian record.
\nThe Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (ИАБЧ), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before 2025 it was known as ДАБЧ.
\nThe agency decides within 14 days. If documents are missing, the process can take longer, so check the file before applying.
\nNo. You can apply in person in Sofia, but also by post or through the e-government portal.
\nNo. It proves origin. Citizenship requires a separate application, which in practice usually takes 1.5-3 years.
\nA foreign family member of a Bulgarian or EU citizen who holds a residence card can work in Bulgaria without a separate work permit. This right comes from EU free movement rules. Before you start, you only need to complete practical steps: a personal number, insurance and tax registration. Other types of residence follow different rules.
\nThis article explains how the right to work works with family residence, which registrations you need, and how it differs from other permits.
\nFor most foreigners in Bulgaria, working requires a separate work permit and an employer’s approval. Family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens are an exception. If your spouse is a Bulgarian citizen and you hold an “EU citizen family member residence card”, you do not need a separate work permit to take a job.
\nThis right covers:
\nThe residence card itself proves your right to work in Bulgaria. In most cases, showing it to the employer is enough. We explain how to get the card in residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nA family member card holder can generally work on terms similar to citizens:
\nSo the residence right can be used without a work permit, but it does not remove the special rules of each profession.
\nEven without a work permit, practical registrations are needed.
\nIn Bulgaria, tax, insurance and banking all depend on a personal number. Foreigners usually receive an ЛНЧ (личен номер на чужденец, a foreigner’s personal number). Other number types may apply as your status develops. The number used by citizens is explained in what is an EGN.
\nWhen you are hired, the employer reports your employment contract to the Bulgarian tax authority (НАП). If you start your own business, you handle tax and insurance registration yourself or through an adviser. Tax liability generally depends on the source of income and how long you stay in Bulgaria. Ask separately about double taxation.
\nAs an employee, your contributions are withheld and reported by the employer. This gives you access to healthcare and social security. Self-employed people pay their contributions themselves.
\nA Bulgarian bank account is useful for salary and tax payments. Banks usually ask for the residence card, passport and personal number.
\nFamily reunification is not the same for every foreigner. In general:
\n| Situation | \nRight to work | \n
|---|---|
| Family member of a Bulgarian/EU citizen | \nNo separate work permit needed | \n
| Residence for work | \nPermit is usually tied to a specific employer and job | \n
| Student residence | \nRight to work may be limited | \n
| Commercial representation residence | \nResidence is tied to the representation’s activity | \n
| Family members of other foreign residents | \nDepends on the main residence type; ask separately | \n
Important: If your spouse is not a Bulgarian citizen but a foreigner with a residence permit in Bulgaria, your right to work depends on the type of the main permit and current rules. Do not rely on the general rule. Have your file checked.
\nAs your legal and continuous residence grows, the path to permanent residence opens. With permanent status your right to work continues and the paperwork is lighter. See Bulgaria permanent residence for details.
\nThe residence card gives the right to work on its own, but mistakes with the personal number, tax and insurance steps are annoying to fix later. In our family reunification service we support you from the residence card to working life. Use our free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our family reunification in Bulgaria page.
\nNo. If you hold a family member residence card as the foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen, you can work without a separate work permit.
\nAn ЛНЧ is a personal number given to foreigners. Tax, insurance and banking depend on it, so you need it before you start working.
\nNo. The right to work rests on a valid family member residence card. If the card application is still pending, clarify your work situation in advance.
\nYes. A family member card holder can set up a sole proprietorship or a company. Regulated professions may have extra diploma and registration conditions.
\nIn that case the right depends on your spouse’s permit type and current rules. Get advice on your own file instead of relying on the general rule.
\nTo renew your Bulgarian residence permit, apply to the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“) for your place of residence at least 14 days before it expires. The decision takes 14 days, or one month longer if the case is complex. The reason for your residence (family, representation, retirement) must still apply, and you must submit your documents again.
\nA residence permit is issued for a limited time. You file a renewal application before it ends. Renewal works like a new application: your file is assessed again. If the reason for your residence continues, the permit is extended.
\nTiming matters. You must apply at least 14 days before expiry. Do not leave it to the last day. Collecting documents, translation and paying the fee take time. We advise starting preparation at least 1-2 months ahead.
\nYou apply to the Migration Directorate office for the region of your registered address (Bulgarian: Дирекция „Миграция“). You usually apply in person. The office in the city where you are registered is competent.
\nThe Directorate’s decision time is 14 days. If the case is complex and needs further checks, it can be extended by one month. During this time the authority may ask for missing documents. Complete them at once, because delay extends the decision time.
\nThe general documents are similar for every permit type: application form, valid passport, current residence card, address proof, health insurance and fee receipt. Extra documents depend on your basis of residence.
\n| Basis | \nWhat generally must be shown | \n
|---|---|
| Family (Bulgarian citizen spouse) | \nProof that the marriage continues, the Bulgarian spouse’s ID and residence record | \n
| Family (foreign resident spouse) | \nThe spouse’s valid residence, housing and means of support | \n
| Commercial representation | \nRegister entry of the representation, office contract, tax compliance documents of the parent company | \n
| Retirement | \nProof of pension and sufficient income to live in Bulgaria | \n
Confirm the latest list with the authority before applying, because it can change. We give no amounts or limits in this article. For residence through a spouse, see residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse. For retirees, read retirement residence permit in Bulgaria. Representation-based permits have special conditions at renewal, such as a tax debt check, which we explain in our guide to residence through commercial representation.
\nThe key point is proving that the reason for your residence still applies. For example, someone who holds residence through marriage must show that the marriage and shared life continue. For retirement, proof that the pension continues is needed. For representation, the entry in the register must remain valid and the conditions must continue.
\nAlso check:
\nIf your documents come from abroad, allow extra time for the apostille and official translation. These can take several weeks.
\nRenewal is filed while your permit is still valid. Once it has expired, you often need a new application, which is harder. In renewal the Directorate already knows you and has your earlier file. Renewal filed on time therefore usually runs more smoothly. If documents you submitted earlier have changed, submit the current versions.
\nIf you plan to leave Bulgaria while the application is pending, be careful. Without a valid residence card you may face problems on return. Ask the Directorate before you travel which document you can use to re-enter. Carry your application receipt and copies of your documents.
\nIf you do not apply before the permit ends, your residence expires and your legal stay is interrupted. In general, being late can mean:
\nIf you have already missed the date, do not wait; speak to a specialist at once. Read why continuity matters in our guide to permanent residence in Bulgaria. Long legal residence also matters for questions such as can I get Bulgarian citizenship through my spouse.
\n\n\nImportant: After you file, ask the authority to confirm in writing how your status is treated until the decision.
\n
We prepare the documents, arrange translation and follow the application. See our family reunification in Bulgaria service page. You can send your file for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nYou must apply at least 14 days before the permit expires. Preparing earlier reduces the risk of missing documents.
\nThe decision time is 14 days. If the case is complex, it can be extended by one more month.
\nAfter expiry the position is harder, because your legal stay is interrupted. In that case speak to a specialist immediately.
\nGeneral documents are the application form, passport, current card, address proof, insurance and fee receipt. Extra documents are requested depending on your basis of residence.
\nA refusal is notified with written reasons. You can appeal, but time limits are short. Show your file to a specialist on the day you receive the decision.
\nSpouses and children who will join family in Bulgaria apply for a long-stay (type D) visa at the Bulgarian consulate in their home country. With the visa they enter Bulgaria, then apply to the Migration Directorate for a residence card. The consulate asks for proof of marriage or kinship, a passport, an address and insurance. The rules for the spouse of a Bulgarian citizen differ from those for the spouse of a foreign resident.
\nA visa is permission to enter Bulgaria, issued by a consulate. The type D visa is for long stays. You enter the country with it and then apply for residence. The D visa is not a residence permit itself; you receive the residence card after you arrive. To read more about the visa itself, see what is a Bulgarian type D visa.
\nIn family reunification, the visa goes to the spouse or parent of someone living in Bulgaria. The consulate you apply to tells you which visa type you need. Practice can change over time.
\nThis difference is important, because the conditions and documents differ.
\n| \n | Spouse of a Bulgarian (EU) citizen | \nSpouse of a foreign resident | \n
|---|---|---|
| Basis | \nEU citizen family member right | \nNational rules on family reunification for foreigners | \n
| Legal framework | \nEU rules, simpler | \nForeigners legislation, stricter | \n
| Usual conditions | \nRecorded and genuine marriage | \nResidence status of the spouse in Bulgaria, means of support and housing | \n
| Result | \nResidence card for a family member of a Union citizen | \nResidence permit on a family reunification basis | \n
In short, the spouse of a Bulgarian citizen does not face the heavier support conditions. The spouse of a foreign resident usually has to prove housing, income and insurance separately. Make clear which group you belong to before you apply.
\nIf you are the spouse of a Bulgarian citizen, read our main guide on residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nThe list can differ between consulates. The general categories are:
\nWe give no amounts here. Ask the consulate for the required insurance and support figures. Most documents need an apostille and an official Bulgarian translation. An apostille is the official stamp that makes a document valid in another country.
\nChildren can follow the same route. Their file covers the birth certificate and parents’ details. See family reunification for children for more.
\nMost of these problems are easy to fix when noticed early. Having the file checked before the consulate visit saves time.
\nAfter entering Bulgaria with the visa, you must apply to the Migration Directorate within a short time. Do not miss this window. Your residence card application must be made before the visa expires, and your address registration should be ready. After you receive the card, your right to work and other rights apply.
\nBefore you go to the consulate, answer these questions:
\nIf all five answers are yes, your file is largely ready.
\n\n\nImportant: If a visa application is refused, the reasons are given in writing. You can often complete the missing documents and apply again.
\n
We plan the document list, apostilles, translations and the consulate application together with you. See our family reunification in Bulgaria service page. You can send your file for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nNo. The type D visa allows long-stay entry into Bulgaria. You then apply separately to the Migration Directorate for the residence card.
\nIt depends on the spouse’s nationality and the consulate’s practice. Where a visa is needed, simpler rules apply to family members of EU citizens. Get current information from your consulate.
\nOfficial documents issued abroad, such as marriage and birth certificates, usually need one. Apostilled documents are also submitted with an official Bulgarian translation.
\nIt depends on the consulate and on how complete your file is. Missing documents extend the time, so complete the file before you apply.
\nYou can read the reasons and complete what is missing. For a new application or an appeal, we advise having a specialist review your file.
\nA foreign family member of a Bulgarian or other EU citizen can apply for permanent residence in Bulgaria after 5 years of continuous, legal residence. Permanent residence replaces the time-limited residence card, so you can live and work in Bulgaria without a new reason each time. Other foreigners have a similar path, but with separate conditions.
\nThis article explains who can apply, how the 5-year period works, what rights permanent residence gives you, and how it relates to citizenship.
\nA temporary residence card is issued for a limited period and must be extended before it expires. Permanent residence is a stronger status. The document itself is renewed at intervals, but you no longer need to justify your right to live in Bulgaria each time.
\nThere are two main paths in Bulgaria:
\nFor family members, the key condition is 5 years of continuous and legal residence in Bulgaria. Each word matters:
\n\n\nNote: If the marriage ends (divorce or the spouse’s death), your right to permanent residence may be affected. If this happened, have your file checked before you apply.
\n
The exact list depends on what the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“) requires at the time of filing. In general, expect:
\n| Document | \nNotes | \n
|---|---|
| Application form | \nOfficial form, signed | \n
| Passport | \nMust be valid | \n
| Current residence card | \nFamily member residence card | \n
| Documents of the Bulgarian/EU citizen | \nID and proof the relationship continues | \n
| Proof of the family tie | \nMarriage or birth certificate; foreign documents need an apostille and Bulgarian translation | \n
| Proof of address | \nDocument showing your address in Bulgaria | \n
| Photo | \nIn the required format | \n
Foreign documents must carry an apostille and a sworn Bulgarian translation. Our free document review can confirm your set is complete.
\nA permanent resident has broader and more stable rights than a holder of a time-limited card. In general:
\nPermanent residence is not citizenship. Some rights, such as voting in national elections, belong only to citizens.
\nPermanent residence is a natural next step for foreigners who have lived in Bulgaria for many years. In general:
\nA citizenship application takes about 1.5 to 3 years in practice, so it is wise to plan residence and citizenship together.
\nOfficial procedures in Bulgaria use a personal number. For foreigners it can be an ЛНЧ or an EGN, depending on status. Bulgarian citizens and some foreigners with permanent status are registered with an EGN. We explain it in what is an EGN and how to get it.
\nThe most important points in a permanent residence application are counting the 5 years correctly and submitting a complete document set. In our family reunification service we plan the process from the first residence card to permanent residence. Book an online appointment or send your documents for a free review.
\nTo compare all residence routes, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our family reunification in Bulgaria page.
\nForeign family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens need 5 years of continuous and legal residence. For other foreigners, the period and conditions depend on the type of permit.
\nYes. Family members already work without a separate work permit, and permanent residence makes that right more stable.
\nNo. Citizenship is a separate application with separate conditions. Permanent residence can be one of the conditions on some citizenship routes.
\nThe end of a marriage can affect your family member status. If you do not yet hold permanent residence, you should get advice on which options remain open in your case.
\nThe right to reside is indefinite, but the document is renewed at intervals. Check the current rules at the time of renewal.
\nIf you are married to a Bulgarian citizen and are not a Bulgarian or EU citizen yourself, you can apply for a “residence card for a family member of a Union citizen”. You apply at the Migration Directorate where you live. The card is issued within 3 months of your application, and continuous residence is granted for up to 5 years. The first condition is that your marriage is recorded in the Bulgarian civil registers.
\nBulgaria is a member of the European Union. The foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen has the right to live in Bulgaria with them. This route is easier than a normal residence permit for foreigners. You do not need to start a company or prove a set income level. The main conditions are that the marriage is genuine and that your Bulgarian spouse lives in Bulgaria.
\nThe document is called the residence card for a family member of a Union citizen (in Bulgarian: карта за пребиваване на член на семейството на гражданин на Съюза). With this card you can live, travel and work in Bulgaria legally.
\nIf your Bulgarian spouse lives in another EU country, the case is assessed differently. Send us your file first and we will review it together.
\nA marriage made abroad is valid from the date it was made. But for Bulgarian authorities to recognise it, it must be entered in the Bulgarian civil register. This is done through the municipality or the consulate. The marriage certificate is apostilled and translated into official Bulgarian.
\nYou cannot apply for the residence card until the marriage is recorded. For a step-by-step explanation, read our guide on registering a foreign marriage in Bulgaria.
\nIn general, the Migration Directorate asks for the following:
\n| Document | \nNote | \n
|---|---|
| Application form | \nCompleted in the format the Directorate requires | \n
| Marriage certificate | \nApostilled and translated into Bulgarian; proof the marriage is recorded in Bulgaria | \n
| Passport | \nValid passport of the foreign spouse | \n
| Bulgarian spouse’s ID | \nID card or Bulgarian passport | \n
| Address registration | \nProof of your Bulgarian address (rental contract or property document) | \n
| Fee receipt | \nProof that the state fee has been paid | \n
| Photograph | \nBiometric photo that meets the rules | \n
The Directorate may ask for extra documents. Confirm the latest list with the authority or your adviser before you apply. Fees can change, so we do not give amounts here.
\nThe family member residence card gives continuous residence for up to 5 years. You file for renewal before it ends. Read more in our guide on renewing a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nAfter 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence you can apply for permanent residence. Permanent residence greatly reduces the renewal burden. See permanent residence in Bulgaria for the full picture. Long legal residence can also support a later citizenship application.
\nThe holder of a family member residence card can work in Bulgaria without a separate work permit. You can take a job or start your own business. Insurance and tax rules follow the same framework as for Bulgarian citizens. For details, see right to work with family residence.
\n\n\nImportant: Your card makes your stay legal. Do not forget to renew it before it expires.
\n
If your marriage took place outside Bulgaria (for example in Türkiye or your home country), your certificate comes from the civil registry office there. The apostille is added by the competent authority of that country. A sworn translator then translates it into Bulgarian.
\nNames must match in all documents. A Bulgarian spouse’s name is sometimes spelled differently in foreign and Bulgarian records. Such a difference can stop the process, so fix it first.
\nThe card is issued so you can live together with your Bulgarian spouse. You therefore need a shared address, shown by an address record and a rental contract or similar document. If you live in different cities, the application may be harder. Talk to us before applying.
\nCount the marriage registration and the card application together. Registration can take weeks because of the apostille, translation and municipal steps. The card itself is issued within 3 months of the application. If you plan to move, start the process months before.
\nWe manage every step, from the marriage record to the residence card. See our family reunification in Bulgaria service page. You can send your file for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nNo. The marriage must be recorded in the Bulgarian registers and you must apply to the Migration Directorate. If the application is accepted, you receive the family member residence card.
\nThe card is issued within 3 months of your application. Missing documents can extend this, so make sure your file is complete before you apply.
\nYes. The holder of a family member residence card can work without a separate work permit. You can also start your own business.
\nDivorce can affect your right to stay. Depending on the facts, you may keep residence on another basis. In that case we advise showing your file to a specialist.
\nYou can apply after 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence. Long periods outside Bulgaria may affect the continuity requirement.
\nThe cost of a commercial representation in Bulgaria has five main parts: preparing the parent company documents (apostille and translation), BCCI registration, office rent, accounting and any staff costs, and residence permit and renewal procedures. Amounts depend on the company and the city, so we do not give figures here. The obligations are: no commercial activity, reporting changes to the BCCI, and meeting the turnover and tax conditions at renewal.
\nA representation is a unit without legal personality in Bulgaria. It is a simpler structure than a company. Still, it has regular costs. The total depends on the city of the office, the number of documents, the number of representatives and the number of employees. For a summary of the process, read residence permit through commercial representation.
\nBelow we explain each item. Current amounts should be taken from the institutions and service providers.
\n| Item | \nWhat it pays for | \nHow often | \n
|---|---|---|
| Documents, apostille, translation | \nPreparing parent company documents, apostille, official Bulgarian translation | \nAt setup; when documents are renewed | \n
| BCCI registration | \nEntry in the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry register and fees | \nAt setup; when changes occur | \n
| Office rent | \nA lease or use agreement of at least 1 year in Bulgaria | \nMonthly, for the lease term | \n
| Accounting | \nKeeping records, filings and tracking tax compliance | \nMonthly or yearly | \n
| Staff | \nInsurance and payroll if you employ people | \nMonthly | \n
| Residence procedures | \nD visa, residence application, fees and renewal | \nAt application and renewal | \n
The parent company’s trade register extract, certificate of activity, representation decision and power of attorney are prepared. Each receives an apostille and is translated into Bulgarian. Documents must not be older than 6 months. If the time runs out, they are renewed and the cost arises again. See our translation page.
\nThe representation is entered in the BCCI register. There are fees and processing costs. The process is explained in opening a commercial representation in Bulgaria.
\nFor the residence permit you need an office lease of at least 1 year in Bulgaria. Rent varies a lot by city and type of office. The office is recorded as the address of the representation, so choose a real and usable address.
\nA representation does not do commercial activity, so it earns no income. Still, records must be kept in order. At renewal, tax compliance for the last year is checked. This is why accounting support is a small but important item.
\nIf the representation employs people in Bulgaria, insurance and payroll obligations arise. Employing staff is not mandatory. The headcount condition applies only to residence through a company.
\nThere are fees and document costs for the D visa, the residence application and renewal. If family members apply separately, each application has its own cost. For visa documents, see documents for the D visa of a representative.
\nRepresentations registered before the amendment to the Foreigners Act on 27 June 2025 have a 2-year transition period to meet the new conditions. If they do not, the representation may be removed from the register. If you have an older registration, check your turnover, tax and office conditions now.
\nThe residence permit is issued for a limited period. For renewal, you apply at least 14 days before it ends. At renewal, the parent company’s turnover and tax compliance for the last year are checked. Read more in renewing a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nFor residence through a company, at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees are needed per foreigner. This raises staff cost a lot. The representation route has no such condition. See representation or company for the full comparison.
\nTo learn what each item means in your case, see our residence permit page. You can send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nIt depends on the city, the number of documents, the office and staff. For this reason we give no fixed figure. We can work out the items and current fees together.
\nA representation does no commercial activity, so it has no profit subject to corporate tax. If it employs people, insurance and payroll obligations arise. We advise checking with an accountant.
\nNot reporting changes of address, representative or authority can cause problems in the registration and residence procedures. Changes should be reported on time.
\nThe parent company’s turnover must be at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva and there must be no tax debt for the last year. You apply at least 14 days before the permit ends.
\nNo. There is no headcount condition for residence through a representation. If you employ people, insurance and payroll obligations arise.
\nRepresentation or company? On the company route you must employ at least 10 full-time Bulgarian staff per foreigner. A representation has no staff requirement, but your parent company needs a turnover of at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva and no tax debt. A representation gives residence to a maximum of 2 people and cannot carry out commercial activity. A Bulgarian company can sell, and corporate tax is 10%.
\nBusiness people who want long-term residence in Bulgaria usually choose between two options. The first is to set up your own company in Bulgaria. The second is to open a commercial representation in Bulgaria for your existing company abroad. Both are lawful routes, but their conditions and burdens are very different.
\n| Topic | \nCommercial representation | \nBulgarian company | \n
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | \nForeigners Act Art. 24/1/6 | \nForeigners Act Art. 24/1/2 | \n
| Staff requirement | \nNone | \nAt least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner | \n
| Parent company condition | \nTurnover of at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva (about 51,130 euro), no tax debt | \nNo parent company condition; the Bulgarian company has its own obligations | \n
| People who can get residence | \nMaximum 2 representatives | \nOwner or manager, as many as the staff condition supports | \n
| Commercial activity | \nNot allowed (promotion, market research) | \nAllowed (sales, invoices, trade) | \n
| Tax | \nNo profit; parent company’s tax compliance is checked | \nCorporate tax 10% | \n
| Office | \nLease of at least 1 year | \nCompany address required | \n
| Register | \nBCCI register of representations | \nBulgarian Commercial Register | \n
| Setup and running burden | \nLighter | \nHeavier (payroll, accounting, tax) | \n
If you set up a company in Bulgaria and want residence as manager or partner, you must employ at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner (Foreigners Act Art. 24/1/2). If two foreign partners want residence, the expected staff grows accordingly.
\nWhat this means:
\nThe advantage of the company route: you can do real business in Bulgaria. You sell, issue invoices and make profit. The company pays 10% corporate tax on its profit, one of the lower rates in Europe.
\nA representation has no staff requirement (Art. 24/1/6). Instead the following are required:
\nAn important limit: a representation cannot carry out commercial activity. Sales and invoicing cannot be done through it. It only promotes the parent company, does market research and builds contacts. So it suits business owners who will not do their main trade in Bulgaria but want to live there and be close to Europe. Setup details are in opening a commercial representation in Bulgaria.
\nA representation suits you if:
\nA company suits you if:
\nFor the cost side see costs and obligations of a commercial representation. For the general process, residence permit through commercial representation is the starting point.
\nYou may not need any business route at all. If you have Bulgarian origin, applying for Bulgarian citizenship solves the residence question and gives you EU citizenship. If your ancestors came from Bulgaria, we recommend checking this first.
\nThe right choice depends on your company’s turnover, tax status, staff plans and what you want to do in Bulgaria. For company setup see our company formation service, and for the residence process our Bulgaria residence permit page. For an assessment of your case, book an online appointment or send your documents for a free document review.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nNo. A commercial representation cannot sell or issue invoices. If you want to trade in Bulgaria, you need a branch or a company.
\nForeigners Act Art. 24/1/2 requires at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner for residence through a company. The aim is that the company creates real employment in Bulgaria.
\nThe number of staff is not a residence condition. If you do employ staff in Bulgaria, however, insurance and payroll obligations arise.
\nCorporate tax in Bulgaria is 10%. The company’s other tax and insurance obligations must be assessed separately.
\nYes. Some businesses start with a representation and set up a company in Bulgaria as the business grows. The residence conditions are assessed separately for each route, so the plan should be clear from the start.
\nA type D visa for a commercial representative is a long-stay visa you apply for at the Bulgarian consulate in your home country (for example Türkiye), using the registration certificate of the representation from the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The main documents are: passport, photo, BCCI certificate, parent company papers, proof of accommodation and office in Bulgaria, health insurance and proof of means. After the visa, you apply for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate.
\nA foreigner who wants to stay in Bulgaria for more than three months first needs a long-stay visa. It is called a type D visa. You can read the general explanation in our article what is a Bulgarian type D visa.
\nA person appointed as a commercial representative follows the same path. First, the representation is entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Then the representative applies at the consulate with this certificate. For the whole picture, read residence permit through commercial representation.
\n\n\nImportant: the representation must be registered before the visa application. Without the BCCI certificate, you cannot apply for the visa.
\n
The consulate may change its requirements from time to time. The list below shows the general categories. For the exact and current list, always check the list published by the consulate.
\n| Document group | \nExplanation | \n
|---|---|
| Passport | \nSufficient validity and free pages | \n
| Photo | \nBiometric photo that meets the consulate’s format rules | \n
| Application form | \nVisa application form, signed | \n
| BCCI certificate | \nRegistration certificate of the representation and the decision appointing the representative | \n
| Parent company documents | \nTrade register extract, certificate of activity, power of attorney; apostilled and translated into Bulgarian | \n
| Accommodation and office | \nOffice lease in Bulgaria and proof of where you will stay | \n
| Health insurance | \nHealth insurance valid in Bulgaria | \n
| Means of subsistence | \nProof that you can support yourself during your stay | \n
The consulate may ask for certain amounts, for example for bank balance or insurance cover. These amounts can change, so we do not give figures here. Prepare your file according to the consulate’s current list.
\nThe consular officer wants to understand whether the representation’s activity is genuine. Be ready for questions such as:
\nYour answers must match your documents. Short, clear and true answers are enough. Saying something that is not in your documents causes problems.
\nUntil the decision is given, keep the office lease and the registration valid. If anything changes, informing the consulate and the BCCI is the safest way. Before you hand in the file, review it once more. One missing document can extend the process.
\nThe D visa is not the residence permit itself. After entering Bulgaria, the representative applies to the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“) in the area of residence for a long-term residence permit. The residence card is issued afterwards.
\nThe parent company’s situation decides the conditions. Its turnover must be at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva and it must have no tax debts. At most 2 representatives can get a permit through one representation. When the permit ends, you must renew it; read renewing a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nIf you are thinking of getting residence through your own company instead, see representation or company.
\nThe document list, apostille and translation follow-up, BCCI registration and the residence application can all be handled in one place. See our residence permit page. You can send your papers for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nYes. For a visa as a commercial representative, the basic document is the registration certificate of the representation from the BCCI register. You cannot apply before the registration is complete.
\nThe consulate may ask for certain amounts for bank balance and health insurance cover. These amounts can change, so prepare according to the consulate’s current list.
\nNo. After entering Bulgaria you must apply for a residence permit at the Migration Directorate. The residence card is issued once the decision is made.
\nDocuments issued in your home country get an apostille and an official translation into Bulgarian. They should be issued within the last 6 months.
\nThe representative’s spouse and children can get residence separately through family reunification. The documents are different; see our family reunification service.
\nTo open a commercial representation in Bulgaria, your foreign company is entered in the register of commercial representations kept by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The parent company’s documents must carry an apostille, have a Bulgarian translation and be issued within the last 6 months. You also need an office lease in Bulgaria of at least 1 year. After registration you receive a BULSTAT number and the representation can start work.
\nThese three structures are often confused. The difference decides what you can do and where you register.
\n| \n | Commercial representation | \nBranch | \nBulgarian company | \n
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal status | \nPart of the parent company, not a separate legal entity | \nPart of the parent company, not a separate legal entity | \nSeparate legal entity set up in Bulgaria | \n
| Register | \nBCCI register of commercial representations | \nBulgarian Commercial Register | \nBulgarian Commercial Register | \n
| Commercial activity (sales, invoices) | \nNot allowed | \nAllowed | \nAllowed | \n
| Main purpose | \nPromotion, market research, business contacts | \nCarrying out the parent company’s business in Bulgaria | \nIndependent trade | \n
| Setup burden | \nLighter | \nHeavier | \nHeavier | \n
If you will only promote and develop business, a representation is enough. If you will sell and issue invoices in Bulgaria, you need a branch or a company. For which one suits a residence permit, see representation or company.
\nYou need an active company registered abroad. If you are opening it to obtain a residence permit, the parent company must also meet the turnover and tax conditions. For all of them, see residence permit through commercial representation.
\nThe documents come from the country of the parent company. The common rule: all must carry an apostille, have a sworn Bulgarian translation and be issued within the last 6 months.
\nAn apostille is the international certification that a document is official. Get the apostille first, then the translation. If the order is reversed, the document may be rejected.
\n\n\nThe 6-month period is counted from the day of application. If you wait long after getting the apostille, you may have to renew the documents.
\n
BULSTAT is the registration number given in Bulgaria to companies, associations and similar units. It is used to open bank accounts, sign contracts and deal with the tax office. A representation also needs its own BULSTAT entry.
\nOnce registered, a representation is not a structure you can set up and forget. Pay attention to:
\nFor details see costs and obligations of a commercial representation.
\nWe can handle the document list, apostille and translation, BCCI and BULSTAT registration and the residence process in one place. See our Bulgaria residence permit page. To learn where your company stands, send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nNo. A representation is not a separate company but a unit of the foreign parent company, so no Bulgarian partner is required. The parent company’s documents and an office lease are enough.
\nIt depends on how complete the file is and on the apostille and translation stages. We do not promise a fixed number of days; a complete file shortens the process.
\nBulgarian institutions do not accept older documents because they may not reflect the current situation. That is why documents such as the register extract are obtained close to the application date.
\nNo. A commercial representation cannot sell or issue invoices. For that you need a branch or a company in Bulgaria.
\nFor a residence permit, the representation is expected to have a real and lasting address in Bulgaria. That is why a lease of at least 1 year is required.
\nIf you own an active company in your home country (for example Türkiye), you can open its commercial representation in Bulgaria and obtain a long-term residence permit for up to 2 people appointed as representatives. The representation is entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The parent company needs an annual turnover of at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva (about 51,130 euro), no tax debt, and a lease of at least 1 year for an office in Bulgaria. Unlike the company route, you do not have to employ 10 Bulgarian staff.
\nA commercial representation (Bulgarian: търговско представителство) is a unit of a foreign company in Bulgaria that is not a separate legal entity. It promotes the parent company, carries out market research and follows up business contacts. It cannot carry out commercial activity in its own name (selling, issuing invoices). For that you need to set up a company in Bulgaria. For residence purposes, however, a representation is one of the most practical routes for business owners and managers who want to settle in Bulgaria.
\nAn amendment of 27 June 2025 to Article 24 (paragraph 1, point 6) of the Bulgarian Foreigners Act made the conditions clearer:
\n| Condition | \nExplanation | \n
|---|---|
| Registration | \nEntered in the BCCI register of commercial representations | \n
| Number of people | \nA maximum of 2 representatives per representation | \n
| Parent company turnover | \nAt least the equivalent of 100,000 leva a year (from 2026, in euro: about 51,130 euro) | \n
| Tax compliance | \nNo tax debt for the last 2 calendar years at first registration, and for the last year at renewal | \n
| Office | \nA lease or use agreement of at least 1 year in Bulgaria | \n
| Up-to-date documents | \nOfficial documents issued within the last 6 months | \n
Representations registered before the change that do not meet these conditions have a two-year period to comply. Otherwise they may be struck off the register.
\nA foreigner who sets up their own company in Bulgaria and wants a residence permit as manager must employ at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees for that person (Foreigners Act Art. 24/1/2). For small and medium businesses this is a heavy condition. On the representation route there is no staff requirement. What counts is the parent company’s turnover and tax compliance. Read the full comparison in representation or company.
\nThe spouse and children of a person who obtained a permit as a representative can obtain residence in Bulgaria through family reunification, so the whole family can settle. See our family reunification in Bulgaria service.
\nSetting up and maintaining a representation involves costs such as office rent, accounting, translation, and BCCI and consular fees. Because the representation does no commercial activity, it has no profit subject to corporate tax. If it employs staff in Bulgaria, however, insurance and payroll obligations arise. For an itemised explanation see costs and obligations of a commercial representation.
\nIf you have Bulgarian origin, applying directly for Bulgarian citizenship may be a better option than a representation.
\nWe manage every step in one place: parent company documents, BCCI registration, type D visa and residence card. See our Bulgaria residence permit service page. To find out whether your company qualifies, book an online appointment or send your documents for a free document review.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nUnder the current rules, a maximum of 2 representatives per commercial representation can obtain a long-term residence permit. Their spouses and children can get residence separately through family reunification.
\nThe parent company’s annual turnover must be at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva. Because Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, this is about 51,130 euro.
\nNo. A commercial representation cannot carry out commercial activity in its own name; it only represents the parent company. To sell and issue invoices you need a company in Bulgaria.
\nLong-term lawful residence can later become the basis for permanent residence and, once the conditions are met, an application for citizenship. If you have Bulgarian origin, there is a shorter route to citizenship.
\nRegistration may be possible, but for the permit the parent company’s tax compliance for the last two years and the turnover condition are checked. We can assess together when a newly founded company will meet these conditions.
\nNo. Being born in Bulgaria does not by itself make a child a Bulgarian citizen. Bulgaria follows the principle of descent: a child is a Bulgarian citizen, wherever born, if at least one parent is a Bulgarian citizen. If both parents are foreign nationals, a child born in Bulgaria takes the citizenship of the parents. Birth on the territory counts only in exceptional cases, such as unknown parents or a child who would otherwise be stateless.
\nSo the idea that “if we give birth in Bulgaria, our child will be an EU citizen” is wrong. The opposite also matters: if a parent is a Bulgarian citizen, the child is a Bulgarian citizen even when born in your home country or anywhere else.
\n| Situation | \nIs the child Bulgarian? | \n
|---|---|
| Mother or father is a Bulgarian citizen | \nYes, by birth (place of birth is irrelevant) | \n
| Both parents foreign, living in Bulgaria on a residence permit | \nNo, the child takes the parents’ citizenship | \n
| Parents unknown | \nYes, as an exception | \n
| Parents stateless or the child cannot acquire another citizenship | \nYes, under the conditions of the law | \n
| Situation | \nResult | \n
|---|---|
| Foreign couple works in Bulgaria; the child is born there. | \nThe child is not Bulgarian; takes the parents’ citizenship. Residence is handled together with the parents. | \n
| Mother is Bulgarian, father foreign; child born in Bulgaria. | \nThe child is a citizen by birth; the birth is registered by the Bulgarian authorities. | \n
| Mother is Bulgarian; the child was born abroad. | \nThe child is a citizen by birth; the foreign birth is reported to Bulgaria. | \n
| A grandparent was Bulgarian but the parents are not citizens; child born in Bulgaria. | \nNot a citizen by birth. The parent’s origin and eligibility must be examined first. | \n
The deciding factor is not the place of birth, but the parent’s citizenship on the day of birth.
\nIf the child was born in Bulgaria, the birth is entered directly by the Bulgarian authorities where the birth took place and the child receives an EGN. If the child was born abroad, the birth must be reported to Bulgaria, which takes 2-3 months. We describe the steps in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\nA child born in Bulgaria to foreign parents lives in Bulgaria on the basis of the parents’ residence rights. If a parent holds a residence permit, the child’s residence is arranged through family reunification; see family reunification for children. If the parents later obtain permanent residence and then citizenship by naturalisation, minor children can be included in the application.
\nWill the child get a Bulgarian passport? Only if the child is a Bulgarian citizen. Being born in Bulgaria is not enough. Once citizenship is clear, the passport application follows the steps in getting a Bulgarian passport for a child.
\nHow is the name written? In a Bulgarian birth certificate the name is written in Cyrillic. When it is entered in your home-country record, check the differences between the Cyrillic and Latin spellings from the start. Otherwise the child’s name may appear in two forms in different records.
\nWhat is needed to use the Bulgarian birth certificate abroad? It generally needs an apostille and a translation. The child’s registration in your home country is made separately; we confirm the current documents the authority asks for before you apply.
\nJus soli applies very narrowly in Bulgaria. If the child’s parents are unknown, or the child would otherwise be stateless, birth in Bulgaria can be the basis of citizenship. These situations are rare and each is assessed separately. For an ordinary family with foreign parents the exception does not apply; the child carries the parents’ citizenship. Exact conditions should not be generalised without looking at the file.
\nFor a foreign family planning a birth in Bulgaria:
\nIf the family is of Bulgarian origin, clarifying the parent’s citizenship before the birth decides the route. Our article on conditions for Bulgarian citizenship gives the general framework.
\nIf you answer “yes” to the first two, the child is very likely a citizen by birth and what remains is registration. If you answer “no” to the first, a different route is needed, whatever the place of birth.
\nIf you have a Bulgarian-origin parent or grandparent, we can determine the shortest route in a free preliminary review. See our birth and marriage registration and citizenship services for all options.
\nNo. If neither parent is a Bulgarian citizen, being born in Bulgaria gives no citizenship; the child takes the parents’ citizenship.
\nYes. Place of birth does not matter; if one parent is a Bulgarian citizen, the child is a citizen by birth. Reporting the birth to Bulgaria is enough.
\nYes, a Bulgarian birth certificate is issued for every birth in Bulgaria. But if the parents are foreign nationals, it does not give the child citizenship.
\nA stay over 90 days requires a visa or residence permit. The child’s stay after birth also depends on the parents’ residence status.
\nPlace of birth alone gives no advantage. If there is Bulgarian origin or a Bulgarian parent, the process relies on that link. Foreign families follow residence and naturalisation steps with the parents; growing up in Bulgaria helps mainly as proof of residence.
\nYes. An adult child, aged 18 or over, of a Bulgarian parent can become a Bulgarian citizen. The route depends on when the parent acquired citizenship. If the parent was already a Bulgarian citizen when you were born, you are a citizen by birth and only a birth registration is needed (about 2-3 months). If the parent became a citizen after your birth, you apply yourself on the basis of Bulgarian origin.
\nCompare the date on your parent’s Bulgarian citizenship document (or Bulgarian birth certificate) with your own date of birth.
\n| Situation | \nRoute | \nTypical time | \n
|---|---|---|
| Parent was a Bulgarian citizen when you were born (for example, born in Bulgaria and never lost citizenship) | \nBirth registration | \n2-3 months | \n
| Parent obtained citizenship after you were born (naturalisation or restoration) | \nCitizenship application on the basis of Bulgarian origin | \n1.5-3 years | \n
Under the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, a person with at least one Bulgarian-citizen parent is a citizen by birth, and there is no age limit. Even at 30, your birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil registry, you receive an EGN and you can apply for a passport. The steps are the same as for young children: an apostilled birth record, a Bulgarian translation and registration at the municipality. See our guide to birth registration and citizenship for children.
\nThis route fits, in particular:
\nIf your parent obtained citizenship after your birth, you are not a citizen by birth. However, as the child of a parent of Bulgarian origin you can apply on the basis of Bulgarian origin. On this route:
\nFor the general procedure, see how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship and citizenship through your father.
\nAfter the birth registration, the adult child receives an EGN and a Bulgarian birth certificate. Then you apply for an ID card and passport. Adults apply in person; parental consent is not needed as it is for minors. The application can be made in Bulgaria or at a Bulgarian consulate abroad. Fees and validity periods change, so we confirm them from the official source before applying. With the passport you can travel visa-free in the Schengen area and have the right to live and work in EU countries. The process is described in how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\nFor adults, names are the most common stumbling block. The name in your home-country record is transliterated into Cyrillic for Bulgarian documents. Your parent’s surname in Bulgarian records may differ from yours: Bulgarian surnames often end in “-ov” or “-ova”, while the foreign record may show a different form. In such cases one consistent spelling is chosen in the translation and, if necessary, a name equivalence certificate is prepared. If two different spellings are used for the same person, the authority may treat them as two people, and the file stalls.
\n| Situation | \nCorrect route | \n
|---|---|
| Father was born in Bulgaria and never lost citizenship; his 30-year-old son was born abroad. | \nBirth registration. The son is a citizen by descent. | \n
| Mother lost Bulgarian citizenship after leaving, then regained it; the child was born in between. | \nDepends on dates. Usually an application on the basis of origin; not decided without the documents. | \n
| Father has died; the child holds his Bulgarian documents. | \nBirth registration or origin-based application; his death does not prevent it. | \n
| Three siblings: two born before, one after the parent’s citizenship. | \nThe youngest by birth registration; the others on the basis of origin, using the same parental documents. | \n
Different routes within one family are very common. Planning siblings’ files together saves time because the same documents are reused.
\nWe explain how to prepare the papers in our civil registry extract and apostille guide.
\nWhen a parent is admitted to citizenship, children under 18 can usually be included in the application. If they were not included, an application for the minors can be made later. Where a family has both adult and minor children, the best order is planned file by file.
\nFor an adult child, Bulgarian citizenship also means European Union citizenship: the right to live, study and work across the EU. Bulgaria allows dual citizenship, so you normally do not give up your other nationality. We discuss this in the advantages of dual citizenship. Obligations come with the rights; see rights and obligations after citizenship.
\nSend us your parent’s Bulgarian documents and your own date of birth. In our free document review we determine whether your file goes by birth registration or by citizenship application. Choosing the right route can save months or even years. For the full process, see our citizenship services, or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our birth and marriage registration page.
\nYes. If he was a citizen when you were born, a birth registration takes 2-3 months. If he obtained citizenship later, you apply on the basis of Bulgarian origin.
\nNo. Applications based on Bulgarian origin have no language exam, and none is required for birth registration.
\nChildren born after you became a Bulgarian citizen are citizens by birth and are registered through birth registration. For children born earlier, the route depends on whether they are minors or adults.
\nYes. Documents showing your parent’s Bulgarian citizenship or origin are enough. See the related article on our site for details.
\nA child with at least one Bulgarian-citizen parent is a Bulgarian citizen from the moment of birth, wherever they were born. No citizenship application is needed. What you must do is report the birth to Bulgaria. Once the birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil registry, the child receives a personal number (EGN) and can get a Bulgarian passport. With complete documents, this usually takes 2-3 months.
\nThis guide explains who qualifies, which documents you need, the steps in order, and the mistakes that most often delay a file.
\nUnder the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, a person with at least one parent who is a Bulgarian citizen is a citizen by birth. The key question is simple: Was your own parent a Bulgarian citizen on the day your child was born?
\nThe child’s age does not block a birth registration. If the parent was a citizen at the time of birth, an adult son or daughter can be registered too.
\n\n\nTime limit: A Bulgarian citizen living abroad must report a child’s birth to Bulgaria within 6 months of the foreign authority issuing the birth record. If the period has passed, the registration can still be made, but extra steps may be requested. It is best to start without waiting.
\n
| Document | \nWhere to get it | \nNote | \n
|---|---|---|
| Child’s birth record (international extract) | \nCivil registry in your country | \nMust carry an apostille | \n
| Sworn Bulgarian translation | \nSworn translator | \nThe apostille is translated too | \n
| ID card or passport of the Bulgarian parent | \nThe parent | \nEGN must be visible | \n
| Marriage record (if parents are married) | \nCivil registry in your country | \nIf not yet entered in Bulgaria, first do a marriage registration | \n
| Power of attorney (if we handle the file) | \nNotary | \nApostilled and translated | \n
A point often missed: If the parents’ marriage was never entered in the Bulgarian records, the municipality may ask for the marriage registration first. Planning both registrations together saves time.
\nPreparing the documents in your home country (birth record, apostille, translation) takes from a few days to two weeks. Registration in Bulgaria and issuing the EGN take a few weeks if the file is complete. The passport application follows. The whole process usually takes 2-3 months. Compared with a citizenship application, which takes about 1.5-3 years in practice, birth registration is by far the fastest way to give a child Bulgarian and European Union citizenship.
\nOnce the birth is registered you hold the Bulgarian birth certificate and the child’s EGN. The passport application is made with these documents:
\nWe do not quote passport fees or validity periods here, because they change; confirm them from the official source before applying. With the passport your child can travel visa-free in the Schengen area and has the right to live, study and work in other EU countries.
\nIn the Bulgarian birth certificate the name is transliterated into the Cyrillic alphabet from the foreign record. Letters that do not exist in Bulgarian are rendered differently, and the Latin spelling in the passport is generated from the Cyrillic entry. So the spelling chosen in the translation will follow the child in every later document. Choose one consistent spelling, matching the way the parents’ names appear in Bulgarian records. Changing a name after the certificate is issued is slow, so decide at the start. If a parent’s name differs between the foreign and Bulgarian records, a name equivalence certificate may be needed.
\n| Situation | \nCorrect route | \n
|---|---|
| Mother is Bulgarian by birth and never lost citizenship. Baby born abroad. | \nBirth registration. The child is a citizen by descent. | \n
| Father became a citizen two years ago. Child was born five years ago. | \nNot a birth registration. A citizenship application, because the father was not a citizen at the birth. | \n
| Parents unmarried; the father is Bulgarian and has acknowledged the child. | \nBirth registration with documents showing the acknowledgement of paternity. | \n
| Mother is Bulgarian, father is a foreign national; the family lives abroad. | \nBirth registration through the mother. The child holds both citizenships. | \n
| Two siblings: one born before, one after the parent became a citizen. | \nBirth registration for the second child; separate assessment for the first. | \n
Your case may not match any of these exactly. That is normal; we map the route from your documents.
\nPeople often confuse the two. Birth registration records a citizenship that already exists: Bulgaria does not “grant” it to the child, it enters the fact that the child is a citizen. A citizenship application is for someone who is not yet a citizen and asks to be admitted; it involves an assessment and takes much longer. This is why birth registration is faster and requires no language test, income or residence condition.
\nBirth registration looks simple, but the documents must be prepared in the right order, names translated consistently and the correct municipality chosen. In our birth and marriage registration service we handle everything on your behalf, from the documents in your home country to registration in Bulgaria and the passport. You can send your documents for a free document review or book an online appointment.
\nNo. If the child’s mother or father was a Bulgarian citizen when the child was born, the child is a citizen by birth. Only the birth needs to be reported to Bulgaria.
\nWith complete documents, the preparation abroad, the registration in Bulgaria and the issue of the EGN usually take 2-3 months in total. The passport can then be issued.
\nThe registration can be carried out for you with a power of attorney. For the passport the child must apply in person, which can also be done at a Bulgarian consulate abroad.
\nYes, if your parent was a Bulgarian citizen when you were born, there is no age limit. If the parent obtained citizenship later, the adult child applies separately on the basis of Bulgarian origin.
\nYes. Documents showing the acknowledgement of paternity then become important. We confirm which documents are needed in a preliminary consultation.
\n\n\nOn average, the whole process takes between 1.5 and 3 years, from the first submission of documents to the Bulgarian authorities until the citizenship decision becomes final. This period can vary depending on the scope of the application, the workload of the authorities reviewing it and any requests for additional documents.
\n
Below, each status you may see when checking your file is explained in turn: what it means, how long it usually lasts and which status follows.
\n[Irregular / Additional] This status appears if documents are missing or if there is a problem with the documents you submitted. The [.....] part explains exactly what is wrong, and you are given 2 or 3 months to submit the requested documents to the Ministry of Justice together with a request for additional documents. The status can appear in the first few weeks after the interview or during later checks, before the file moves to [Final]. Shortly after you submit the requested documents, you return to your previous status. If you do not remedy the irregularities within the deadline, your application may be terminated by order of the minister or refused by the Citizenship Council.
[Submitted] This status appears when you apply for citizenship through a consular office of the Republic of Bulgaria abroad. The consulate sends your documents by diplomatic mail to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice, where your file is opened and the citizenship procedure officially begins. This status usually lasts a few weeks; once your documents reach the Ministry of Justice and your file is opened, you move to [Opened].
[Opened] This status shows that the file for your citizenship application has been opened successfully. If you applied at the Ministry of Justice in Sofia, it appears on the day of your interview. If you applied through a Bulgarian consulate abroad, it appears once your documents reach the Ministry of Justice in Sofia and your file is opened. It usually lasts from a few days to a week, after which you move to [Mandatory].
[Mandatory] At this stage your citizenship application and documents are reviewed by various Bulgarian institutions (the Ministry of the Interior, the State Agency for National Security and others). Once these checks are complete, specialist officers forward your application to the Citizenship Council for a final decision.
\n[Final] Your citizenship application has passed the mandatory background checks and is now under final review by the specialist officers of the Bulgarian Citizenship Directorate for any shortcomings.
\nIf there is a problem or a missing document in your application, you may move to [Irregular].
If your documents are in order, your application is forwarded to the Citizenship Council for a final decision. Applications that pass the final expert review usually move to [Positive].
In some cases the Citizenship Council may open an additional review to check the authenticity of your documents; you then move to [Additional, with comma].
[Additional, with comma] Because of the rise in fraud involving forged documents (old documents, civil registry extracts, criminal record certificates and so on), the Citizenship Council has decided to check the authenticity of your documents further. This usually takes a few months, during which the authenticity of the documents is verified in cooperation between the issuing country and the Bulgarian consulate.
\n[Positive] Your citizenship application has been approved by the Citizenship Council and is awaiting official approval by the Vice President of Bulgaria. If your documents are in order, your next and final status will be [Execution], which differs depending on where you applied. The exception is when the Vice President decides to review the application again, in which case you move to a temporary status.
If you applied at the Ministry of Justice in Sofia: [Execution] Congratulations! This means your application has been officially approved by the Vice President and you are a Bulgarian citizen. You need to book an appointment at the Ministry of Justice to collect your citizenship certificate; you will be asked to enter the required details and upload a scanned copy of your passport. When collecting the documents, you must present your ID, proof of payment of the citizenship fees and 2 recent photographs. More information is available on the Ministry’s website.
\nIf you applied through a Bulgarian consulate: Your application has been sent to the consular service XXXXX-XXXXX. When collecting the documents, you will need to give your registered address in Bulgaria and provide 2 recent passport photographs.\n[Execution] Congratulations! Your application has been officially approved by the Vice President, and the citizenship certificate has been sent to the relevant embassy or consulate. Contact the embassy or consulate to find out whether the certificate has arrived and what you need to do.
\n[Refusal] Your application has been refused by the Citizenship Council. The [.....] part states the reason. Applications are usually refused when there is insufficient proof of Bulgarian origin or when a background check returns a negative report. Once the decision is made, it is not possible to send additional documents or have the application reviewed again. If you believe you were refused unfairly, the only solution is to start again and reapply through the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or a Bulgarian consulate abroad.
[Vice President] This status appears after your application has been reviewed positively by the Citizenship Council and the Vice President of Bulgaria is carrying out an additional review. The Vice President has the power to refuse if they disagree with the Council’s opinion. Applications without sufficient proof of Bulgarian origin are usually reviewed at this stage.
\n[Refusal] Your application has been refused by the Vice President of Bulgaria. The [.....] part states the reason.
[Terminated] Your application has been terminated by the Minister of Justice, most likely because irregularities were not remedied.
\nThere is no information about the application number you are checking; the application has been completed.
\nThe application was accepted and you hold the citizenship certificate; the application is complete.
\nYou are entering an incorrect application number or PIN.
\nYou are entering an incorrect file number. If you applied directly in Sofia, use the field above and enter your application number and PIN.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-25.C7flLxqh_Zy4bJS.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-15T00:20:43.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-22T10:41:24.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General","bulgarian citizenship","bulgarian citizenship stages","bulgarian citizenship file check"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/fees-and-payment-procedures-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/fees-and-payment-procedures-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Bulgarian Citizenship Fees: Cost Items and Payment Procedure","summary":"What do Bulgarian citizenship fees consist of? State fees, translation, apostille and consulting items explained. Get a free preliminary assessment.","content_html":"The cost of Bulgarian citizenship has three main parts: state fees paid to the Bulgarian authorities, document costs (civil registry extracts, apostille, sworn Bulgarian translation) and optional consulting. Bulgaria adopted the euro in 2026, so official fees are now set in euros. Amounts differ by route and file, so we do not give a fixed figure.
\n“How much does citizenship cost?” is a common question and the honest answer is “it depends on the items”. This article explains what you pay, when and to whom. Current official amounts should be checked in the official announcements valid on the day you apply. In our free preliminary assessment we also prepare a cost plan for your file.
\nThere are several reasons. First, the route changes the fees and the number of documents. Second, Bulgaria has used the euro since 1 January 2026, so old lev amounts are no longer a valid reference. Third, fees are updated from time to time. Do not trust old amounts you see online. Budgeting on an unofficial figure leads to surprises later.
\nState fees are charged directly by the Bulgarian authorities. The main items are:
\nThe amount and the account to pay into are given in the institution’s instructions. Pay only through the official channel it shows.
\nFor many applicants this is the largest group of costs, because the number of documents and the volume of translation vary from file to file:
\n| Item | \nExplanation | \n
|---|---|
| Civil registry extract, birth and marriage certificates | \nObtained from the civil registry in your country; ask the authority about its fee | \n
| Apostille | \nCertification for international validity, issued by the competent authority in your country | \n
| Sworn Bulgarian translation | \nCharged per page for each document | \n
| Criminal record certificate | \nMust be recent and carry an apostille | \n
| Certificate of Bulgarian origin | \nNeeded on the origin route; the fee is set by the authority | \n
| Postage and courier | \nSending documents to Bulgaria or the consulate | \n
If documents expire, you may have to obtain them again, which means extra cost. Prepare documents close to the date of filing. For the apostille and extracts see our guide, and for translation our translation service.
\nYou can file the application yourself. If you use consulting, you pay a service fee for document review, preparation, translation coordination, filing and follow-up. It depends on the scope of the service and the complexity of the file. Some files need only a document check; others need extra work such as correcting records.
\nFree preliminary assessment: Send us your documents through the free document review. We clarify in advance which route you can use, which documents are missing and what the cost items are. You know the service fee in writing before work starts.
\nPayments are spread through the process rather than made at once:
\nBecause the process can last 1.5 to 3 years, spread your payments across that time and remember that expired documents may need renewal.
\nIf several family members apply, each person’s file and fees are separate. Shared documents, such as ancestors’ records, can be the same. Preparing them correctly once saves time and money. For children the method differs; see birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nBulgaria does not charge a separate fee for holding dual citizenship. When you become a Bulgarian citizen you keep your Turkish citizenship; what you pay is made up of the citizenship application items described above (state fees, documents, translation and apostille, and the consultancy fee). After the citizenship decision, Turkey must be notified through the civil registry office; we explain the steps in our guide on notifying Turkey of Bulgarian citizenship. Check the current conditions with the registry office when you file.
\nThere is no separate Bulgarian fee for dual citizenship. The cost consists of the state fees, documents and consultancy for the citizenship application. We can work out the total for your file in a free preliminary assessment.
\nThe total depends on the route, the number of documents and the scope of consulting. Official fees are set in euros. We can clarify the items for your file in the free preliminary assessment.
\nNo. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Do not calculate with old lev amounts.
\nNo. The state fee goes to the Bulgarian authorities. The consulting fee is for the service you receive and is optional.
\nNo. Fees are paid at the relevant stage on the institution’s instruction. Document costs arise during preparation.
\nNo, the document review is free. Send your documents and we tell you which route and cost items apply.
\nTo clarify the route and the cost items, see our citizenship services. Send your documents through the free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-13.CDLT6UZM_Z1BscAp.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-14T22:09:24.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship fees","citizenship costs","apostille and translation costs","citizenship consulting"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/key-points-for-a-bulgarian-citizenship-application/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/key-points-for-a-bulgarian-citizenship-application/","title":"The Most Important Points to Watch in a Bulgarian Citizenship Application","summary":"What to do before applying for Bulgarian citizenship, how to prepare your documents, the most common mistakes and smart strategies to speed up your file.","content_html":"Applying for Bulgarian citizenship offers great advantages to many people. A successful application, however, depends on proper preparation, attention to every detail and a complete set of the documents the process requires. In this article we share, step by step, the most up-to-date and practical information for 2025 on the key points of a Bulgarian citizenship application, valuable strategies to speed up the process and the mistakes to avoid. Knowing the critical details of each stage lets you complete your application safely and quickly.
\nBefore starting the process, make sure you meet the conditions for citizenship and research all the legal requirements. A Bulgarian citizenship application creates serious legal obligations. To avoid wasting time and energy, it is very important to prepare as follows:
\nPreparing documents is the part of the citizenship procedures that applicants for Bulgarian citizenship find hardest. The smallest error in official papers can delay the application or lead to its outright refusal. Here are some tips for preparing complete and correct documents:
\nMany applicants are refused because of mistakes that seem minor. With a few precautions you can easily avoid them. Here are the most common mistakes and how to solve them:
\nExpert advice: before submitting your documents, have them checked one last time by an experienced consultancy firm. Sometimes even a small detail can be the key to success.
\nFrom 2024 onwards, speeding up a Bulgarian citizenship application depends entirely on good planning and up-to-date knowledge of current practice. Applications pile up at certain times of the year, but some strategies can help your file move forward.
\nThese methods help your application reach a result faster and with the least risk.
\nMany applicants think that getting help from an experienced consultant for a Bulgarian citizenship application will be expensive. In reality, professional support can save time, money and effort, and it greatly increases the chances of your file being assessed quickly and without errors.
\nTo avoid losing time in legal procedures and to improve your chances, working with a professional who removes possible risks from the start is a sensible choice.
\nThe outcome often depends less on the law itself than on how the file is prepared. Apply these six rules:
\nMany rejections and delays come from small differences between documents:
\nHaving an expert review your file before you apply lets you spot these issues early. Send us your documents for a free document review.
\nActing with awareness of the key points of a Bulgarian citizenship application, preparing your documents meticulously and using expert support will significantly increase your chances, your speed and your final success rate. With the regulations updated in 2025, a professional approach is the key to saving time and avoiding risks. In this guide we have included the important tips for resolving any obstacle that may arise and planning every step carefully. If anything is still unclear or confusing, do not hesitate to contact us.
\nFor more detailed information, current document lists and personal support with your application, visit our BulgaristanVatandas.com contact page or speak to our experts on +90 (288) 606 09 69.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-23.852WyM6n_Z17xh0p.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T19:44:35.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/required-documents-and-application-process-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/required-documents-and-application-process-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Required Documents for Bulgarian Citizenship and What to Watch During the Application","summary":"The documents required for a Bulgarian citizenship application, the critical points of the process, the most common mistakes and how to speed up your file.","content_html":"Anyone who wants to apply for Bulgarian citizenship must first prepare the required documents correctly and completely. To complete the process without problems, you need to know which documents will be requested and keep the critical points of the application in mind. In this article we give detailed information about the documents needed for Bulgarian citizenship procedures and what to watch during the application.
\nTo succeed with a Bulgarian citizenship application, the documents requested by the authorities must be submitted completely and correctly. The following are some of the documents that are usually required:
\nPreparing complete and correct documents is the first step towards a positive evaluation. Having notarised translations of all documents into Bulgarian ready in advance also speeds up the application.
\nThere are some critical points to keep in mind during the application. They help prevent a refusal and speed up the process:
\nThese steps prevent possible delays and allow your citizenship application to progress smoothly.
\nMistakes that frequently occur during the application can lead to citizenship requests being refused. To avoid them, keep the following warnings in mind:
\nThe solution is to get support before applying from specialists or from consultants experienced in Bulgarian citizenship procedures.
\nEffective strategies can shorten the duration of the application. These are the methods to consider for a fast and positive result:
\nBy applying these steps you can save time and minimise the risk of refusal.
\nHowever complete your documents are, the file is returned if they are not certified in a form the Bulgarian authorities accept. Follow this order while preparing:
\nYou can apply for Bulgarian citizenship through Bulgarian origin (by descent), a Bulgarian parent, marriage or long-term legal residence, and each route has its own document list. In applications by descent, documents proving Bulgarian origin (a parent’s or grandparent’s Bulgarian birth certificate, an emigration record and similar) are the core of the file. Marriage and residence routes add conditions such as length of residence, income and language skills. Clarifying the right route at the start avoids unnecessary document costs and lost time.
\nWhen applying for Bulgarian citizenship, preparing complete and correct documents in line with the official procedures is the most critical stage. Avoiding mistakes, following up promptly and getting professional support increase your chances of success. Using reliable consultancy services specialised in Bulgarian citizenship procedures also makes the whole process much easier and faster.
\nFor more information and support, please visit our contact page or call us on +90 (288) 606 09 69.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-16.CLbu6OdS_Z2e4Ynq.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T19:18:11.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/evaluation-process-and-timelines-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/evaluation-process-and-timelines-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"How Long Does Bulgarian Citizenship Take? Evaluation Process and Timelines","summary":"How long does Bulgarian citizenship take? In practice 1.5 to 3 years. See the stages, the time each takes and how to avoid delays in your application.","content_html":"Bulgarian citizenship takes on average 1.5 to 3 years in practice, counted from the first submission of documents to the Bulgarian authorities until the decision becomes final. The time depends on the scope of the application, how busy the institutions are and any requests for extra documents. Missing or wrong documents delay a file the most; checking them before you apply shortens the wait.
\nGiving one number for “how long?” can mislead, but a realistic range is possible. This article walks through the stages, roughly how long each takes and how to get through the wait with less stress. If you do not yet know how to file, first read how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIn practice the total is 1.5 to 3 years. This is not the processing time of a single institution but the journey of the file from start to finish. Some are quicker; others reach 3 years because of additional checks. The stage times below are approximate, and some overlap.
\n| Stage | \nWhat happens | \nApproximate time | \n
|---|---|---|
| 1. Registration and file creation | \nThe application is received and a file number is given | \nvaries by file | \n
| 2. Mandatory checks | \nInterior and security-related institutions examine the file | \nvaries by file | \n
| 3. Expert review and extra documents | \nGaps and record mismatches are checked | \nvaries by file | \n
| 4. Decision | \nCitizenship Council and higher-level approval | \nvaries by file | \n
| 5. Delivery of the certificate | \nCollected in Sofia or at the consulate | \nvaries by file | \n
The sum of these stages corresponds to the 1.5-3 year range. There are waiting periods between stages; a file staying in the same status for months is normal. For the meaning of each status on screen, see the stages of the Bulgarian citizenship file.
\nRegistration and file creation. If you applied in Sofia, the file is usually opened on the day. Through a consulate, your documents first travel to Sofia, so the file number may appear later.
\nMandatory checks. This is the longest stage. Identity and file data are verified by the relevant institutions in Bulgaria. There is nothing you can do except keep your contact details up to date.
\nExpert review. If documents are missing or inconsistent, the file moves to an “irregularity” status and you are given time to supply more documents. Sending them in time matters.
\nDecision. The Citizenship Council reviews the file. A positive opinion goes to the higher authority for approval, and approved files move to the implementation stage.
\nDelivery. If you applied in Sofia, you book an appointment and collect the certificate from the Ministry of Justice. If you applied through a consulate, the certificate is sent to the consulate.
\nSome factors are outside your control, but these are not:
\nFiling in Sofia or through a consulate changes only the starting step. With a consulate, documents first reach Sofia by diplomatic mail, so there may be a few weeks of difference at the start. The main time is spent in institutional review and is similar either way. On the origin route, the strength of the documents proving origin affects how long review takes. We explain the origin certificate in certificate of Bulgarian origin.
\nTreat 1.5 years as the lower limit and 3 years as the upper limit when planning. Do not tie travel, moving, job or school plans to an exact citizenship date. If you have the right to apply, starting early brings the finish line closer, so it is usually best to file as soon as your documents are ready.
\nIf a whole family applies, each person’s file can move at its own pace, so a time gap between family members’ decisions is normal. Shorter times you may have heard about earlier, such as “8 to 18 months”, do not reflect today’s practice; being patient and realistic helps you and your family.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nIn practice 1.5 to 3 years, that is 18 to 36 months. The exact time depends on your file and the workload of the institutions.
\nThe file is examined by several institutions. Identity, records and security checks run one after the other, which takes time.
\nUsually yes. A file can stay in one status for a long time during review. If no request for documents or irregularity has been announced, waiting is enough.
\nYou cannot speed up the institutions’ review. You can avoid unnecessary delay by submitting complete documents and answering requests at once.
\nUse the file number and PIN from your application to check it online.
\nTo avoid lengthening the wait, get support from our citizenship services. Check your documents through the free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-13.CDLT6UZM_Z1BscAp.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T19:02:16.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","how long does Bulgarian citizenship take","Bulgarian citizenship timeline","citizenship application process","citizenship file check"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/rights-and-obligations-after-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/rights-and-obligations-after-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Rights and Obligations After Applying for Bulgarian Citizenship","summary":"A guide to the rights and obligations that come with Bulgarian citizenship: residence and work, taxes, voting rights, passport and travel, social security and health.","content_html":"Knowing the rights and obligations that arise after applying for Bulgarian citizenship is critical for completing the process soundly and making full use of your rights as a citizen. In this guide we explain your personal and legal rights and the obligations you must fulfil, clearly and in detail.
\nOnce your application is approved, you gain a number of basic rights as a Bulgarian citizen, including the opportunities of being a citizen of an EU member state. First of all, you gain the full right to live and work in Bulgaria and to take an active part in the country’s political, social and economic life.
\nBulgarian citizenship brings the following rights:
\nAs important as your rights are your legal obligations, which must be known and met correctly. Citizens residing in Bulgaria are considered taxpayers in Bulgaria depending on their location and income, and financial obligations such as income tax and property tax must be followed carefully.
\nWhen meeting your obligations, keep the following in mind:
\nHolding Bulgarian citizenship gives you a direct say in democratic processes. Citizens have the right to vote in local, national and European Parliament elections, and can take an active part in political life through the right to stand for election.
\nKey points about your political rights:
\nBulgarian citizenship lets you obtain a Bulgarian passport and therefore travel more easily. The Bulgarian passport offers visa-free travel within the European Union and makes entry into many countries easier.
\nWith these rights you can benefit from:
\nAfter acquiring Bulgarian citizenship, you gain the right to register with the social security system and use healthcare services. Working and retired citizens are covered by Bulgaria’s public health insurance, which makes access to comprehensive healthcare easier.
\nOther important social security rights and obligations:
\nUnderstanding your rights and obligations after applying for Bulgarian citizenship lets you follow the process smoothly. While the full rights to residence, work, healthcare and political participation offer important advantages, you must also meet your tax and social security obligations in full. This guide gives you the basics to manage the process knowingly and make full use of every advantage.
\nFor more information and professional support, visit BulgaristanVatandas.com and complete your application smoothly.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-12.CoF0A3Vd_ANY9z.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T18:57:25.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:11:54.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-fill-in-the-bulgarian-citizenship-application-form/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-fill-in-the-bulgarian-citizenship-application-form/","title":"How to Fill In the Bulgarian Citizenship Application Form: Tips","summary":"Filling in the Bulgarian citizenship application form correctly and completely is critical. Tips on personal details, contact information, documents and common mistakes.","content_html":"One of the most critical steps in a Bulgarian citizenship application is filling in the application form correctly and completely, as every piece of information on it matters in the assessment. In this article you will find the details to watch when filling in the form and practical tips for a successful application.
\nBasic personal details such as your first name, surname, date and place of birth must be written completely and exactly as they appear in official documents. Inconsistencies can lead to rejection, so the form must match your official identity documents exactly.
\nThe address and contact details on your form are critical for smooth communication while your application is followed up. Incorrect or missing details can prolong the process, and notifications from the Bulgarian authorities must reach the right place.
\nBesides the form, the supporting documents requested (birth certificate, residence certificate, criminal record certificate, etc.) increase the chances of acceptance. Along with the originals or notarised copies, the Bulgarian translations must also be correct.
\nEven small mistakes on the form can cause major delays or rejection. Wrong dates, missing or incorrect documents and inconsistent contact details are common problems. If your application is declared invalid, you will have to reapply and start the process again.
\nBulgarian citizenship applications can be made digitally or on paper at the consulates, and each method has its own key points. For digital applications, watch file formats and size limits; for paper applications, make sure the physical copies are accurate.
\nHaving the following ready before you sit down with the form reduces both the risk of errors and the time it takes:
\nFor the full list of documents, see our guide to documents required for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nTaking care when filling in the form and following our tips gives you a real advantage for a faster, more successful Bulgarian citizenship application. For more information, contact us on +90 288 606 09 69.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-11.sReWFgB2_28feH6.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T18:54:18.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/legal-requirements-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/legal-requirements-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Legal Requirements and Current Legislation for Bulgarian Citizenship","summary":"The documents and legal requirements for a Bulgarian citizenship application: identity and birth documents, residence and professional records, and what to watch out for.","content_html":"The process of obtaining citizenship in Bulgaria is detailed and requires care. In this article we look at the key documents to watch out for when applying for Bulgarian citizenship. Applying with the right documents is critical for speeding up the procedure and getting a positive result.
\nThere are basic documents you must submit to the authorities to obtain Bulgarian citizenship. Although they may vary depending on the type of application, the following are generally required:
\nRemember that, besides the originals, apostilles or notarisations may also be requested.
\nIn citizenship applications, identity and birth documents allow the Bulgarian authorities to verify the applicant’s identity. They must be prepared completely and officially:
\nIn some cases, documents proving the applicant’s family ties may also be requested.
\nWhen applying for citizenship in Bulgaria, you need to document your professional and residence status to show your ties with the country. This plays an important role in a positive assessment.
\nAs some applications are assessed on the basis of the length of residence and work history, these documents must be up to date and official.
\nTo make your application successful, additional documents may be requested and there are details to watch out for:
\nMissing or incorrect documents can prolong the process or lead to rejection, so the documents must be checked meticulously.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/crypto-7.DuC-L7xv_Z1hUjQo.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-13T18:38:45.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T01:33:59.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["General"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/romanian-citizenship-file-status-check-launched/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/romanian-citizenship-file-status-check-launched/","title":"Romanian Citizenship File Status Check Is Now Live!","summary":"Track the status of your Romanian citizenship file online with the application article, file number and application year: free and open to every applicant.","content_html":"Applying for Romanian citizenship is, for many people, an exciting but long process that requires patience. Because of the volume of applications and the limited ways in which the authorities share information, applicants often struggled to follow the status of their file regularly.
\nTo solve this problem, the Romanian Citizenship File Status Check System developed by the BulgaristanVatandas.com team is now at your service!
With the new system, anyone who has applied for Romanian citizenship can find out the status of their file in just a few seconds.
\nWhat is more, the service is completely free and open to everyone.
👉 Click here to go to the Romanian citizenship status check
\nThe new system digitally analyses the file data published by the official authorities in Romania and makes the status of applicants’ files easy to access.
\nTo run a check, users only need to enter three pieces of information:
Once this information is entered correctly, the system scans the official records in the background and shows the current status of your application instantly.
\nThe results screen clearly shows the stage your citizenship file has reached, such as review, approval, document completion or decision.
This system was designed not only for BulgaristanVatandas.com clients but for everyone who has applied for Romanian citizenship.
\nWhichever intermediary or company you applied through, the system is open to all.
Our aim is to let applicants follow their files easily and to make the process more transparent, accessible and modern.
\nThe system runs on a fully secure infrastructure (HTTPS).
\nThe data you enter is used only for the check and is never shared with third parties.
The system is also optimised for desktop and mobile devices, so you can find out the status of your application in seconds from your computer or your phone.
\nMany people who apply for Romanian citizenship have to track their files manually, following the process through time-consuming methods such as PDF lists, official announcements or waiting for emails.
\nAs the BulgaristanVatandas.com team, we developed this system to remove these difficulties and offer every applicant the convenience of digital tracking.
\nOur goal is to simplify the process and offer applicants an instant, reliable and free status check.
Checking the status of your Romanian citizenship file takes just a few steps:
\nIt is that easy!
\nThe Romanian citizenship application process can now be followed much more easily and quickly.
\nWith our new status check system, you can find out the status of your file in seconds without going through complicated lists.
At BulgaristanVatandas.com, we continue to develop digital solutions for both Bulgarian and Romanian citizenship applications.
\nSpeeding up access to information and helping applicants follow the process more transparently is our priority.
👉 Check your Romanian citizenship file now
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Romanian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/Ekran-Resmi-2025-10-06-00.50.21.BMEBaxiL_1bfLhC.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-05T22:55:49.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-22T10:41:49.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Romanian Citizenship","romanian citizenship","Romanian citizenship application","Romanian citizenship status check","Romanian citizenship file check"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-file-status-check-launched/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-file-status-check-launched/","title":"Bulgarian Citizenship File Status Check Is Now Live!","summary":"Check the status of your Bulgarian citizenship file online with your file number and PIN code: a free, secure service open to every applicant.","content_html":"The Bulgarian citizenship application process can be long, complex and at times hard to follow. One of the problems applicants face most often is the need to check the status of their file regularly. Until now, most people had to keep checking the PDF lists published by the relevant authorities, which led to lost time and confusion.
\nAt BulgaristanVatandas.com, our Citizenship File Status Check System, developed to make life easier for applicants, is now live!
\nWith the new system, applicants can find out the current status of their application within seconds simply by entering their file number and PIN code.
\n👉 Click here to check your file
\nThe new system scans the data published by the official authorities in Bulgaria and analyses applicants’ file status instantly.\nThe user enters just two pieces of information:
\nThe system then securely matches the relevant data and shows the user which stage the application has reached.
\nStatuses such as under review, approved or additional documents requested are easy to see on the results screen.
\nThis service is offered free of charge to everyone, not just to BulgaristanVatandas.com clients.\nWhichever company you applied through, you can log in with your file number and PIN code and easily check your status.
\nOur aim is to increase transparency in the citizenship process and allow every applicant to follow their own status quickly.
\nThe status check system runs entirely over a secure connection (HTTPS).\nYour personal information is not shared with third parties and is used only for the check.
\nThanks to its user-friendly design, the system works smoothly on both computers and mobile devices, so wherever you are, you can find out the current status of your file in a few clicks.
\nAt BulgaristanVatandas.com we have advised hundreds of applicants on citizenship, residence permits and other migration procedures for years.\nOne of the questions we were asked most often was “What stage is my file at?” or “Is my citizenship application progressing?”
\nTaking these frequent requests into account, we developed a system that everyone can easily access.\nOur aim is to offer both our own clients and all other applicants a more transparent, accessible and digital way to follow their file.
\nIt is that simple!
\nThe Bulgarian citizenship application process is now much easier to follow.\nWith our new system, you no longer need to spend time on long searches: a few clicks are all it takes to find out the status of your file.
\nAt BulgaristanVatandas.com, we continue to work to speed up our clients’ procedures, make information easier to access and make the process more transparent.
\n\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/Ekran-Resmi-2025-10-06-00.50.21.BMEBaxiL_1bfLhC.jpeg","date_published":"2025-10-05T22:52:13.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-22T10:38:34.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Bulgarian Ministry of Justice in Sofia","Bulgarian citizenship status check","Bulgarian citizenship file check"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-interview-questions/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-interview-questions/","title":"Questions Asked at the Bulgarian Citizenship Interview","summary":"What questions are asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview? If you are planning to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, we recommend reading this guide.","content_html":"What questions are asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview? If you are thinking of obtaining Bulgarian citizenship, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. Bulgaria offers one of the simplest citizenship processes in the European Union, and many people dream of obtaining Bulgarian citizenship today. With its low tax rates, Bulgaria is also an ideal place to start a business. Still, obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is not that easy. Below we have covered the “questions asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview”.
\nWho can obtain Bulgarian citizenship? People who wish to obtain Bulgarian citizenship must meet the following criteria to the letter:
\nWhen obtaining citizenship in Bulgaria, you will need to provide the right documents to support your application, known as naturalisation documents. If you are applying for naturalisation, you will need to prove that the citizenship of the person born in Bulgaria continues, with their birth documents and citizenship certificate.
\nAfter booking an appointment with the Ministry of Justice in Sofia, you must present your original documents to the Bulgarian Citizenship Directorate. You will need these documents to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, and you can book the appointment online on the website of the Ministry of Justice in Sofia. Once you have all the required documents, you can submit your application.
\nA criminal record certificate is issued to confirm whether you have a criminal record, and you must obtain it for citizenship. Once the formalities are complete, you can start the application process. The Bulgarian citizenship procedure can take between 18 and 36 months.
\nTo obtain Bulgarian citizenship, you need to go to the Ministry of Justice in Sofia. If you hold a residence card, no appointment is needed, and you can visit the Citizenship Directorate of the Ministry of Justice in Sofia as you wish. The Directorate is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00.
\nAt Bulgaristanvatandas, we combine the most reliable information and consultancy on Bulgarian citizenship and the application process. Use our website to get all the information you need for your citizenship and residence applications, receive professional support at every step of your application, and make sure the process runs smoothly and successfully.
\nWhat questions are asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview? The questions usually concern the country itself. We have compiled the most frequently asked ones below.
\n| What is your nationality? | Turkish |
| Which countries border Bulgaria? | Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania |
| What is Bulgaria's system of government? | A parliamentary republic. |
| When did Bulgaria join the EU? | 1 January 2007 |
| What is Bulgaria famous for? | Rose oil, its nature, the martenitsa, folk dances and songs, tourism |
| What do you know about Bulgarian history? | The first Bulgarian state was founded by Khan Asparuh in 681; the April Uprising took place in 1876 and Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1878. |
| What are Bulgaria's national holidays? | 3 March Liberation Day, 1 May Labour Day, 6 May Army Day, 24 May Day of the Cyrillic Alphabet, 6 September Unification Day, 22 September Independence Day |
| Who are Bulgaria's national heroes? | 1. Vasil Levski 2. Hristo Botev 3. Stefan Karadzha 4. Hadzhi Dimitar |
| Who are Bulgaria's famous writers? | 1. Ivan Vazov 2. Elin Pelin 3. Yordan Yovkov |
There are many more questions similar to those above. Most of them concern Bulgaria and its characteristics, so with a little research you can pass the citizenship interview successfully.
\nRemember that your every move and answer is observed during the interview; we recommend answering with confidence and without nervousness.
\nThe purpose of the interview is to confirm your identity, your Bulgarian origin and your ties with Bulgaria. Prepare along these lines:
\nAfter the interview, see the status explanations in our Bulgarian citizenship application stages article to find out where your file stands.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/sofya-adalet-bakanligi.oRRvhrqv_31kWB.jpeg","date_published":"2024-06-20T14:52:44.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Questions asked at the Bulgarian citizenship interview","Bulgarian citizenship interview questions","Bulgarian interview questions","interview questions for Bulgarian citizenship"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgaria-joins-schengen-new-era-of-travel/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgaria-joins-schengen-new-era-of-travel/","title":"Bulgaria in Schengen: A New Era of Travel","summary":"Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen area: air and sea borders on 31 March 2024, land borders on 1 January 2025. What has changed for Bulgarian citizens?","content_html":"Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen area, with its air and sea borders on 31 March 2024 and its land borders on 1 January 2025. In this article we explain what Schengen membership means for Bulgaria and the advantages it brings to Bulgarian citizens.
\nThe Schengen area is a zone of free movement that removes internal border checks between member countries and applies common security standards at the external borders. Bulgaria, a member of the European Union since 2007, spent many years meeting demanding security standards to join Schengen. Accession was completed in two stages: first air and sea borders (31 March 2024), then land borders (1 January 2025).
\nBulgarian citizens can now travel between Schengen countries without internal border checks. For travel within the EU and Schengen, a Bulgarian identity card is sufficient as a travel document; for travel to non-EU countries, a passport is required. Since random checks can take place between Schengen countries, you must carry your identity document with you.
\nSchengen membership also brought important changes for Turkish citizens without a Bulgarian passport:
\nBulgarian citizens can travel, live and work in Schengen and the EU without time limits. When entering Bulgaria from Türkiye, the Bulgarian ID card or passport is shown; the Turkish passport is used when returning to Türkiye. With dual citizenship we recommend carrying both passports. You can find which countries Bulgarian passport holders can visit visa-free in our article which countries can Bulgarian citizens travel to?
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian tourist visa page.
\nBulgaria fully joined the Schengen area at its air and sea borders on 31 March 2024 and at its land borders on 1 January 2025.
\nNo. To enter Bulgaria with a Turkish passport you need a Schengen visa, a residence card of Bulgaria or another Schengen country, or Bulgarian citizenship.
\nYes. With a valid Schengen visa you can also enter Bulgaria, as long as you respect the 90/180 rule. However, the visa must have been issued by the country that is the main destination of your trip.
\nYes. Between EU and Schengen countries a Bulgarian ID card is sufficient as a travel document. A passport is needed for countries outside the EU.
\nSchengen membership has made Bulgarian citizenship even more valuable. To find out whether you are entitled to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, request a free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/flag-2210966.Bh6YJX6M_1a6lug.jpeg","date_published":"2024-01-03T14:08:36.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-23T00:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Visas","Bulgaria Schengen","Schengen visa","Bulgarian visa","90/180 rule","Kapıkule"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-passport-for-a-child/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-passport-for-a-child/","title":"Getting a Bulgarian Passport for a Child","summary":"To get a Bulgarian passport for a child you first need birth registration and an EGN. See the steps, documents and common mistakes, then have your file checked.","content_html":"To get a Bulgarian passport for a child, the child’s Bulgarian citizenship must first be entered in the records. If one parent is a Bulgarian citizen, the child is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. The birth is registered at the municipality and the child receives an EGN. After that, the ID and passport application is made through the consulate or the competent unit in Bulgaria.
\nThe child of a Bulgarian citizen is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. A passport, however, is not issued to a person who is not in the records. So the order is: first the birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil register, then the EGN, and last the passport.
\nBefore you apply for the passport, make sure the registration is complete. Most delays come from incomplete registration, not from the passport stage. We explained the general framework in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\nFor the whole passport process, see also how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\nClarify first whether the child is a Bulgarian citizen, because the passport follows from that.
\nFor children born in Bulgaria to non-Bulgarian parents the rules differ; see does a child born in Bulgaria get citizenship.
\nBulgarian citizens receive two main documents: the identity card (Bulgarian лична карта) and the passport. The ID card serves as an identity document in Bulgaria and for travel within the EU. The passport is needed for travel outside the EU. Families often want both. You can decide which one to get first for the child according to your travel plans. Both documents rely on the EGN and the registered birth data.
\nIn general, the following are needed. The consulate or competent unit gives the current list at the application.
\n| Document | \nNote | \n
|---|---|
| Foreign birth certificate | \nApostilled and officially translated into Bulgarian | \n
| The Bulgarian parent’s documents | \nID card or passport | \n
| Parents’ marriage certificate | \nIf needed, the marriage must be in the Bulgarian record | \n
| The child’s photo | \nBiometric, recent | \n
| Application form | \nSigned by the parent | \n
| Parental consent | \nNotarised if only one parent applies | \n
We do not state the passport fee or the processing time here; check the official page of the institution you will apply to. The validity of a child’s passport may depend on age.
\nOne Bulgarian parent is enough for the child’s citizenship. For the passport application, however, the other parent’s consent matters. For divorced parents too, the other parent’s consent is generally requested when applying on the child’s behalf. If a custody decision exists, add it to the file. If your marriage or divorce needs to be entered in the Bulgarian records, see registering a foreign marriage in Bulgaria.
\nThe foreign parent of a child who holds Bulgarian citizenship can apply for residence in Bulgaria through the child. The child’s Bulgarian citizenship must be on record, and steps such as the D visa follow. See family reunification for children and Bulgaria family reunification visa and documents. Our service page: family reunification.
\nThe total time depends on three stages: birth registration, EGN and the passport application. In practice birth registration takes 2-3 months. The passport time depends on the institution you apply to. So do not plan the child’s international travel before registration is finished. If you have an urgent trip, tell your adviser early.
\nWe follow all the child’s steps from birth registration to EGN and passport. Our service page: birth and marriage registration. Have your documents reviewed for free or book an online appointment.
\nThere is no age limit for the child to be a citizen by birth. For the passport application, different rules (parental consent, validity period) apply by age. Confirm the current conditions with the institution you apply to.
\nBirth registration first. The birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil record and the child gets an EGN. The passport is issued on the basis of that record.
\nYes. The obligation period for registering a birth abroad at the municipality is 6 months. The registration process itself can take 2-3 months in practice.
\nOne Bulgarian parent is enough for the child to be a citizen by birth. Registration is made at the mother’s municipality. The other parent’s consent may be requested for the passport.
\nA Bulgarian passport does not automatically end the child’s other citizenship. We recommend also checking the dual-citizenship rules of your own country.
\nThe Bulgarian type D visa is a long-stay (national) visa for non-EU citizens who want to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days. You get it from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before applying for a residence card. It is issued for family, commercial representation, work or study. The visa does not guarantee a residence permit: you collect the card in Bulgaria from the Migration Directorate.
\nThe type D visa is the visa you need first if you plan to stay in Bulgaria for longer than 90 days. It is also called a national visa. It differs from a short-stay visa (type C) in one simple way: a short-stay visa only covers stays of up to 90 days, while the D visa lets you enter Bulgaria and apply for a residence card there.
\nThe visa is usually multiple-entry, so you can enter and leave several times while it is valid. The validity period is printed on the visa and is limited. After you receive it, travel to Bulgaria and file your residence application without delay. When the visa expires, your right to enter on it ends too.
\n\n\nImportant: A D visa does not guarantee entry. Border police still check your visa and documents, so carry your full application file with you.
\n
| Purpose | \nWho it is for | \n
|---|---|
| Family reunification | \nSpouse and children of a Bulgarian citizen; parent of a Bulgarian-citizen child | \n
| Commercial representation | \nA representative appointed at a commercial representation office in Bulgaria | \n
| Work | \nA person who will be employed by an employer in Bulgaria | \n
| Study | \nA student attending a university or similar school in Bulgaria | \n
Each purpose has its own document list and route. This article explains the general framework and covers the family and representation routes in detail.
\nIf you are married to a Bulgarian citizen, you can apply for a D visa as a “family member of an EU citizen”. Your marriage must first be recorded in Bulgaria. To enter a marriage concluded in your home country (for example Türkiye) into the Bulgarian civil register, you need an apostille and an official Bulgarian translation. See our guide on registering a marriage in Bulgaria.
\nAfter entering Bulgaria with the visa, you apply to the Migration Directorate (Дирекция „Миграция“). The foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen receives an EU family member residence card. It grants continuous residence of up to 5 years, and the card is issued within about 3 months of the application. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence you can apply for permanent residence.
\nFor every step and document of this route, read Bulgaria family reunification visa and documents and residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nIf your company has a commercial representation office in Bulgaria, the person appointed as representative (at most 2 people per office) receives the D visa. The office must be entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The consulate expects to see the registration, the parent company’s documents and the office lease in Bulgaria. The document list is in documents for a representative’s D visa, and the overall route is described in residence permit through commercial representation.
\nThe consulate gives you the current list at every application. In general, the following are requested:
\nRequired amounts for funds and insurance differ by purpose and consulate, so we do not quote figures here. Confirm them before you apply. For the full residence-permit file, see documents required for a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nThe decision time depends on the file type, the consulate’s workload and whether your papers are complete. It can range from a few weeks to a few months, so do not book flights before the visa is issued.
\nThe consular fee also depends on the purpose and on your status; some family applications may be exempt. Figures quoted in old articles may be out of date. Bulgaria has used the euro since 2026, so fees are published in euro. Check the current fee on the consulate’s official page.
\nAfter you enter Bulgaria you apply to the Migration Directorate and receive your residence card. A renewal application must be filed at least 14 days before the expiry date. See Bulgarian residence permit renewal. A general overview of all permit types is in how to get a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nIf you are unsure which visa to apply for, send your documents for a free document review and we will tell you what is missing. You can read about our visa service or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian Type D visa page.
\nA type C visa is for short stays of up to 90 days. A type D visa is for stays longer than 90 days and for applying for a residence card.
\nNo. The visa gives you the right to seek entry, but border police still check your documents. Carry your application file with you.
\nYes. The spouse of a Bulgarian citizen can apply as a family member. The marriage first has to be recorded in the Bulgarian civil register.
\nIt depends on the purpose of the visa. If you receive an EU family member card through your spouse, you have the right to work. In other cases, clarify the work conditions with your adviser before applying.
\nThe applicant normally has to attend the consulate in person. We help with preparing documents, booking the appointment and follow-up.
\nThe requirements for Bulgarian citizenship depend on the route you use. On the Bulgarian origin route there is no language, residence or income requirement; you only need to document your origin. Marriage and long-term residence routes require conditions such as age, a clean criminal record, a period of legal residence, a source of income and knowledge of Bulgarian. Citizenship by investment was abolished in 2022.
\nThere is no single list of requirements, because Bulgarian citizenship law opens different doors for people in different situations. First find your route, then read the conditions for that route. This article covers legal conditions only. For the question “which group am I in?”, see who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\n| Route | \nBulgarian language | \nResidence in Bulgaria | \nIncome | \n
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian origin | \nNot required | \nNot required | \nNot required | \n
| Marriage | \nRequired | \nMarriage and legal residence period required | \nLinked to the general conditions | \n
| Long-term residence (general route) | \nRequired | \nLegal, continuous residence period required | \nRequired | \n
| Child of a Bulgarian citizen | \nUsually not required | \nNot required | \nNot required | \n
Age and criminal record are checked in every case. “Required” in the table means the condition applies on that route. The exact scope can vary with your file, so use the table to find your direction, not to make the final decision.
\nIf you can prove that your mother, father, grandfather or grandmother is of Bulgarian origin, this route suits you. You do not need to live in Bulgaria, speak Bulgarian or show income. What is asked from you is documents showing the origin, and the certificate of Bulgarian origin serves this purpose. Details are in certificate of Bulgarian origin.
\nThe main issue on this route is the records. If your ancestors’ names are written differently in civil records, for example after a change of alphabet or a forced name change, this must be documented. See the name equivalence certificate.
\nIf you are married to a Bulgarian citizen, the marriage must first be entered in Bulgarian records and a residence permit obtained. After that you are expected to stay married and live legally in Bulgaria for a certain period. Knowledge of Bulgarian is also tested on this route. For the permit steps see how to get a Bulgarian residence permit, and for our service see family reunification.
\nIf you have no ancestry or marriage link to Bulgaria, you apply on the general route. It is the longest and the one with the most conditions:
\n\n\nCitizenship by investment was abolished by law in 2022. Being an investor does not move you ahead in the citizenship queue. Investors can only use the residence permit route; for citizenship the general conditions above apply.
\n
A child with a Bulgarian parent is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. If the child was born abroad, the birth must be entered in the Bulgarian civil register. There is no language or residence requirement. See birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\n| Requirement | \nDocuments usually requested | \n
|---|---|
| Identity and age | \nPassport or ID, birth certificate | \n
| Bulgarian origin | \nCertificate of Bulgarian origin, ancestors’ records, civil registry extracts | \n
| Marriage | \nMarriage certificate, proof of the spouse’s Bulgarian citizenship | \n
| Clean record | \nCriminal record certificate (with apostille and translation) | \n
| Residence | \nResidence permit card, address registration | \n
| Income | \nEmployment contract, income proof or tax record | \n
The specialist decides which documents your file needs. Sometimes an extra document is requested; sometimes a document is not needed at all. Having your situation reviewed before expanding your own list saves time and money.
\nNot on the origin route. On the marriage and general residence routes, knowledge of Bulgarian is required.
\nYes, if you apply on the origin route. Other routes require a period of residence.
\nNot on the origin route. Applicants on the general route must show a source of income.
\nNo. It was abolished in 2022. Investment can at most support a residence permit.
\nSend us your documents. In the free document review we tell you which route fits and what is missing.
\nIf you are not sure you meet the conditions, see our Bulgarian citizenship services. Have your documents checked through the free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/passport-ga568fb293_640.BRc_rR1S_ZPPLUw.jpeg","date_published":"2022-04-28T11:45:11.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","Requirements for becoming a Bulgarian citizen","what you need to become a Bulgarian citizen","conditions for Bulgarian citizenship","how to obtain Bulgarian citizenship"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-residence-permit-for-retirees/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-residence-permit-for-retirees/","title":"Bulgarian Residence Permit for Retirees: Requirements, Documents and Application","summary":"Who gets a Bulgarian residence permit as a retiree, which documents are needed and how is it renewed? A step-by-step guide from the D visa to the residence card.","content_html":"The Bulgarian residence permit for retirees allows foreigners who receive a pension to live in Bulgaria long term. First a type D visa is obtained from a Bulgarian consulate, then a residence permit application is made to the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria. The key requirement is to show that you can support yourself in Bulgaria with a regular pension income. The permit is issued for a fixed period and renewed each time.
\nBecause of its proximity to Türkiye, low cost of living and EU membership, Bulgaria is increasingly popular with retirees. In this article we explain what the retirement residence permit is, who can apply, which documents are required and how the application proceeds step by step. To compare it with other residence routes, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nThe retirement residence permit is a long-term residence type based on pension income as the purpose of living in Bulgaria. Unlike the work or company routes, you do not need to set up a business or work in Bulgaria. Instead, you are expected to show that your pension covers your life in Bulgaria.
\nWith this permit you can register an address in Bulgaria, open a bank account, sign a rental contract and use local services. The residence card also lets you travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
\nThe Migration Directorate decides whether the pension is sufficient to live in Bulgaria. If your pension is low, additional proof of income such as bank savings strengthens the file. Since the sufficiency criteria can change over time, we assess the current situation for your file before applying.
\nThe spouse and dependent family members of a person with a retirement residence permit can obtain residence through family reunification. For this, the family relationship must be documented and it must be shown that the income is sufficient for the family as well. Details on our family reunification in Bulgaria page.
\nThe document list can vary by consulate and period. Generally requested:
\n| Document | \nExplanation | \n
|---|---|
| Passport | \nValid longer than the planned stay | \n
| Pension certificate | \nDocument from the social security institution showing that you are retired and the monthly amount | \n
| Proof of income | \nStatement of the account where the pension is paid; savings documents if any | \n
| Proof of accommodation | \nRental contract or title deed | \n
| Health insurance | \nHealth insurance valid in Bulgaria | \n
| Criminal record | \nApostilled and translated into Bulgarian | \n
| Photo and form | \nIn the format required by the consulate | \n
Documents from Türkiye must be apostilled and given a sworn Bulgarian translation. For health insurance, see the options on our travel health insurance page; for long-term residence a policy valid in Bulgaria is required.
\nThe retirement residence permit is issued for a fixed period. A renewal application is made before it expires and you document again that your pension continues and that your address and insurance remain in place. For renewal timing and documents, read our article Bulgarian residence permit renewal.
\nPeople who have lived legally and continuously in Bulgaria for a long time can later apply for permanent residence. Details: Bulgarian permanent residence.
\nThe retirement residence permit does not directly grant citizenship. Citizenship through residence requires having lived legally in Bulgaria for a long time, speaking Bulgarian and meeting the other conditions of the law; this route takes years.
\nThe situation is different if your family emigrated from Bulgaria. People of Bulgarian origin can apply for citizenship directly, without waiting for the residence period and without the Bulgarian language requirement. For many emigrants who are retired and thinking of settling in Bulgaria, this is the shortest route. You can check whether you are entitled on our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nThere is no specific age requirement. What matters is that you receive a pension and can document it.
\nIt is not mandatory. However, account statements showing that the pension is paid regularly are required. Opening a bank account in Bulgaria and transferring part of the pension makes it easier to show your income at renewals.
\nThe retirement residence permit is not issued for work. If you want to work in Bulgaria, a separate work permit is required.
\nOwning a home does not by itself give a residence permit; however, it can be used as proof of accommodation in a retirement application.
\nThe decision periods for the D visa and the residence application run separately; together with preparing the documents, the whole process can take several months. We work out a realistic timeline for your file in the preliminary assessment.
\nSend your documents to our free document review or book an online appointment; we will work out the residence route and timeline that suit you.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/pexels-son-tung-tran-6531914-scaled-e1651064629613.D_cav3hO_1Hm3ro.jpeg","date_published":"2022-04-27T13:06:38.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-23T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Residence Permit","Bulgarian retirement residence permit","Bulgarian residence permit","residence for retirees","type D visa","retiring in Bulgaria"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/advantages-of-bulgarian-dual-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/advantages-of-bulgarian-dual-citizenship/","title":"Advantages of Bulgarian Dual Citizenship","summary":"What are the advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship? The rights you gain as a Bulgarian citizen, the route through marriage and through grandparents.","content_html":"What are the advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship? One of the many advantages of Bulgarian citizenship is that your rights can also benefit your family.
\nWhat are the advantages of Bulgarian citizenship? Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, and Bulgarian citizens have the right to travel and work without a visa in the 27 EU member states (since 2020, after the United Kingdom left, the EU has 27 members instead of 28). Spouses of Bulgarian citizens can apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence in Bulgaria; for most other applicants the general requirement is 5 years.
\nA business advantage of Bulgarian citizenship is that setting up a company is easier than in other European countries. Its low tax rate makes Bulgaria one of the easiest countries in the EU in which to start a business, and with your company you can easily source goods and services from EU countries and sell your own products or services.
\nIf you want to obtain Bulgarian citizenship without wasting time, contact us. If you are a Bulgarian emigrant or have a relative who is a Bulgarian citizen, you may also acquire citizenship through that person. As a Bulgarian citizen, you can live and work in any European Union country you wish.
\nThe greatest travel advantage of Bulgarian citizenship is the right to travel freely, without a visa, within the EU. Citizens of EU countries enjoy freedom of movement within the Union, so you can travel to the 27 EU member states without needing a visa. Bulgarian citizens also have access to the same healthcare as other EU citizens, and with a Bulgarian passport you can work in any job in EU countries without a work permit.
\nFor people with children, Bulgarian citizenship offers additional advantages, such as free education and treatment in Bulgaria’s public health system.
\nWhat are the advantages of Bulgarian citizenship? If you hold or are about to hold Bulgarian citizenship, it is in your interest to know your rights:
\nHow do you obtain Bulgarian citizenship through marriage? People married to a European or Bulgarian citizen have a route to Bulgarian citizenship.
\nFor those who marry a Bulgarian citizen, the Bulgarian government grants the spouse a right of residence. A person who wants to obtain Bulgarian citizenship first obtains a Bulgarian residence permit after applying for a type D visa, and can apply for Bulgarian citizenship at the end of the 3rd year after obtaining the residence permit. For these procedures, contact us.
\nHow long do Bulgarian dual citizenship procedures take? It depends on the grounds on which you apply. For more detailed information, contact us or ask your questions in the form at the bottom of the page.
\nIf your grandfather was born in Bulgaria and emigrated from Bulgaria, you can apply for citizenship through him. For this, your grandfather or his child, your mother or father, must be alive. If your grandfather has died, his child, your mother or father, can apply through their own father. Contact us at any time.
\nPeople with Bulgarian citizenship have the right to travel to and live in any EU country without a visa. Among the 27 EU member states, the most popular destinations include Germany, Belgium, Finland, France and the Netherlands.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/flag-2210966.Bh6YJX6M_1a6lug.jpeg","date_published":"2022-04-24T13:55:31.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:14:46.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","Advantages of Bulgarian dual citizenship","advantages of Bulgarian citizenship","conditions for Bulgarian dual citizenship"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/documents-required-for-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/documents-required-for-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/","title":"What Documents Are Required for a Bulgarian Residence Permit?","summary":"Documents required for a Bulgarian residence permit by route: family, commercial representation and company. With preparation order, apostille and translation.","content_html":"The documents for a Bulgarian residence permit depend on the type of permit. Common items are a valid passport, the D visa, a biometric photo, an apostilled police clearance, health insurance and proof of accommodation. Family reunification adds a marriage record, commercial representation adds BCCI registration and the parent company’s papers. Official documents normally need an apostille and a Bulgarian translation.
\nA Bulgarian residence permit is not one single permit. Separate files are prepared for family, commercial representation, a company, work and study. Each file has to prove something different: a marriage for family reunification, a real and tax-compliant company for representation, a headcount for a company.
\nThis article shows in plain terms which document is requested on which route. Amounts and detailed numbers change with the date and the consulate, so we do not quote figures. Confirm the current list with the consulate or your adviser before you apply. To compare the routes first, see how to get a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nWe do not give a figure for the required funds. Amounts in older articles may be out of date; Bulgaria has used the euro since 2026.
\nIf you apply as the spouse or child of a Bulgarian citizen, you also need:
\n| Document | \nNote | \n
|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | \nApostilled, translated into Bulgarian; the marriage must be in the Bulgarian civil record | \n
| The Bulgarian citizen’s ID | \nCopy of the ID card or passport | \n
| Declarations | \nNotarised statements that the marriage is genuine and that you will live together | \n
| Civil registry extract | \nShows civil status, apostilled | \n
| For a child | \nBirth certificate and a document showing the child’s Bulgarian citizenship | \n
The scope of the notarised declarations may change, so ask the consulate for the current model. Each document is covered in Bulgaria family reunification visa and documents. The whole marriage-based residence route is in residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nOn this route the file has two parts: documents from Bulgaria and documents from the parent company.
\nFrom Bulgaria:
\nFrom the parent company:
\nDocuments should be no older than 6 months. At most 2 representatives per office can receive residence. See residence permit through commercial representation for the full route and documents for a representative’s D visa for the consulate stage. If you are choosing between routes, read representation or company.
\nIf you set up a company in Bulgaria and apply as a manager, the file includes the incorporation documents, the trade register entry and records of employment. At least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner must be employed (Foreigners Act art. 24/1/2). Insurance and payroll records of the employees belong in the file.
\nFor work, the employment contract with the employer and the employer’s company documents are requested. For study, you need the admission letter and proof of enrolment. These routes may have additional conditions, so confirm the current list before you apply.
\nOfficial documents issued abroad (marriage, police clearance, company papers) go through these steps to be accepted in Bulgaria:
\nFor general information on apostilles, see civil registry extract and apostille guide.
\nThe right order saves time:
\nDocuments are refreshed again for renewal. The application is filed at the Migration Directorate at least 14 days before expiry. At renewal, tax compliance is checked for the last year. See Bulgarian residence permit renewal. After 5 years of uninterrupted residence, see Bulgaria permanent residence.
\nOne missing paper can delay the process by months. Send your documents and our free document review will report missing items and errors. For the whole process see our residence permit service or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nThe amount depends on the permit type and the date of application, and figures in old articles may be outdated. Confirm the current amount with the consulate or your adviser.
\nOfficial documents issued abroad normally need an apostille and an official Bulgarian translation. Check which of your documents need an apostille before applying.
\nYes. Official documents are normally expected to be issued within the last 6 months. An older document can cause the file to be returned.
\nThe marriage must be entered in the Bulgarian civil record. This is done through the municipality or consulate with an apostilled marriage record and an official Bulgarian translation.
\nYes. We help with the document list, direction on apostille and translation, checking the file and follow-up.
\nAfter the Cold War the world became global and liberal ideas came to dominate it. Many innovations entered people’s lives, and in an abstract sense the world became a space without borders. One of the leading ideas of this period is the freedom to travel. This Western idea grew out of the free movement of goods and of people, and it helped the world become truly global. If you want to settle permanently or be fully recognised as a Bulgarian citizen, you can easily start your Bulgarian citizenship application through bulgaristanvatandas.com. A few conditions must be met beforehand for our service to run smoothly.
\nThe children of people who emigrated to Turkey with their families and have since passed away have the right to become Bulgarian citizens through their father. If the father has died, his spouse and children may still be entitled to citizenship provided they meet the required criteria. In such cases a number of procedures must be completed. Bulgarian citizens can easily pass on Bulgarian citizenship to their children.
\nThe idea of freedom to travel first appeared in European countries and took shape within liberal thought. It made a major contribution to the creation and development of the European Union as we know it today, and to the modern shape of the world. Its role in political and economic development cannot be denied. The opportunity to travel has also allowed people of different nations to meet and get to know each other, which has helped reduce conflict around the world. The states that contributed most to this idea are the member states of the European Union. Because the Republic of Bulgaria is a member of the EU, Bulgarian citizens can easily travel to any European country they wish.
\nBulgaria is a cosmopolitan state in the Balkans, home to people of many different origins, and it is a European state. As a result, Bulgaria has signed travel agreements with many other countries. As an EU member state, Bulgaria allows, and is required to allow, its citizens to travel freely.
\nBulgaria is a member state of the EU and fully integrated into the Union; since 1 January 2025 it has also been a full member of the Schengen area. Through a series of agreements and commitments, the Bulgarian state guarantees its citizens the right to travel. A Bulgarian citizen can therefore travel to European countries such as:
\nBulgarian citizens can also travel to the countries with which the Bulgarian government has signed agreements.
\nBulgarian citizens can travel to European Union countries without a visa, because Bulgaria is an EU member state; within the Union a valid ID card is enough. Travel to the countries with which the Bulgarian government has signed agreements is also visa-free. A visa is required for the remaining countries.
\nWhen the father, as head of the family, has passed away, the criteria for his children and spouse to become Bulgarian citizens can be listed as follows:
\nA spouse and children who complete these procedures can regain the right to Bulgarian citizenship after the death of the spouse.
\nChildren born in Turkey to people who emigrated from Bulgaria can become citizens, even if the emigrant has passed away. The applicable procedures are followed, and if the emigrant’s citizenship of the Republic of Bulgaria is still valid, the children also acquire the right to citizenship.
\nFor more information, read our article How to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIf any member of the family is a Bulgarian citizen, this also affects the children’s right to Bulgarian citizenship. People over 18 can apply directly, while those under 18 can apply through their parents.
\nWe work with an expert team that has all the skills required for each of our services. We have specialists and the necessary connections both in Turkey and in Bulgaria, because relations with foreign states require expertise and advice.
\nIf you would like to read our other articles, click here.
\nWe continue to serve emigrant citizens through bulgaristanvatandas.com. Citizens who want to regain their Bulgarian citizenship can visit our office and receive advice. We handle all visa procedures for people with emigrant status and carefully assist them in obtaining residence permits. We offer insurance services for working people, help emigrants who want to marry prepare the documents required for marriage, and help residence permit holders extend their permits.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/james-coleman-FLOsAklR5jQ-unsplash-scaled.jHI2fCgs_Z218mTy.jpeg","date_published":"2020-10-11T19:20:55.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:16:16.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Visas","bulgarian citizenship","bulgaria","citizenship for Bulgarian emigrants","who can obtain Bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship application","citizenship","citizenship through marriage","Bulgarian citizens","which countries can Bulgarian citizens visit"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/citizenship-if-the-emigrant-parent-has-died/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/citizenship-if-the-emigrant-parent-has-died/","title":"Can I Become a Citizen if the Person Who Emigrated From Bulgaria Has Died?","summary":"The children and spouse of someone who emigrated from Bulgaria to Turkey may be entitled to Bulgarian citizenship even after that person's death. The criteria explained.","content_html":"Bulgarian citizenship has many advantages. Bulgaria welcomes large numbers of tourists every year and attracts attention with its green landscapes and cultural heritage. At Bulgaristan Vatandaş, we are here to make your move to such a country easier. If you want to settle permanently or become a full citizen, you can easily start your Bulgarian citizenship application through bulgaristanvatandas.com. To benefit from our service smoothly, certain conditions must first be met.
\nThe children of people who emigrated to Turkey with their families and have since died have the right to become Bulgarian citizens through their father. If the father has died, his spouse and children are entitled to citizenship provided they meet the criteria, and a number of procedures must be completed.
\nThe criteria for the children and spouse to become Bulgarian citizens after the death of the father can be listed as follows:
\nSpouses and children who complete these procedures can recover the right to Bulgarian citizenship after the death of the spouse.
\nThe children born in Turkey of people who emigrated from Bulgaria can become citizens even if the emigrant has died. The applicable procedures are followed, and if the emigrant’s citizenship of the Republic of Bulgaria is still valid, the children also acquire the right to become citizens. For more information, see how to apply for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nIf the father died after emigrating, the children need a certain amount of time to obtain citizenship. You must follow the procedures set by the Bulgarian consulate, meet the criteria and wait. Your request to the Bulgarian consulate is closely linked to the criteria you meet.
\nIf you meet these criteria, your citizenship is concluded in a short time. You can have your citizenship procedures handled by our company, bulgaristanvatandas.com, and we will help you resolve your case as quickly as possible.
\nIf a family member is a Bulgarian citizen, this also affects whether their children can become Bulgarian citizens. Applicants over 18 can apply directly, while those under 18 can apply through their parents.
\nWe work with an expert team that has every competence each of our services requires, with specialists and the necessary connections in both Turkey and Bulgaria. Relations with foreign states require expertise and consultancy. You can read our other articles in our knowledge base.
\nWe continue to serve emigrants through bulgaristanvatandas.com, and anyone who wishes to recover their Bulgarian citizenship can also visit our office for advice. We handle all visa procedures for people with emigrant status and carefully manage their residence permit applications. We offer insurance services for those who work, help emigrants who wish to marry prepare the documents required, and assist residence permit holders with extending their permits.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/hristo-sahatchiev-gRiQ0yz98f4-unsplash-scaled.DSGiWuFM_Z1Mwf0P.jpeg","date_published":"2020-06-12T13:36:37.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:17:18.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","Bulgaria","Bulgarian nationality","citizenship for Bulgarian emigrants"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/who-can-get-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/who-can-get-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Who Can Get Bulgarian Citizenship? Eligible Groups Explained","summary":"Who can get Bulgarian citizenship? Bulgarian descendants and Pomaks, emigrants of 1948-1950, 1969-1978 and 1989 onwards, spouses and long-term residents.","content_html":"Bulgarian citizenship is open to people whose parent, grandparent or other direct ancestor is of Bulgarian origin; people who emigrated from Bulgaria in 1948, 1949 or 1950, between 1969 and 1978, or in 1989 and after, with their children and grandchildren; Pomaks and people of Bulgarian origin, whatever the date of emigration; spouses of Bulgarian citizens; children of Bulgarian citizens; and people who have lived legally in Bulgaria for a long time. On the origin route there is no language, residence or income requirement. Citizenship by investment was abolished in 2022.
\nThis article answers one question: “Can I apply?” The legal conditions for each route are explained separately in requirements for Bulgarian citizenship. Start with the table below, then read the section that matches your family history.
\n| Group | \nIn short | \n
|---|---|
| People of Bulgarian origin (parent, grandparent) | \nOrigin route. No language, residence or income requirement | \n
| Emigrants from Bulgaria (1948-1950, 1969-1978, 1989 and after) | \nEmigrants, their children and grandchildren can obtain citizenship | \n
| Pomaks and people of Bulgarian origin | \nCan apply whatever the date of emigration | \n
| Spouses of Bulgarian citizens | \nMarriage and a period of residence are required | \n
| Children of Bulgarian citizens | \nThrough birth registration or an application | \n
| Long-term residents of Bulgaria | \nGeneral route: residence, language and income are required | \n
The largest group of eligible people is made up of families of Bulgarian origin. If you can document that your mother, father, grandfather or grandmother is of Bulgarian origin, you can apply on the origin route. On this route you do not need to live in Bulgaria, speak Bulgarian or show income. What matters is proving the origin with documents.
\nThe key document is the certificate of Bulgarian origin. We explain how to obtain it in certificate of Bulgarian origin: what it is and how to get it. Depending on your situation you may also want to read:
\nIf your ancestor has passed away, the right is not lost. Usually the application continues through their child, that is, your mother or father. See if the emigrant has died, can I still become a citizen?.
\nPeople who emigrated from Bulgaria to Türkiye or another country in 1948, 1949 or 1950, between 1969 and 1978, or in 1989 and after can obtain Bulgarian citizenship. Their children and grandchildren have the same right.
\nFor Pomaks and people of Bulgarian origin, the date of emigration does not matter: whatever the year they left, they can apply once their Bulgarian origin is documented.
\nIn every file, the status of the emigrant relative in the Bulgarian records is checked as well; the route of the application is decided on the basis of that check.
\nA practical tip: finding out what your emigrant relative’s Bulgarian record looks like today is often the most important first step. Collecting documents before knowing this can waste time.
\nIf you are married to a Bulgarian citizen there is a path to citizenship, but it differs from the origin route. First a residence permit is obtained through the spouse. After the marriage and legal residence have lasted for a certain period, a citizenship application can be filed. Details are in can I get Bulgarian citizenship through my spouse? and on our family reunification service page.
\nA child of a Bulgarian parent is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. For a child born abroad, the birth has to be entered in the Bulgarian civil records. We cover this in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children, and for children over 18 in Bulgarian citizenship for adult children.
\nA person with no ancestry or marriage link to Bulgaria can apply on the general route after completing the required period of legal residence. This route has conditions such as residence, knowledge of Bulgarian, a source of income and a clean criminal record. That is the difference from the origin route. For the language question see the Bulgarian language requirement for citizenship.
\n\n\nThe citizenship-by-investment programme was abolished in 2022. Investing today does not give citizenship; at most it can support a residence permit application. Do not trust anyone who promises “citizenship for money”.
\n
Sometimes the right exists but the file needs more careful preparation. Examples: documents proving Bulgarian origin are incomplete, names in your ancestors’ records differ from yours, or the Bulgarian record of an emigrant relative was removed. A criminal record is assessed separately. Such problems can usually be solved if they are spotted before filing. If an earlier application was refused, read what to do if Bulgarian citizenship is refused.
\nBecoming a Bulgarian citizen also means becoming a citizen of the European Union, so applications are examined closely. The process is long; we describe the typical duration in how long Bulgarian citizenship takes.
\nIf you can document the Bulgarian origin of your grandfather or grandmother, you can apply on the origin route. Each file is examined individually, so your documents should be checked first.
\nNo. The origin route has no language, residence or income requirement. Those conditions apply to the general route.
\nNo. The investment citizenship programme was abolished in 2022. Investment can at most be a ground for a residence permit.
\nNo. A residence permit comes first, and you can apply for citizenship after the required marriage and residence period.
\nSend us the documents you have. Our free document review will tell you which route you can use.
\nIf you are unsure whether you are eligible, see our Bulgarian citizenship services. You can have your documents checked through the free document review or book an online appointment with our specialist.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/photo_verybig_450336222214323.BruvqkKm_JXgrF.jpeg","date_published":"2020-04-15T20:05:15.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-03T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","Bulgaria","citizenship for Bulgarian emigrants","who can get Bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian origin"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-get-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-get-a-bulgarian-residence-permit/","title":"How to Get a Bulgarian Residence Permit","summary":"How to get a Bulgarian residence permit: family, commercial representation, company, work and study routes, the D visa and the steps.","content_html":"A Bulgarian residence permit lets non-EU citizens live in Bulgaria long term. The main routes are family reunification through a Bulgarian spouse or child, commercial representation, a company in Bulgaria, work and study. You first obtain a type D visa from a Bulgarian consulate, then apply to the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria for the residence card.
\nA residence permit makes a stay of more than 90 days lawful. It is issued as a residence card. The type of card depends on the reason that connects you to Bulgaria: family, business, a company or study.
\nOne point first: citizenship by investment was abolished in Bulgaria in 2022. You do not buy citizenship; for residence you choose one of the routes below. If you have Bulgarian origin, going straight to Bulgarian citizenship may be shorter for you than residence.
\n| Route | \nWho it is for | \nKey point | \n
|---|---|---|
| Family (spouse) | \nSpouse of a Bulgarian citizen | \nThe marriage must be in the Bulgarian record | \n
| Family (child) | \nParent of a Bulgarian-citizen child | \nThe child needs a birth record and an EGN | \n
| Commercial representation | \nCompany owner or manager | \nThe office must be registered with the BCCI | \n
| Company | \nPeople who set up a company in Bulgaria | \n10 Bulgarian employees per foreigner | \n
| Work | \nPeople with an employment contract | \nWork-permit conditions apply | \n
| Study | \nStudents | \nSchool admission is required | \n
This is the most popular route. The foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen receives the EU family member residence card. It gives continuous residence of up to 5 years, and the card is issued within about 3 months of applying. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, permanent residence becomes possible.
\nIn short: the marriage is entered in the Bulgarian civil register, you obtain the D visa, enter Bulgaria and apply for the card. All steps are in residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse, and the visa side is in family reunification visa and documents. See also our family reunification service.
\nA parent of a Bulgarian-citizen child can also apply. A child born to a Bulgarian parent is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. The birth must be registered in Bulgaria and an EGN issued. We explain this in birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\nIf your company operates in your home country (for example Türkiye) or elsewhere, you can open a commercial representation in Bulgaria and obtain residence for the people appointed as representatives. At most 2 representatives per office can receive residence. The representation is entered in the register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The parent company’s turnover must be at least the equivalent of 100,000 leva, there must be no tax debt, and a lease of at least 1 year for the office is required.
\nThe benefit of this route is that there is no staff requirement. Details are in residence permit through commercial representation. If you are unsure between the two options, read representation or company.
\nIf you set up your own company in Bulgaria and want residence as a manager, you are expected to employ at least 10 full-time Bulgarian employees per foreigner (Foreigners Act art. 24/1/2). This is a heavy condition for small businesses. For incorporation, see our company formation service.
\nPeople who receive a job offer and sign a contract with an employer can apply for a work D visa and then for residence. Conditions apply to the employer as well. Students admitted to a university or similar school receive a study D visa on the basis of the admission letter. In both cases, the document list and timing depend on the purpose, so confirm the current conditions before you apply.
\nAsk yourself three questions:
\nA wrong choice can cost months. We recommend discussing your situation with a specialist first. Every file is different, even within one family.
\nThe card is issued for a limited period. A renewal application is filed at least 14 days before expiry. The decision period is 14 days; in a complex case another month may be added. Do not leave it to the last day. See Bulgarian residence permit renewal. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence you can apply for permanent residence; the conditions are in Bulgaria permanent residence.
\nThe list changes with the route. Common items are a passport, photo, police clearance, health insurance and proof of accommodation. We have collected the details for each route in documents required for a Bulgarian residence permit.
\nWe help you choose the right route, prepare complete documents and follow the deadlines. See our residence permit service. Send your papers for a free review or book an online appointment.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian residence permit page.
\nIt depends on the route. The consulate time for the D visa is added to the time for the residence card in Bulgaria. The family member card is issued within about 3 months of applying.
\nIf you are married to a Bulgarian citizen, family reunification is usually the most direct. For company owners, commercial representation can be practical because it has no 10-employee condition.
\nResidence does not give citizenship automatically. Long lawful residence can lead to permanent residence and later a citizenship application when the conditions are met. If you have Bulgarian origin, there may be a shorter route.
\nAt least 14 days before it expires, at the Migration Directorate. Preparing earlier is safer.
\nThe card is based on living in Bulgaria. Long absences can affect your right of residence. Ask your adviser about your own situation.
\nWith the help of our company, Bulgarian emigrants can recover their citizenship. There are a number of criteria for anyone wishing to restore their Bulgarian citizenship.
\nEmigrants of 1951 seeking their legal rights have put forward their citizenship claims. There are certain conditions for them to recover Bulgarian citizenship, and once their documents are complete, they can do so.
\nAt Bulgaristanvatandas.com we can help you become a Bulgarian citizen. Supporting documents such as emigrant certificates, name equivalence certificates, old Bulgarian passports and birth certificates are required. With these documents, a citizenship status check is carried out through the Ministry of Justice, and the citizenship procedure is started according to the reply.
\nWe help with the conditions for citizenship and residence permits, with reuniting families living in different countries, with registering marriages and births, with visa procedures and with company formation, as a complete consultancy service.
\nConditions for 1951 emigrants to be entitled to apply for Bulgarian citizenship
\nCitizens of the Republic of Bulgaria are citizens of the European Union and have the same rights as other EU citizens. They can live and work in other European countries if they wish, or simply travel there without a visa.
\nIf a person is ethnically Bulgarian, the residence and language requirements do not apply. People whose mother or father is Bulgarian can apply for citizenship through them. If you marry a Bulgarian citizen, you can apply for a visa at the Bulgarian representations in Turkey.
\nBulgaria’s citizenship-by-investment programme was abolished in 2022. Today, foreigners who make a qualifying investment in Bulgaria can obtain a residence permit and, after completing the required period of residence, apply for citizenship under the general conditions.
\nSeveral conditions must be met to become a Bulgarian citizen.
\nThe conditions include:
\nAlthough it is not mandatory for every application, holding a document proving knowledge of Bulgarian is also an important detail.
\nWe continue to serve Bulgarian emigrants through bulgaristanvatandas.com, and anyone who wishes to recover their Bulgarian citizenship can also visit our office for advice. We handle all visa procedures for people with emigrant status and carefully manage their residence permit applications. We offer insurance services for those who work, help emigrants who wish to marry prepare the documents required, and assist residence permit holders with extending their permits.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/parliament-4842040-scaled.CoG3Bqq7_Z4rmBp.jpeg","date_published":"2020-03-15T11:01:34.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:15:52.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian nationality","citizenship for Bulgarian emigrants","citizenship for emigrants from Bulgaria"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-restore-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-restore-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"Restoring Bulgarian Citizenship: Who and How?","summary":"Can Bulgarian citizenship be restored? Routes for people who never lost it, those who lost it and grandchildren, the first step of the inquiry and required documents.","content_html":"For most emigrants “restoring Bulgarian citizenship” is actually not necessary: since acquiring Turkish citizenship does not automatically end Bulgarian citizenship, many emigrants are still Bulgarian citizens and only renew their documents. For those who formally left or were deprived of citizenship, there is a separate restoration application. Which situation you are in is shown by a citizenship inquiry made to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice.
\nIn this article we separate the three different situations that come to mind with “restoring” and explain the route and the documents for each. To see all citizenship routes on one page, see our Bulgarian citizenship guide.
\n| Situation | \nWho? | \nWhat is done? | \n
|---|---|---|
| Never lost citizenship | \nPeople born in Bulgaria who emigrated without a decision releasing them from citizenship (e.g. most 1989 emigrants) | \nNo new application; the birth record is corrected, citizenship is confirmed, passport and ID are issued | \n
| Lost citizenship | \nPeople who formally left (were released from) or were deprived of citizenship | \nA restoration application is made | \n
| Never a Bulgarian citizen but of Bulgarian origin | \nChildren and grandchildren of emigrants born in Türkiye | \nA new citizenship application through Bulgarian origin | \n
Bulgaria accepts dual citizenship. For many people who emigrated from Bulgaria and became Turkish citizens, Bulgarian citizenship never formally ended. For them the task is not “restoring” but documenting the existing citizenship. The process usually starts with obtaining and correcting the birth certificate, continues with confirming citizenship and ends with issuing the passport and ID card. We explain this route in detail in our article Bulgarian citizenship for 1989 emigrants.
\nSome emigrants formally left or were deprived of Bulgarian citizenship during or after emigration. In that case citizenship does not return automatically; a restoration application is made to the Ministry of Justice. The application is assessed according to the decision by which and when the citizenship ended. So the records of that decision must be found first.
\nFor children and grandchildren born in Türkiye who were never Bulgarian citizens, “restoring” does not apply; they make a new citizenship application through Bulgarian origin. Children whose parent is still a Bulgarian citizen can often obtain citizenship by a shorter route through birth registration. Related guides:
\nInstead of guessing your situation, you need to know it. For this, an inquiry into citizenship status is made to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice. The ministry checks the records and states whether the person is a Bulgarian citizen.
\nFor the inquiry to give the right result, the name, date of birth and place of birth should match the Bulgarian records. If your name is spelled differently in Turkish records, a name equivalence certificate is needed.
\nThe documents depend on the situation. Usually requested:
\nTurkish documents must be apostilled and given a sworn Bulgarian translation. For the apostille steps, see our civil registry record and apostille guide.
\nIf the parent or grandparent who emigrated has died, their citizenship is not restored; however, their Bulgarian citizenship or origin is used as evidence in the applications of their children and grandchildren. We explain this in our article can I become a citizen if the person who emigrated from Bulgaria has died?
\nNo, not automatically. Bulgaria allows dual citizenship. Citizenship only ends with a formal release or deprivation decision.
\nA citizenship inquiry is made to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice. The ministry states, based on its records, whether you are a citizen. We carry out this inquiry on your behalf together with your documents.
\nFor those who never lost citizenship, the process is measured in months. Restoration and origin applications take longer. We share the estimated time for your situation in the preliminary assessment.
\nThe Bulgarian language requirement does not apply to emigrants and applicants of Bulgarian origin. For details see our article on the Bulgarian language requirement.
\nWe can tell you which route applies by looking at your documents. Send them to our free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/flag-2608475_1920.UbBHxnVv_ZvnAUx.jpeg","date_published":"2020-01-21T20:22:49.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-23T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","restoring Bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian emigrants","citizenship inquiry"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-get-a-birth-certificate-from-bulgaria/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-get-a-birth-certificate-from-bulgaria/","title":"How to Get a Birth Certificate From Bulgaria","summary":"How to get a birth certificate from Bulgaria: for people born there and for children born abroad. Steps, documents, apostille and timing explained.","content_html":"If you were born in Bulgaria, you get your birth certificate (акт за раждане) from the municipality of your place of birth. For a child born abroad, a Bulgarian record is created by reporting the birth to the Bulgarian civil register, and the child receives an EGN. If the documents are complete, this usually takes 2-3 months.
\n“Bulgarian birth certificate” can mean two different things. Some people want to document their own birth in Bulgaria. Others want a Bulgarian birth record for a child born abroad. This article explains both separately.
\n| Your situation | \nWhat to do | \n
|---|---|
| You were born in Bulgaria yourself | \nA copy of the birth record (akt za razhdane) is taken from the municipality of birth | \n
| Your child was born abroad, a parent is a Bulgarian citizen | \nBirth registration is made and the child is entered in the Bulgarian civil register | \n
| Your parent or grandparent was born in Bulgaria | \nTheir record is documented to prove the family line | \n
A Bulgarian birth record is kept at the municipality or civil registry office of your place of birth. The document is the “akt za razhdane”, the birth record.
\nIf old records contain spelling differences, finding the record can be harder. The search is made with the place of birth, the names of the mother and father and an approximate date.
\nIf a parent is a Bulgarian citizen at the time of birth, the child is a citizen by birth. The birth is registered at the municipality of the mother’s permanent address (the father’s, if the mother is foreign). The deadline is 6 months. On registration, the child receives an EGN.
\nWhat you need:
\nFor details, see birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children. The article what is an EGN also explains the child’s personal number.
\nIn citizenship files, the birth certificate is the main link showing the family line. A file generally contains:
\nA whole citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years in practice. If the birth certificate is missing, this period gets longer.
\nA Bulgarian birth record generally contains: the person’s first name and surname, date and place of birth, names of the mother and father, the record number and the municipality that made the entry. All of this must match your other documents in a citizenship file. If the mother’s name is spelled differently in your home country’s birth record, it is corrected with an equivalence certificate.
\nIf a document obtained from Bulgaria is to be used officially in your home country, three steps are needed:
\nIf any of these is missing, the document is not accepted.
\nSay your father was born in Bulgaria and emigrated. You were born abroad and want Bulgarian citizenship. In such a file, the order is usually this:
\nThis order changes for every family. For example, the father may have died or the document may be lost in an archive. Then an archive search and a power of attorney come in.
\nWhen searching for a birth record, collect:
\nThe more complete this information is, the faster the record is found. Some villages were renamed later, so the old name matters. If you only have documents in your own language, send them to us and we start the search.
\nAfter the birth registration is complete and the child has an EGN, you can apply for a Bulgarian ID and passport. See how to get a Bulgarian passport.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nA copy of the birth record from the municipality is usually issued quickly; the time varies by municipality. Entering a birth abroad into the Bulgarian record usually takes 2-3 months.
\nYes. With a power of attorney, a representative in Bulgaria can obtain the record. To use it abroad, an apostille and official translation are needed.
\nIf a parent was a Bulgarian citizen at the birth, the child’s birth is reported to the Bulgarian civil register. The child receives an EGN with this report.
\nNo. The birth certificate is the main document showing the family line. Citizenship is completed through a birth registration or a citizenship application.
\nThe search is repeated with the old spelling of the place name and the parents’ names. If needed, an archive search is made.
\nLet us check your records together in a free document review. Book an online appointment for your questions. For the whole process, see our birth and marriage registration service and our citizenship services.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaria-2115804_1920.B5I0wKew_FlRlg.jpeg","date_published":"2020-01-07T18:16:00.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","Bulgarian nationality","Bulgarian birth certificate","birth certificate"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-a-spouse/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-a-spouse/","title":"Can I Get Bulgarian Citizenship Through My Spouse?","summary":"Marrying a Bulgarian does not give citizenship automatically: first residence through your spouse, then naturalisation. Conditions, timing and documents.","content_html":"Even if your spouse is a Bulgarian citizen, citizenship does not pass from a spouse automatically. Marriage opens two routes: a residence permit through your spouse, and later an application for naturalisation through marriage. Citizenship requires residence and Bulgarian language knowledge. The easier terms of the origin route do not apply to spouses.
\n“My spouse is Bulgarian. Can I become a citizen too?” is a very common question. The answer has two parts. First you get residence. Citizenship is a second and longer step. This article explains the difference between the two and how the route works.
\nThese two topics are often confused.
\n| \n | Residence through a spouse | \nCitizenship through marriage | \n
|---|---|---|
| What it gives | \nThe right to stay legally in Bulgaria | \nBulgarian citizenship and passport | \n
| When | \nAfter the marriage and documents | \nAfter residence and the residence period | \n
| Language | \nNot required | \nRequired, Bulgarian knowledge is checked | \n
| Time | \nCard issued in about 3 months | \nThe application takes 1.5-3 years in total | \n
For residence details, see residence permit through a Bulgarian spouse.
\nA marriage made abroad is valid from the date it was made. But before the residence application, it must be entered into the Bulgarian civil register. This is done through the municipality or a consulate; an apostille and official Bulgarian translation of the marriage certificate are required. For a step-by-step guide, see registering a marriage in Bulgaria.
\nThe foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen can receive an “EU citizen family member residence card”.
\nThe application also includes the document showing the spouse’s Bulgarian citizenship and the marriage certificate. When renewing, apply at least 14 days before the permit ends.
\nMarriage can give you an advantage in a naturalisation application. But the conditions depend on your situation. The general framework is:
\nPeriods and exact conditions can change with legislation. So we check the current position before the application. Instead of giving you figures, we prepare a clear roadmap for your file.
\nIf your mother, father or grandparent is a Bulgarian citizen, you apply on the origin route. On that route there is no Bulgarian language or residence requirement. Through a spouse this ease does not exist. But if your own parents, rather than your spouse’s, are of Bulgarian descent, also consider the origin route: who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\nFor the foreign spouse of a Bulgarian citizen, a family member residence card is prepared. Your spouse enters Bulgaria with a D visa, which allows a stay of more than 3 months. Then the application for the residence card is made to the Migration Directorate. Visa documents are a separate topic; see our family reunification service.
\nAs a rule, a family member card holder can work in Bulgaria. Opening your own business may need a separate registration. We give information according to your file.
\nAs you approach the citizenship stage, Bulgarian knowledge comes up. This requirement does not concern origin-route applicants; it applies to applicants through marriage. So it makes sense to start learning Bulgarian during the residence period. Everyday conversation, filling in forms and short reading matter for proficiency. We clarify which kind of document the authority wants before the application.
\nA Bulgarian citizen may also remain a citizen of another country. Check the rules on your own country’s side for your situation. For the rights Bulgarian citizenship gives, see advantages of dual citizenship.
\nA child born of the marriage is a citizen by birth if one parent was a Bulgarian citizen at the time of birth. For this, a birth registration is made. See birth registration and Bulgarian citizenship for children.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. Marriage gives you a residence right and an advantage in a citizenship application. Citizenship requires a separate application.
\nYes. Unlike the origin route, naturalisation through marriage requires knowledge of Bulgarian.
\nUsually yes. Residence is obtained first through your spouse, and a citizenship application is considered once the residence period is complete.
\nThe card is usually issued within 3 months. Continuous residence is granted for up to 5 years.
\nA citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years in practice. The residence and stay period comes before it.
\nLet us check your marriage documents and your spouse’s records with a free document review. To ask questions, book an online appointment. For residence see our residence permit service, and for citizenship our citizenship services page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaristanvatandaslikbayrak.BLvp77oO_Z11UMxn.jpeg","date_published":"2020-01-02T14:51:14.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","emigrants from Bulgaria","Bulgarian emigrants","Bulgaria"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-a-father/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-a-father/","title":"Can I Get Bulgarian Citizenship Through My Father?","summary":"If your father was a Bulgarian citizen, you may already be one. Birth registration or application, required documents and the 1.5-3 year timeline explained.","content_html":"If your father was a Bulgarian citizen when you were born, you are a Bulgarian citizen by birth. Only your birth must be reported to Bulgaria. If he became a citizen later, or your origin must be proven, you apply instead. The origin route has no Bulgarian language requirement, and your father’s death does not remove your right.
\nMany families whose father came from Bulgaria ask the same question: “He emigrated and my papers are in my home country. Can I get citizenship?” The answer depends on your father’s citizenship status and on your date of birth. This article explains which route fits you, in plain language.
\nIn Bulgarian law, descent is the basis. A child whose parent is a Bulgarian citizen is a Bulgarian citizen by birth. So first answer this question: Was your father a Bulgarian citizen when you were born?
\n| Situation | \nRoute | \nWhat is done | \n
|---|---|---|
| Father was a Bulgarian citizen at your birth | \nBirth registration | \nThe birth is entered in the Bulgarian civil register and an EGN is issued | \n
| Father became a citizen after your birth | \nApplication | \nA minor applies with the parent, an adult applies alone | \n
| Father emigrated, status unclear | \nCitizenship status check | \nThe Ministry of Justice records are checked | \n
| Father has passed away | \nThrough records | \nIf his citizenship appears in the records, children can benefit | \n
This is the point most people confuse.
\nIf you are over 18, you apply in your own name. We explain this in Bulgarian citizenship for adult children.
\n\n\nImportant: On the origin route you do not need to speak Bulgarian. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria either.
\n
Your father’s death does not end your right. What matters is that he appears in the records as a Bulgarian citizen. So the first step is a citizenship status check: Bulgarian records are searched using your father’s name, place and date of birth. If a record is found, his children may benefit from it.
\nThe file depends on the records. Most applications need:
\nNames, surnames and birth dates must match across documents. This is the most common cause of delays and refusals.
\nIf your mother is a Bulgarian citizen, the same right comes from her. See can I get Bulgarian citizenship through my mother. If both parents are registered, we choose the stronger file together.
\nFather of Bulgarian origin, but no citizenship record. If your father emigrated and does not appear as a citizen, the problem is usually the paperwork; the right does not disappear. His origin is documented and an application is prepared on the origin route.
\nFather became a citizen after the child was born. The child is not a citizen by birth. For a minor, the application is made together with the parent. A child over 18 applies alone.
\nMother foreign, father Bulgarian. Birth registration may be enough. A birth abroad is registered at the municipality of the mother’s permanent address; if the mother is foreign, the father’s address is used. The child receives an EGN on registration. See what is an EGN.
\nNames spelled differently. The father’s name in Bulgaria and in your home country often differ. A name equivalence certificate removes the gap.
\nAfter the file is submitted, the records are reviewed. If documents are missing, the process takes longer. When the decision is positive, your citizenship is recorded and you can apply for a Bulgarian ID card and passport. Read about rights and obligations after the application.
\nCitizenship by investment was abolished in 2022. Be careful with anyone offering it. If you have a right through your father, the origin route is the correct one.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nNo. There is no Bulgarian language requirement on the origin route, and no requirement to live in Bulgaria.
\nA citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years in practice. If only a birth registration is needed, it takes 2-3 months.
\nYou may. First, your father’s citizenship record in Bulgaria is checked. If it is found, your route becomes clear.
\nYes. If his citizenship appears in the records, his death does not block your right.
\nMinor children have a separate route. For a spouse, different conditions apply through marriage.
\nSend us your documents for a free document review and learn whether you have a right through your father. If you prefer to ask questions directly, book an online appointment. For the whole process, see our citizenship services.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/flag-2608475_1920.UbBHxnVv_ZvnAUx.jpeg","date_published":"2020-01-02T14:43:34.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","emigrants from Bulgaria","Bulgarian emigrants","Bulgaria"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-grandparents/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/bulgarian-citizenship-through-grandparents/","title":"Can I Get Bulgarian Citizenship Through My Grandparents?","summary":"If your grandparent was Bulgarian, you can apply as a grandchild. No Bulgarian language requirement; the family line, documents and 1.5-3 year timeline.","content_html":"If your grandfather or grandmother was a Bulgarian citizen or of Bulgarian origin, you can apply for Bulgarian citizenship as a grandchild. On the origin route there is no Bulgarian language requirement and no residence requirement. What matters is proving the family line with documents. The application goes to the Ministry of Justice and takes 1.5-3 years.
\nIn many families, grandparents emigrated from Bulgaria. Their grandchildren now ask: “Does this right pass to me?” This article explains how citizenship through a grandparent works, which documents are needed and what the first step is.
\nYes, it is possible. But the right through a grandparent is not direct or automatic. You must document that you descend from a Bulgarian line. For this, a “certificate of Bulgarian origin” is used.
\nTwo situations are common:
\nA certificate of Bulgarian origin is an official document showing your Bulgarian origin. Since 2025 it is issued by the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (ИАБЧ), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can apply in person in Sofia, by post or through the e-government portal. The decision takes 14 days.
\nYou can read the full process in what is a certificate of Bulgarian origin and how to get it.
\n\n\nThis certificate is not citizenship itself. It is an annex to the citizenship application. The citizenship decision is made separately by the Ministry of Justice.
\n
Each link from grandparent to grandchild must be documented. An example chain:
\n| Link | \nDocument to show | \n
|---|---|
| Grandfather or grandmother | \nBulgarian record, birth or citizenship information | \n
| Mother or father | \nCivil registry extract showing the tie to the grandparent | \n
| You | \nYour civil registry extract showing the tie to your parent | \n
In every link, the first name, surname and birth date must be the same. If names were changed later in your home country, this looks like a break between records.
\nDuring emigration, many people’s names were changed. A Bulgarian record may say “Ahmed” while the other record says “Ahmet”. A name equivalence certificate officially shows that two spellings belong to the same person. A missing or wrong certificate delays the file.
\nEvery file is different. Whether the grandparent is registered in Bulgaria, the middle generation’s status and which documents you hold change the list.
\nIn general, the shorter the line, the simpler the file. If your mother or father is a Bulgarian citizen, you do not need to go back to the grandparent. Still, in some families the middle generation’s record is lost. Then the grandparent’s record becomes the only solid link and the file is built from it.
\nThree things strengthen a grandchild’s file:
\nA grandparent’s death does not block the right. If no record is found, an archive search is done. Village or town names in old records may have changed, so knowing the birthplace under both old and new names helps. We explain who can apply through which route in who can get Bulgarian citizenship.
\nCitizenship by investment was abolished in 2022. Do not trust anyone who offers it. And do not pay anyone for a “language exam” on the origin route; it does not exist.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nYes, if you can document the family line. The strength of the file depends on the middle generation and on how consistent the documents are.
\nNo. On the Bulgarian origin route there is no language requirement. There is no requirement to live in Bulgaria either.
\nA citizenship application takes 1.5-3 years in practice. The certificate of Bulgarian origin is decided in 14 days.
\nYour right may continue. If the records can be documented, a parent’s death is not an obstacle.
\nThe side with the clearer record and more consistent documents is chosen. Our consultant reviews both sides and recommends the strongest file.
\nWe offer a free document review of your grandparent’s record and your documents. You can book an online appointment to ask questions. To see the whole process, visit our citizenship services page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaria-2115804_1920.B5I0wKew_FlRlg.jpeg","date_published":"2019-12-21T15:02:49.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","emigrants from Bulgaria","Bulgarian emigrants","Bulgaria"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-apply-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/how-to-apply-for-bulgarian-citizenship/","title":"How to Apply for Bulgarian Citizenship: Step-by-Step Guide","summary":"How to apply for Bulgarian citizenship: choose your route, prepare documents, file with the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or a consulate and track your file.","content_html":"To apply for Bulgarian citizenship, first decide which route you use (origin, marriage or residence), then prepare your documents with an apostille and a sworn Bulgarian translation. The application is filed in person with the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or through a Bulgarian consulate abroad. Once your file is created you receive a file number and PIN to check its status online.
\nThe procedure looks complicated at first, but the steps are clear. This article lists them in order. To learn who can apply, read who can get Bulgarian citizenship; for the conditions, read requirements for Bulgarian citizenship.
\nThere is no single type of application. The routes are Bulgarian origin, marriage, being the child of a Bulgarian citizen and long-term residence. Your document list and timing depend on the route. Filing under the wrong route can cost months or lead to a refusal.
\nOn the origin route you do not need Bulgarian, residence or income; you need to document the origin. Other routes have different conditions.
\nDocuments vary, but most files include:
\nEvery document issued abroad must carry an apostille and be translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator. See our guide to civil registry extracts and the apostille and our translation service.
\nOn the origin route the key document is the certificate of Bulgarian origin; read certificate of Bulgarian origin. If names differ across records, a name equivalence certificate may be needed.
\nThe application and its forms must be filled in completely, and the data must match your documents exactly. Even a small difference in the spelling of a name, a date of birth or a place name can delay the file. For help, see our tips for filling in the application form.
\n| Option | \nHow it works | \n
|---|---|
| Ministry of Justice, Sofia | \nYou file in person in Sofia. Your file is created straight away. | \n
| Bulgarian consulate abroad | \nYou file at the consulate in the country where you live. The consulate forwards the documents to the Ministry of Justice. | \n
Official information about Bulgarian missions is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Bulgaristanvatandas.com is not an official institution; it provides information and guidance.
\nWhen your application is accepted you receive a file number and PIN. With them you can check the file online. We explain the online tool in the citizenship file check system and the meaning of each status in the stages of the Bulgarian citizenship file.
\nYour file is examined by institutions in Bulgaria. This is the longest part. In practice the whole procedure usually takes 1.5 to 3 years. We describe each stage in how long Bulgarian citizenship takes. If extra documents are requested, you must send them within the time given.
\nIf the decision is positive, you collect your citizenship certificate from the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or at the consulate where you applied. Then you move on to the Bulgarian ID and passport; see how to get a Bulgarian passport. If the application is refused, see what to do if Bulgarian citizenship is refused.
\nYou can file the application yourself. Spotting record errors, name differences and missing documents before filing takes experience, though. We review your documents, tell you which route is right, help with preparing and translating documents and follow the file status with you. The cost items are explained in fees for Bulgarian citizenship. No consultant can guarantee the result; the decision belongs to the Bulgarian authorities.
\nYour file passes through several stages: registration, mandatory checks by the competent institutions, expert review and a final decision. You may be asked for extra documents, so keep your contact details current. Check the file now and then; there is no need to check weekly, since the status often stays the same for weeks.
\nMost of these are avoided by an expert check before filing. See also key points to watch in a citizenship application.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\nIn person at the Ministry of Justice in Sofia or through a Bulgarian consulate abroad.
\nYes. You can apply through a Bulgarian diplomatic mission in your country. The consulate forwards your documents to the Ministry of Justice.
\nUse the file number and PIN you received when applying to check it online.
\nIn practice usually 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the scope of the file and how busy the institutions are.
\nExtra documents are requested and you are given time to submit them. If they are not provided in time, the application may be closed.
\nFor route selection and document preparation see our citizenship services. Have your documents checked through the free document review or book an online appointment.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/bulgaria-2115804_1920.B5I0wKew_FlRlg.jpeg","date_published":"2019-12-21T12:19:26.000Z","date_modified":"2026-10-02T12:00:00.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","emigrants from Bulgaria","Bulgarian emigrants","Bulgaria","how to apply"]},{"id":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/can-bulgarian-emigrants-get-citizenship/","url":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/can-bulgarian-emigrants-get-citizenship/","title":"Can Bulgarian Emigrants Obtain Citizenship?","summary":"Emigrants from Bulgaria can apply for Bulgarian citizenship. The citizenship status check, the documents required and the short and long procedures explained.","content_html":"Emigrants from Bulgaria can apply for citizenship. Turks made up a large part of the population living in Bulgaria. Having lived on Bulgarian soil for a long time during the Ottoman period, they were forced to emigrate after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, as a result of disputes between the newly established Bulgarian state and the Republic of Turkey and Bulgaria’s policy of reducing its Turkish population. Turks holding Bulgarian citizenship thus came to the Republic of Turkey. Having explained why Bulgarian emigrants left, let us turn to the main question.
\nBulgarian emigrants, in other words people who lived in Bulgaria and then emigrated to Turkey, must first find out from the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice whether they are still citizens.
\nA number of documents must be prepared before a citizenship status check can be carried out.
\nOnce all these documents are complete, you can have a citizenship status check carried out by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice. After reviewing your file, the Ministry determines whether or not you are a Bulgarian citizen and replies accordingly.
\nCitizenship applications follow either a short or a long procedure.
\nIf the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice replies that you are a Bulgarian citizen, you can apply for Bulgarian documents under the short procedure.
For the citizenship application
If the Ministry of Justice replies that you are not a citizen, you can apply for citizenship under the long procedure.
To apply, you must first obtain a D visa by applying to the Bulgarian consulates in Turkey.
For people whose ancestors were Bulgarian citizens to apply, their parents must apply first.
At Bulgaristanvatandas, we provide guidance on Bulgarian citizenship and residence, giving you the most accurate information. With our support, you receive professional help throughout your citizenship and residence application, and we help Bulgarian emigrants regain their citizenship as easily as possible.
\nFor the full process, requirements and application steps, see our Bulgarian citizenship page.
\n","image":"https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/assets/photo_verybig_450336222214323.BruvqkKm_JXgrF.jpeg","date_published":"2019-12-19T19:17:04.000Z","date_modified":"2025-10-20T02:17:05.000Z","authors":[{"name":"BulgaristanVatandas.com"}],"tags":["Citizenship","bulgarian citizenship","emigrants from Bulgaria","Bulgarian emigrants","Bulgaria"]}]}