---
title: "Why Are Bulgarian Citizenship Files Delayed? Solutions for Long-Running Files"
url: https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/why-bulgarian-citizenship-files-are-delayed/
lang: en
published: 2026-10-16
description: "Why has your Bulgarian citizenship file been stuck for months? Security checks, document reviews and requests for documents. When to worry, what to do."
source: BulgaristanVatandas.com (https://bulgaristanvatandas.com)
---
# Why Are Bulgarian Citizenship Files Delayed? Solutions for Long-Running Files
**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.**
"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.
## Which stages does the file go through?
| Stage | What happens? | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Application and file creation | Documents reach the Ministry of Justice and a file number is issued | A few weeks to a few months via the consulate |
| Mandatory coordination | The Ministry of Interior and security agencies check the file | One of the longest stages |
| Expert review | Experts of the Citizenship Directorate check the file a final time | A few months |
| Citizenship Council | The Council gives its opinion on the file | Depends on the meeting schedule |
| Vice President | The citizenship decree (ukaz) is signed | A few weeks to a few months |
We explain how each stage appears in the tracking system in our article on the [interview and file stages](/en/stages-of-the-bulgarian-citizenship-application/).
## Why are files delayed?
### 1. Security checks
The 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.
### 2. Document authenticity checks
Because 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.
### 3. Request for additional documents
If 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.
### 4. Inconsistent information
Names 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](/en/name-equivalence-certificate-bulgaria/) and consistent translations, the delay is avoided.
### 5. Periodic workload
When the number of applications rises, every stage takes longer. The Council's meeting schedule and the frequency of decree signing also affect timing.
### 6. The consulate route
If 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.
## When should you worry?
| Situation | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting at the same stage for months | Usually normal | Check regularly |
| "Irregular / Additional" status | A document is missing | Prepare the documents immediately |
| "Additional review" note | Document authenticity is being checked | Keep the originals ready |
| No file number ever created | The application may not have reached Sofia | Contact the place where you applied |
| Refusal status | A decision has been made | Review the reason |
## What can speed up the process?
- **Prepare the file completely before applying.** The biggest delays come from requests for additional documents.
- **Obtain documents only from official sources.** A doubtful document leads to months of extra review.
- **Check the file status regularly.** You can use our [Bulgarian citizenship file tracking](/en/bulgarian-citizenship-file-status-check-launched/) system.
- **Answer requests for documents quickly.** Apostille and translation take time, so start without waiting.
- **Keep your contact details up to date.**
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](/en/how-to-choose-a-bulgarian-citizenship-consultant/).
## Frequently asked questions
How long does Bulgarian citizenship take?
In practice it takes an average of 1.5-3 years from application to decision. Details: [how long does Bulgarian citizenship take?](/en/evaluation-process-and-timelines-for-bulgarian-citizenship/)
How long does mandatory coordination take?
There is no fixed time; it depends on the agencies' workload and is one of the longest stages of the process.
Does writing to the Ministry speed up the file?
Usually not. However, if no file number was ever created, or if you are not sure whether a document arrived, asking for information can help.
What happens if my file is refused?
After 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](/en/bulgarian-citizenship-application-refused/)