Request for a free consultation

Bulgarian citizenship: how to apply for foreigners in 2025

As a rule, immigrants apply for Bulgarian citizenship for a wide list of advantages it provides. Among the main privileges are freedom of movement in Europe and the world, official work in the EU countries, international business development, access to developed health care and education systems, banking structures.

Those who move here with a residence permit and have been living here for ten years or more, as well as those who demonstrate the required level of social integration, can obtain a Bulgarian passport in the general order. The faster status of a citizen is granted to key investors who have invested in the country from 511 300 EUR and to repatriates (those who have an ethnic relation to the people of the Republic).

Contact migration specialists to apply for a Bulgarian passport in just 4-12 months. A personal Relocation Compass lawyer will check your documents and draw up a personalized action plan for simplified acquisition of a second EU citizenship.

Migration legislation of Bulgaria

Information on refistration the status of a citizen of the Republic of Bulgaria is provided in the national law “For Bulgarian Citizenship” of 1999. Important points are also regulated by the Constitution of the country and international treaties. For participants in the naturalization procedure (ordinary and accelerated), the legal act “For aliens” is also relevant. It lists the grounds and rules for formalizing the status of temporary and permanent resident.

In general, the migration policy of Bulgaria is quite loyal, as the legislation has a large number of grounds for opening a residence permit and participating in the naturalization process. Among the popular ones is residency for financially independent persons, pensioners and investors. Those who are ready to invest solid capital in the economy of the state can reduce the waiting period for citizenship by half. The country also allows repatriates to obtain a passport as quickly and easily as possible – they are subject to minimum requirements.

Who is eligible to apply for Bulgarian citizenship?  

Children who have at least one of their parents with the same document can obtain a Bulgarian passport, as well as:

  • immigrants who have been living in the country for more than 10 years and have integrated into the local environment;
  • spouses of citizens of the republic 8 years after moving to the country;
  • key investors who have invested approximately half a million euros in the state and have lived in its territory for at least five years;
  • repatriates who have documented their Bulgarian origin.

The list of requirements for the applicant depends on the basis on which he/she acquires Bulgarian citizenship. In any case, those who apply for a passport not by birthright need to be of legal age and law-abiding. In addition, immigrants undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are free of communicable diseases dangerous to society. Standard naturalization requires renunciation of previous citizenship, passing a language test, and demonstrating financial security.

The basic list of documents for citizenship in Bulgaria, includes:

  • a standardized application form and CV;
  • birth, marriage and divorce certificates;
  • certificate of no criminal record from the home country;
  • proof of absence of offenses on Bulgarian territory (provided by the Prosecutor’s Office);
  • positive results of medical examination;
  • passport for traveling abroad with photocopies;
  • a recent 35 x 45 mm color photo;
  • receipt for payment of the administrative fee.

Documents issued abroad are usually translated into Bulgarian and notarized. Sometimes an apostille may be required.

Ways of obtaining Bulgarian citizenship  

There are three main options for obtaining a passport in Bulgaria – standard naturalization, accelerated procedure for financial investments in the economy of the republic and by origin. The easiest way to obtain citizenship is for repatriates who do not need to open a residence permit, live in the country long before acquiring the status, learn a new language and provide proof of income. It is enough to present documents proving the candidate’s ethnic belonging to the people of the republic.

General naturalization is an option that suits everyone who has a reason to move and stay in Bulgaria for a long time. It is a long procedure that requires settling in the country and having strong ties with it. Naturalization can be accelerated by investing in the republic in accordance with local laws. It is impossible to directly buy Bulgarian citizenship even for a large amount. Also, in the country there is no passport issuance through childbirth. A child born in the republic receives the citizenship of his parents (or one of them).

Repatriation – Bulgarian citizenship by roots  

The repatriation program provides an opportunity to restore the status of Bulgarian citizen by “blood right” in a simplified procedure. To do so, it is sufficient to prove that you have at least one ancestor of Bulgarian origin in your family tree. It is allowed to be related up to the third generation in the direct ascending line inclusive – you can participate in the procedure as a grandson or great-grandson of the respective relative.

In the twentieth century on the territory of modern Bulgaria were active migration processes, caused by the country’s participation in the major wars of the century and repeated changes in its territorial boundaries. Therefore, it is possible to find the necessary roots for participation in the repatriation program for many foreigners from different parts of the world. The main thing is to conduct a competent legal analysis of the biography, with what the specialized experts help.

When applying for a Bulgarian passport through repatriation, you do not need to move to the republic and observe the period of sedentary (residence) in it, as in the case of naturalization. You are also exempted from language testing and demonstration of income. It is enough to be over 18 years of age, have no criminal record and document your ethnicity. Repatriates, unlike naturalized foreigners, have the right to keep their previous passport.

You can check your chances of participating in the repatriation program at a free consultation with Relocation Compass international law specialist. It takes a maximum of one year to apply for a second passport in Bulgaria with the help of migration lawyers, and you will avoid going through complicated bureaucratic procedures and large expenses.

Investment – simplified naturalization

It is not possible to directly obtain Bulgarian citizenship for investment. The state program of “golden passports” was suspended in March 2022. However, those who invest in the country’s economy from one million leva (approximately 500 thousand EUR) can immediately obtain the status of permanent resident. Thanks to this, the period of residency is reduced by half – up to 5 years instead of the standard 10 on general naturalization. It is possible to make a financial contribution to the rights under concession agreements, shares and units of collective investment schemes, alternative investment funds, private and public companies.

The final amount of investment required for Bulgarian residence permit depends on the chosen investment option and can be up to 3 000 000 EUR. At the same time, you subsequently apply for citizenship in compliance with the general requirements of naturalization, except for the period of residence, which is reduced. You will need to learn the national language, provide information on income and renounce your native citizenship. Also, in the country there is an opportunity to open a residence permit for investment in a smaller amount – from 128 000 EUR, which will be the basis for the start of the standard procedure of naturalization.

General naturalization

You can apply for Bulgarian citizenship in the standard procedure after 5 years of residence in the country with a permanent resident card. You must have a permanent residence permit or a residence permit (long-term residence permit). Permanent residence is also granted after five years of residence in the country with an immigration type residence permit. The total period of residence for naturalization is usually 10 years from the date of moving on the primary residence permit (8 years – for spouses of citizens of the republic). It is possible to open a temporary resident card on one of these grounds:

  • Official employment.
    It is possible to move to Bulgaria after concluding an employment contract with a local employer. It is important to have a specialized education. Foreigners are hired if the vacancy was rejected by EU citizens. The exception is highly qualified specialists who apply for the EU Blue Card in a special order.
  • Running a business.
    Bulgaria grants residency to those who buy or open a company on its territory. The condition for granting a residence permit is the creation and maintenance of 10 jobs for citizens of the republic. The amount of start-up capital and the scope of activities for immigrants is not set by law.
  • Investment.
    Bulgarian residence permit is granted to investors who invest in economically backward regions of the country from 128 000 EUR. The minimum amount for buyers of real estate in the country increases up to 308,000 EUR. Naturalization in this case takes place in the usual manner.
  • Professional activity.
    The right of temporary residence in Bulgaria is granted to self-employed foreigners, e.g., those who work remotely, provide services as self-employed entrepreneurs or have an independent profession (actors, athletes, teachers). In each case it is necessary to provide information about their education and/or work experience.
  • University studies.
    When you enroll in a university in Bulgaria, you will also receive a residence card. It can be renewed until you receive your diploma, and afterwards it can be converted into a residence permit for finding a job or starting a business. The student residence permit counts for only 50% of the residency period, which increases the waiting time for naturalization.
  • Family circumstances.
    Temporary residency is granted to family members of local residents. These may be husband or wife, minor and unmarried children, and parents. The receiving party must provide the invited relatives with a place to live in the country and undertake to provide for them.
  • Financial independence.
    It is possible to live on the territory of Bulgaria at the expense of one’s own funds received as remote or passive income. In particular, such a program is popular among foreign pensioners who immigrate to a warm and inexpensive country in Eastern Europe with the prospect of subsequent passport issuance.

One observance of the term of naturalization in Bulgaria is not enough. You also need to have a legal and permanent source of livelihood, pass the state language exam and give up your passport in your home country. Spouses of Bulgarians and citizens of EU, EEA and Swiss countries can retain their former citizenship.

The table below summarizes the characteristic features of the different ways of acquiring a Bulgarian passport.

Method of citizenship processingWaiting periodAverage program cost, EUR (administrative fees)Renunciation of former citizenship
Naturalization10from 600+
Repatriation4–12 monthsfrom 15
Investments5from 512 000+

How to obtain Bulgarian citizenship under a simplified program  

Restoration of citizenship in Bulgaria by roots step by step is as follows:

  1. Legal analysis of the biography and formation of the dossier.
    Migration specialist checks your right to repatriation, collects and requests missing documents. The basic immigrant file is supplemented with the birth certificate of a Bulgarian ancestor and other relatives in the direct line.
  2. Submission of the documents for citizenship.
    Citizenship status can be requested at the Bulgarian consulate/embassy in the home country or directly at the Ministry of Justice after entering the Republic. A prior appointment will be required. When submitting your dossier, you will have a brief interview at which you can use the services of an interpreter.
  3. Obtaining citizenship and passport.
    By law, repatriation requests are processed within nine months, but in practice the waiting period can be much shorter. Once your application is approved, you will receive a citizenship document and with it you will apply for a national passport.

Repatriation is the easiest way to obtain a Bulgarian passport. You can submit a request and wait for a decision in your home country without changing your usual way of life. You will not have to learn the Bulgarian language and integrate into the society. Also attractive is the possibility to obtain a second citizenship with the same status in your home country, which is not available to naturalized immigrants.

Relocation Compass migration specialists offer step-by-step support for quick and easy passport application in Bulgaria. You can delegate most of the tasks to professionals in the field of international law and guaranteed second citizenship in the European Union without unnecessary worries and efforts.

Start Your EU Citizenship Application Now!

Procedure for obtaining Bulgarian citizenship

Naturalization in Bulgaria consists of the following steps:

  1. Moving with a national visa.
    You select a legitimate reason that entitles you to obtain Bulgarian residency, after which you apply to the diplomatic mission for a D visa. With it you should arrive in the republic and apply for residence permit before the expiration of the entry permit.
  2. Opening and prolongation of residence permit.
    You need to request a temporary resident card at the Migration Service of Bulgaria – for this purpose you will need to submit a package of documents and be fingerprinted. Usually, the residence permit is valid for up to 12 months – it is extended if you still have a reason to stay in the country.
  3. Registration of permanent residency.
    You apply for a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence permit after 5 years of continuous stay in Bulgaria with an immigration-type residence permit. The document is also formalized at the migration service.
  4. Applying for citizenship.
    After living in Bulgaria for five years or more with a permanent/long-term residence permit, you have the right to apply for citizenship by naturalization if you meet the other requirements. The application and dossier are submitted to the Ministry of Justice after an interview.
  5. Obtaining citizenship and passport.
    Requests from naturalized immigrants are processed up to one year from the date of submission. If the application is approved, you are granted citizenship status and apply for new national documents.

Denial and revocation of citizenship

Granting a Bulgarian passport is denied to those who have not fulfilled at least one of the conditions of the relevant procedure or who do not meet the requirements for the applicant. Requests are often rejected due to formal mistakes during the formation of the dossier or during the interview. It is also possible to be rejected for reasons of national security.

Article 22 of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act provides for the cancellation of naturalization if it is found that a participant in the program has committed fraudulent acts, provided false documents or concealed from the authorities important data about him/herself. A passport may be revoked in case of committing a serious crime, for example, related to terrorism and extremism.

Advantages of Bulgarian citizenship

A Bulgarian passport gives you the right to conduct business and official employment in all EU countries, as well as access to the following advantages and benefits:

  • free education in prestigious European universities;
  • visiting more than 160 countries of the world without opening a visa at an embassy;
  • permission for free family immigration to any of the EU countries;
  • participation in European funding programs (e.g., for start-ups);
  • unlimited service in EU banks and hospitals;
  • representation of commercial interests at the international level;
  • obtaining entry permits to popular countries like the USA;
  • simplified citizenship for children and descendants.
Bulgarian citizenship

Dual citizenship in Bulgaria

There are no agreements between Bulgaria and other states on mutual recognition of dual citizenship. When naturalizing in the republic, it is necessary to renounce the passport in the home country. The right to a second (or multiple) citizenship is available to those who receive it upon repatriation, as well as to EU citizens, husbands and wives of Bulgarians. There is no information regarding the notification by the country’s authorities of the issuance of national passports by foreigners in official sources. After obtaining the second citizenship you will be for each of the states only its citizen.

Feedback from those who have obtained a Bulgarian passport

According to immigrants’ feedback, Bulgarian passport issuance is a rather labor-intensive procedure that requires certain legal knowledge. The candidate will need to understand the list of required documents, to know where to seek missing certificates and statements, make an appointment at the competent authorities in time. It is also important to properly prepare for the interview in order to understand what questions you will need to answer.

The price of Bulgarian citizenship registration, as reported by immigrants, also depends on cooperation with specialists. Relocation Compass lawyers help to save maximum time and money, as they take on most of the tasks of the program. With their participation, you will not need to understand all the legislative aspects on your own, and you will have to wait only 4-12 months.

Assistance in applying for second citizenship

Migration specialists provide comprehensive assistance in obtaining Bulgarian citizenship through a simplified procedure. A personal lawyer finds an individual approach to each situation, taking into account the wishes and peculiarities of the candidate’s file. Relocation Compass specialists know all aspects of international law, which guarantees a successful result in a short period of time.

Your participation in the procedure is minimized, at any time you can ask clarifying questions and inquire about the progress of the case. You can sign up for a free legal consultation right now to check your chances of obtaining a Bulgarian passport in 2025.

Alex Wong

Author:

Alex Wong

Immigration lawyer at Relocation Compass

Reading:

12 minutes

Rating:
Date: 31-01-2025
Leave a comment

No comments

Legal support in applying for EU citizenship

Immigration Compass

Crossing borders of 160+ countries without visas

Immigration Compass

No language study or exams

Immigration Compass

No residency required

Immigration Compass

Keeping your first passport

Term of passport obtainment – upwards of 12 months