In most cases, in order for a foreigner to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, he needs to live in the country for 5 years with a residence permit, then the same number with a permanent residence permit. The exception is ethnic Bulgarians or descendants of citizens of the country. For them, the process is as simplified as possible.

What do you need to obtain Bulgarian citizenship with all the benefits that it provides?

1. Collecting documents

First of all, you need to take care to prove your Bulgarian origin. Therefore, it is necessary to collect documents confirming this fact, which can be issued: • By government agencies (in any country). • The Bulgarian Orthodox Church. • Registered Bulgarian diasporas outside the country. If there are no indications of Bulgarian origin in the applicant's documents, documents of ancestors in the direct line – from parents to great-grandparents, as well as evidence of family ties with them are provided. All documentation must be translated into Bulgarian, and then legalize. Important: copies (even notarized) of birth certificates are not accepted, duplicates must be issued!

Now you can move on to the second step.

2. Obtain a certificate of origin

The issuance of such certificates is carried out by DABC – Darzhavna Agency for Bulgaria in Chuzhbina. First you need to website of this state body  Fill out the application form. After filling out the application, it is assigned a number, and a date is set when it is necessary to submit documents. In addition to proof of origin, you will need: • A copy of the international passport indicating the address of residence. • A duplicate (notarized copy is not accepted) of the birth certificate, its legalized translation. • Application according to the sample presented on the website of the Association of Emergency Workers. • Declaration on the Bulgarian National Consciousness. • Data on close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, spouses, children) – full name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, passport address. On the specified day, you must come to the DABC in Sofia (address – Dondukov Boulevard, 2 A) and personally provide all the documents. On average, the process takes about 10 months.

3. Obtaining citizenship in the Ministry of Justice

With a certificate issued by the DABC, you can apply for citizenship. In this case, too, the submission of documents is carried out exclusively by the applicant himself. The following papers will be required: • Copy of international passport. • A duplicate of the birth certificate (copies are not accepted, even certified ones), with a legalized translation. • Certificate of Bulgarian origin. • Proof of Bulgarian roots (the same as for obtaining a certificate). • A certificate of no criminal record stating that it was issued to obtain Bulgarian citizenship. Certificates must be obtained in the country of citizenship and in the country of residence. • A medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that are listed in the Law on Health Care – AIDS, syphilis, other infections, as well as mental illnesses that require special treatment. The certificate must contain a note that the document is intended for receipt citizenship. • Application. • Photography. • Receipt of payment of the fee. When submitting documents, an interview date is set. On average, you have to wait for it for about a year. The interview is conducted in Bulgarian, if necessary, you can bring an interpreter with you. The questions are simple – about profession, education, plans for life in Bulgaria, knowledge of Bulgarian public holidays.

4. Decree

About 12-18 months after the interview, a decree on obtaining citizenship is issued. You must receive this document in person. From this moment on, you are a full-fledged Bulgarian citizen, and you can enjoy all the opportunities that this status provides. After receiving the decree, it remains to re-issue all the documents – get a permanent address, change your identity card, get a passport, change your driver's license. The Migration Center "Window to Bulgaria" provides assistance in obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by origin. We will help you with translation and legalization of documents, escort to the DABC and to the Ministry of Justice.