RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Family reunification (Part 24, Part 1, Vol. 13 and Vol. 18 of the LBPA)
Spouses and children holder of a residence permit, permanent residence or a citizen of Bulgaria can move to him without looking for a separate basis for legalization.
After one of the family members has received a residence permit in Bulgaria, his spouse and children under 18 years old can move in with him. There is no need to look for a separate reason for this – it is enough that the main applicant already resides in Bulgaria legally.
This is one of the most reliable and humane grounds for moving - the whole family lives together, in the same country, with official status. The ground applies to family members of Bulgarian citizens (v. 18) and holders of a residence permit or permanent residence (v. 13).
The process begins in Bulgaria: the main applicant submits documents to the migration service without the presence of relatives. After approval, family members receive a visa D at the consulate and enter the country. The average processing time is 1.5-2 months.
Who can get a residence permit by reunification
Spouse
Officially registered marriage. Each spouse prepares his own package of documents, including a marriage certificate with translation and legalization.
Children under 18 years of age
Unmarried and adopted children. A separate package of documents is prepared for each child.
Adult children
Only on the condition that for health reasons they cannot provide for themselves. Medical confirmation is required.
Holder of a residence permit
Member. 24, al. 1, vol. 13 of the ZCHRB
A foreign national with a valid residence permit in Bulgaria can reunite the family.
Holder of permanent residence
Member. 24, al. 1, vol. 13 of the ZCHRB
A foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit is the most stable basis for reunification.
Bulgarian Citizen
Member. 24, al. 1, vol. 18 of the ZCHRB
A Bulgarian citizen has the right to reunite with a foreign spouse and children on the territory of Bulgaria.
Important numbers
Full processing time from submission to receipt of a residence permit card
Number of family members who can be reunited at the same time
The period of residence permit of family members does not exceed the period of residence permit of the main applicant
Procedure
How does the process of family reunification in Bulgaria work?
The main applicant receives a residence permit
First, one of the family members receives a residence permit (or permanent residence, or is a Bulgarian citizen). Without this, family reunification is impossible – this is a prerequisite.
Submission of documents to the migration service
The main applicant submits documents for reunification to the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Bulgaria – without the presence of family members. A separate package of documents is prepared for each member.
Obtaining permission for reunification
After approval, the migration service issues a permit for family reunification. With this document, family members apply to the Bulgarian consulate in their country to obtain a visa D.
Obtaining a visa D at the consulate
Each family member submits documents to the Bulgarian consulate in person – including children. After obtaining a visa, D enters Bulgaria.
Obtaining a residence permit card in Bulgaria
After entry, each family member submits documents for a residence permit to the migration service at the place of residence. The card is issued for a period of no more than the residence permit of the main applicant.
📋 Submitted by the main applicant to the migration service
Copy of the residence permit card of the main applicant
Marriage Certificate
With translation into Bulgarian and legalization (apostille)
Children's birth certificate
With translation into Bulgarian and legalization (apostille)
Declaration on the provision of housing and maintenance
It is drawn up at a Bulgarian notary
Consent of the second parent for the relocation of children
Notarized, translated and legalized
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement or notarial deed of the property
A copy of the passport of the family member to be reunited
🛂 Submitted by each family member at the consulate
International passport
Valid for at least 18 months
Permission for reunification
Issued by the Bulgarian Migration Service
Document of kinship
Marriage or birth certificate with translation into Bulgarian
Certificate of no criminal record
For persons over 18 years of age, with an apostille and translation into Bulgarian
Health insurance
Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR in Bulgaria
Bank statement or declaration of the main applicant
A separate account is not required – the main applicant's account can be used
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