Bulgaria is open to refugees from Ukraine

Under the law, citizens of Ukraine may stay on the territory of Bulgaria without legal grounds for no more than 90 days, but in view of the current situation the right to stay lawfully on the territory of Bulgaria is extended until a Decision on granting asylum is issued. To obtain such a decision, the relevant application must be filled in in Sofia.

Refugees should therefore approach the Registration and Reception Centre RPC-Sofia as early as possible, located at: Sofia, Ovcha Kupel district, 21A Montevideo St. There they should fill in an application (молба) for asylum for refugees (закрила на бежанците).

The application is reviewed within 6 months. During this time the applicant’s situation must be examined and a decision taken on granting them refugee status. For this period refugees are provided with accommodation (a hostel), food and the necessary living conditions. While the application is being reviewed, refugees may also live at other addresses, for example with acquaintances, if this is possible.

Three months after the application is submitted, if a decision has not yet been taken, refugees acquire the right to work and to health insurance.

Although men are currently not being allowed across the Ukrainian border, this is still a good opportunity for those who have managed to get through, as well as for women and children.

Bulgaria already has several localities with facilities ready to receive refugees. Many Bulgarians are also writing on social media that they are ready to help those in need with accommodation, food and medicines.