Permanent residence permit in Bulgaria for a child

If at least one of the parents of a foreign child obtains permanent residence in Bulgaria, the child can also obtain a permanent residence permit. Not everyone knows, however, that a minor can obtain a permanent residence permit independently of the parents as well.

This option is worth considering if the parent may face difficulties in obtaining or retaining a permanent residence permit. For example, foreigners who pose a threat to the country’s security or who obtained the status unlawfully (for instance, by submitting forged documents) lose permanent residence in Bulgaria. Law-abiding citizens can also lose their permanent residence permit if they are absent from Bulgaria for 12 consecutive months. Exceptions are made only if a state of emergency has been declared in the country, or if the foreigner was unable to come to the country for medical reasons – for example, was undergoing treatment in another country.

If the parent loses the right to reside permanently in Bulgaria, the child who obtained the permanent residence permit together with the parent may also lose their status. To avoid this problem, permanent residence can be arranged for the child separately from the parents. For this, the minor must have resided lawfully in Bulgaria with a long-term residence permit for 5 years. The period of absence from Bulgaria during this time must not exceed 30 months. In this case the child can apply for a permanent residence permit regardless of what status the parents have.

What is required for this?

To obtain a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria under Art. 25, para. 1, item 5, a minor must submit the following documents to the migration service:

• a foreign passport and a plain copy of it (the pages with the photo and with the date of the last entry into the country);
• a birth certificate (translated and legalised) and a notarised copy of it;
• an ID card and a plain copy of it;
• a declaration from the parents consenting to the child obtaining a permanent residence permit;
• a declaration from the parents on providing the child with finances and housing;
• a completed application for a permanent residence permit.

The fee for processing the application is 10 leva. The processing period is 2 months. After the permit is granted, a fee of 1000 leva must be paid for the permanent residence permit. Immediately after obtaining a permanent address and an EGN at the municipality of residence, an ID card can be ordered for 5 years. The cost of issuing it is 45 leva, and the issuing period is 30 days.

The specialists of Bulgarian Expert are ready to advise you on obtaining a long-term residence permit, EU long-term resident status or a permanent residence permit in Bulgaria, and to prepare the necessary documents.

Long-term residence permit in Bulgaria

Permanent residence permit in Bulgaria

EU long-term resident status and permanent residence permit in Bulgaria: what is the difference?