Bulgarian citizenship: grounds and procedure

There are several ways to obtain a Bulgarian passport. The simplest option is to be an ethnic Bulgarian; citizenship can also be obtained by place of birth, after lawful long-term residence in the country, or for special merits. To obtain citizenship you must apply to the Ministry of Justice.

Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship is governed by the relevant law. It provides for several ways to become a Bulgarian citizen:

• origin
• place of birth
• naturalisation (this also covers obtaining a passport for special merits to the state)

Important: even if a person meets all the conditions for citizenship by naturalisation, their application may be rejected if there are serious grounds to believe that the applicant poses a serious threat to national security, public order, morals or public health.

Procedure

To obtain citizenship you must apply in person to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice with the relevant application. The following are attached to the application:

— a copy of the identity document;

— documents confirming the ground for obtaining citizenship and compliance with the conditions set.

The list of such documents varies depending on the ground on which the foreign national plans to become a Bulgarian citizen. For example, ethnic Bulgarians must attach a certificate of origin, investors — the relevant certificates, and foreign nationals who have resided permanently in the country for 5 years — papers proving this fact, a certificate of a passed language exam and the other documents provided for by law.

If citizenship is granted for merits to Bulgaria, the proposal is submitted by the minister of the relevant field and is considered by a special commission. The applicant does not need to collect documents; it is enough to confirm their willingness to become a Bulgarian citizen.

An interview is held when the application is submitted. In the case of minors, the interview is held with their parents (if the child is under 14) or in the presence of the parents (if the child is over 14). The questions asked during the interview make it possible to assess how familiar the applicant is with the history, culture and political system of Bulgaria. In some cases the interview is conducted with the help of an interpreter.

The decision is taken by a special commission at the Ministry of Justice. Based on the results of the commission's work, the President of Bulgaria issues a decree granting citizenship. The decree enters into force on the day it is issued.

The application is processed within a period ranging from three months (citizenship for merits) to a year and a half (citizenship by naturalisation).

Categories of citizenship

• Citizenship in Bulgaria by naturalisation
• Citizenship in Bulgaria by origin
• Citizenship in Bulgaria for special merits