Under certain conditions Bulgaria allows dual citizenship. Natural born Bulgarian citizens may keep their Bulgarian citizenship when they obtain the citizenship of a foreign state. Also, dual citizenship is permitted to the spouses of Bulgarian citizens, the citizens of the EU member states, and the countries that Bulgaria has a reciprocity agreement.
Dual citizenship is permitted in Bulgaria and this is a huge benefit to the Brazils who have Bulgarian ancestry or those who qualify under the legal requirements to be naturalised in Bulgaria. Such status enables the citizen to retain their original nationality and enjoy the privileges and advantages of Bulgarian citizen, including right to live, study and work freely in the European Union (EU) countries.
The process involved
Application procedure: The Bulgarian ancestry is the most widespread option to receive dual citizenship, in case it is desired by the Brazilians. In case you have a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother of Bulgarian descent, you may apply directly for citizenship provided that you submit documents evidencing this relation. Like birth certificates, marriage certificates and any other documents showing the genealogical line.
The other possible option is naturalisation, following the completion of a legal residence of at least 10 years in Bulgaria. They have to demonstrate in this case that they have been integrated into the society, which means they must be fluent in the Bulgarian language, and must know the culture and the history of the country.
Dual citizenship can be acquired by following a procedure during which a set of documents has to be presented to the Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria. Moreover, the applicant has to succeed in history and language-related interview and tests. depending on the complexity of the cases and the number of applications that are pending, the process can consume several years.
Dual citizenship comes with two important advantages to the Brazilian people:
- Ease of access to the job market.
- Educational system within the European Union.
- It is a chance to have a wider world without forgetting about Brazil.
Who is eligible to claim dual citizenship in Bulgaria
They include:
Native-born Bulgarians
Persons born in Bulgaria and having gained Bulgarian citizenship by birth (ius soli) or descent (ius sanguinis) may keep their Bulgarian citizenship when they become citizens of a different country.
Married to a Bulgarian citizen
Holders of a Bulgarian citizen marriage are allowed to keep their initial citizenship as they naturalise in Bulgaria.
EU Citizens
People holding the citizenship of a member state of the European Union (EU) may acquire Bulgarian citizenship in addition to their EU citizenship.
Nationals of Countries with Reciprocity
There is also a reciprocity agreement between Bulgaria and certain countries, under which citizens of the latter can have Bulgarian citizenship without having to renounce their original citizenship.
Bulgarian Origin Citizens
Dual citizenship may also be granted to naturalised citizens who can demonstrate their Bulgarian ancestry (e.g. via ancestry).
Who usually has to give up their old citizenship to get Bulgarian citizenship
Non-native Bulgarians: As a rule, the persons naturalising in Bulgaria and falling outside the above-mentioned categories must renounce their former citizenship.
Investment Program: The Golden Visa program in Bulgaria does not lead to citizenship or dual citizenship, although it provides a way to get permanent residency. Other people may need to have evidence of a legitimate investment to acquire Bulgarian citizenship.
Renunciation of Bulgarian Citizens: Those people who have already rejected their Bulgarian citizenship may apply to have it restored and enjoy dual citizenship with their present one.
Bulgarian citizenship Act
The Bulgarian Citizenship Act sets the particular conditions and prerequisites by which Bulgarian citizenship, inclusive of dual citizenship, may be obtained and retained.
Report on dual citizenship
There is a detailed report on dual citizenship in different countries, including Bulgaria, that is online.
EU Citizenship
Acquisition of Bulgarian citizenship is one thing and becoming an EU citizen is another thing. Citizens of EU enjoy the right of free movement in the EU which however does not imply that they acquire Bulgarian citizenship or dual citizenship.
Take away
To conclude, dual citizenship in Bulgaria can exist; however, it is mostly limited to those who are born in the country and to the spouses of Bulgarian citizens. EU citizens, Naturalised citizens. In most cases, naturalised citizens are required to give up their initial citizenship unless they fall under one of the exceptions, which include demonstrating Bulgarian ancestry or qualifying under the Golden Visa programme.
You can also view this posts;
Preparing for the immigration interview in Sweden
Preparing for the immigration interview in Croatia
Preparing for the immigration interview in Bulgaria
