Along with the citizenship of Bulgaria based on the origin (country of birth) or citizenship of Bulgaria received by birth in Bulgaria, one is able to gain Bulgarian citizenship by undergoing the process of naturalisation. Naturalisation is the process that is associated with the fact that the applicant can receive a Bulgarian citizenship under the condition that he or she is able to meet the requirements of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act.
If a person was not a citizen at birth, they should be naturalised. To gain naturalised citizenship of Bulgaria, an applicant is required to have a series of general eligibility and residential requirements.
Becoming a Bulgarian citizen by naturalisation involves meeting residency, language, and legal requirements. The procedure of doing so is in steps:
Eligibility requirements
To obtain the Bulgarian citizenship in a naturalised way, you are to:
Residency requirement
5 years of legal residence in Bulgaria (with a valid long-term visa or residence permit).
Reduced to 3 years if:
- You are married to a Bulgarian citizen, and you have over 3 years of marriage.
- You are of Bulgarian origin.
No criminal record
You must not have a serious criminal record in Bulgaria or your home country.
Stable Income & housing
Proof of financial stability (employment, business, or sufficient savings).
A registered address in Bulgaria.
Language & Integration
Basic Bulgarian language proficiency (A2 level or higher).
Knowledge of Bulgarian history, laws, and culture (test may be required).
Renunciation of Previous Citizenship (Optional)
Bulgaria allows dual citizenship, but some countries require renunciation.
Application process
Gather required documents:
- Acceptable Passport and residence permit.
- Birth certificate (apostilled & translated).
- Criminal record clearance (from home country & Bulgaria).
- Proof of income (tax returns, employment contract, bank statements).
Submit Application:
- File at the Ministry of Justice or a regional court in your district.
- Pay the application fee (~20-50 BGN, may vary).
Approval & Oath Ceremony:
- Processing takes 6 months to 2 years.
- If approved, you must take an oath of allegiance to Bulgaria.
Receive Citizenship Certificate & ID. After the oath, you’ll get a Bulgarian ID card and a passport.
After 5 years of legal stay, you can apply for permanent residence, then citizenship.
Benefits of Bulgarian Citizenship
- EU Passport – Visa-free travel to 170+ countries.
- Dual Citizenship Allowed (if your home country permits it).
- Access to EU Jobs, Education & Healthcare.
- Right to Vote & Own Land in Bulgaria.
Important notes
Bulgaria does not allow citizenship by birthright (jus soli). The process is discretionary approval is not guaranteed. Consult an immigration lawyer if you have complex cases (e.g., military service obligations in another country).
European Union citizenship
Since Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, Bulgarian citizens are also citizens of the European Union under European Union law and thus have the right of freedom of movement within the EU and have the right to vote in elections for the European Parliament. In the event of a Bulgarian citizen being in a country outside the EU in which a Bulgarian embassy or representation does not exist, he has the right to consular protection by the embassy of any other EU country located in the country in question.
Bulgarian citizens can live and work in any country within the EU and EFTA as a result of the right of free movement and residence granted in Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Bulgarian citizens’ travel freedom
Visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens:
The visa requirements concerning Bulgarian citizens are the administrative entry barriers to the authorities of other states imposed to Bulgarian citizens. As of 2015, Bulgarian citizens can visit 150 countries and territories without a visa or through a visa on arrival, putting the Bulgarian passport in the 18th place in the world based on the Visa Restrictions Index.
In 2017, the Bulgarian nationality was ranked twenty-sixth in the Nationality Index (QNI). This index is contrasted to the Visa Restrictions Index, which concentrates on the external factors, such as the freedom of travel. In internal considerations, the QNI takes into consideration, in addition to travel freedom, peace & stability, strength of the economy, and human development.
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