How to obtain Bulgarian citizenship - procedure explained

published on 5/9/24 2:45 PM

Photo: BGNES

In a previous publication Radio Bulgaria offered an overview of the conditions and grounds for acquiring Bulgarian citizenship. In the following lines we will elaborate on the steps of the procedure itself.

The first one is to submit an application for Bulgarian citizenship, which must be written in Bulgarian and submitted in person at:

- The Ministry of Justice, or

- At a diplomatic or consular representation of Bulgaria abroad.

A list of the required documents is published on the Ministry of Justice website and is available in Bulgarian and English.

How are applications filed for persons under 18 years of age?

- For persons up to the age of 14, the application must be submitted by both parents (if one parent is not deprived of parental rights) or by the guardian.

- For persons aged 14 to 18, the application must be submitted in person with the consent of the parents or guardian who sign it.

When the application is submitted, if it is established that all the necessary documents have been submitted, an interview with the applicants is also conducted, which:

- shall be conducted in Bulgarian;

- is on a questionnaire approved by the Minister of Justice.

What is the purpose of the interview?

- To get an idea of the applicant's command of the Bulgarian language, whether he/she is basically familiar with the state structure of Bulgaria, various areas of the country's public life, holidays, famous historical figures, what are his/her motives for wanting to acquire Bulgarian citizenship.

How can one follow the progress of their application for citizenship?

- Through the website of the Ministry of Justice, in the section "Bulgarian Citizenship", by the registration number and PIN received when submitting the documents.

By whom is the citizenship decree issued and when does it enter into force?

- The decree is issued by the President and comes into force on the day it is issued.

Read also: