Bulgarian citizenship by naturalisation
Under article 12(1) of the Bulgarian Citizenship Act, an adult can apply for naturalisation if they obtained a permanent or long-term residence permit at least 5 years before applying. They must also have no conviction for an intentional crime and speak Bulgarian. People of Bulgarian origin can use easier rules under article 15.
Life in Bulgaria
Money
3
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
BGN
Bulgarian Lev
Cost of living
24
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
Flat 10% on the annual tax base after mandatory social contributions; 15% for sole proprietors.
Living
1
Happiness
#82 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Long-term permanent residents of Bulgaria, and people of Bulgarian origin.
Eligibility
Age
You need to be 18 years old on the date you apply.
Official wording
Of full age (18) on the date of application.
Residence
You need to have been granted a permanent or long-term residence permit at least 5 years before applying.
5 years
Residence permit held before applying
Official wording
Granted a permanent or long-term residence permit at least 5 years before applying.
Criminal record
Not convicted by a Bulgarian court of an intentional crime of a general nature.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementLanguage
- Document checklistNaturalisation application to the Minister of Justice
- FeesNaturalisation fees
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 1 document
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bulgaria
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Bulgaria
- Visit & tourismShort-stay (Schengen type C) visa
- StudyProlonged residence for students and researchers
- Work permitsSingle permit for residence and work
- Permanent residenceLong-term (EU) residence and permanent residence permit
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Status in-countryProlonged residence for pensioners
