Temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine
Official name: Временна закрила
Bulgaria grants temporary protection on an oral request to the Border Police, the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) or the Ministry of Interior, usually in minutes. Holders get a registration card. The Council of Ministers extended protection to 4 March 2027 (Decision No. 190 of 17 Feb 2026); holders had to re-register in person by 30 April 2026 or their card became invalid.
Life in Bulgaria
Finance
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
Who it’s for
Ukrainian citizens who lived in Ukraine before 24 February 2022, people who had international or equivalent protection in Ukraine before that date, their family members, and some other foreigners and stateless people who left Ukraine because of the fighting.
Eligibility
Who is covered
Covers three groups: Ukrainian residents and families, people with protection in Ukraine and families, and others who left because of hostilities and ask for protection.
From 24 February 2022- Ukrainian citizens must have been resident in Ukraine before 24 February 2022
- Non-Ukrainians and stateless people need international or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before that date
- Others must explicitly ask for temporary protection
Official wording
Ukrainian citizens resident in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and their families; non-Ukrainians and stateless people who had international or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before that date and their families; and foreigners or stateless people who left Ukraine because of the hostilities and explicitly ask for temporary protection.
Re-registrationCurrent holders
Current holders had to re-register in person by 30 April 2026 with a voluntary declaration to keep protection.
- Representatives cannot re-register on your behalf
- Without action, the card was declared invalid and rights were lost
- After 30 April 2026, new cards are issued only at SAR territorial units
Official wording
Holders who want to keep protection had to re-register in person by 30 April 2026 with a voluntary declaration; representatives cannot do it. Without action the card was declared invalid and rights lost. After 30 April 2026 new cards are issued only at SAR territorial units.
Military obligations for new applicantsUkrainian men of military age
New applicants must show, where applicable, that they are fulfilling Ukrainian military obligations.
- Comes from the EU extension
Official wording
Under the EU extension, new applicants must show, where applicable, that they are fulfilling Ukrainian military obligations.
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- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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
- 3 more routes with Premium
