Bulgaria Citizenship Requirements

Five years since settled permission

The ordinary applicant must be an adult and have obtained permanent or long-term residence permission at least five years before applying. This is not five years from any first visit or temporary residence permit.

Livelihood, criminal and security checks

Income or an occupation must support the applicant in Bulgaria. Bulgarian convictions or pending proceedings for intentional public-prosecution offences can disqualify, subject to rehabilitation. Serious public-order, public-morality, public-health or national-security concerns require refusal even where other conditions are met.

Release rule and nationality exceptions

Release from the previous citizenship is normally required, or must occur upon Bulgarian acquisition. Exceptions include spouses of Bulgarian citizens, EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and citizens of countries covered by a reciprocal treaty. Another country's retention rules still need checking.

Education or citizenship-language evidence

Specified Bulgarian school or higher-education documents can establish language knowledge; other applicants use the Ministry-regulated certification process. The published written exam has 20 questions in 60 minutes, requiring 12 correct answers. The regulation provides an oral alternative for blind applicants, specified disability groups and those over 70.

Personal filing, interview and decree

The application is filed personally with the Justice Ministry or a Bulgarian diplomatic or consular representation, with an interview. Naturalisation is effected by a presidential decree taking effect when issued; satisfying residence alone does not confer citizenship.