The four principal pathways to acquiring Bulgarian citizenship
We often get the same question over and over again:
How can I get Bulgarian citizenship?
There are basically four main pathways to obtaining Bulgarian citizenship. In order to succeed, you need to posses one of the following:
- Bulgarian roots;
- Wealth;
- Exceptionalism;
- Patience.
Let’s dig into each of these categories below:
Bulgarian roots
According to art. 15, par. 1, p. 1 of the Bulgarian Citizenship Law, persons of Bulgarian origin can obtain Bulgarian citizenship without having to:
- surrender their existing citizenship(s);
- pass Bulgarian language exam;
- spend time in Bulgaria as a resident.
In other word, should Bulgarian origin be proven, citizenship is granted straight away. Of course there are many administrative procedures that need to be passed, so it’s not as easy as it may seem. But again, Bulgarian origin means immediate eligibility for citizenship. Simple and fast.
Caution: scams about Bulgarian origin are very common
Be aware! There are way too many scammers around offering help to “find your Bulgarian roots”. These are mainly criminals from the ex USSR countries and Romania, who lure their victims with false promises.
See also:
- Is a birth certificate always required to prove your Bulgarian origin
- EU citizenship for Americans
- Bulgarian citizenship by origin for Turkish emigrants
Wealth
For those who can afford it, Bulgaria offers one of the best Golden Visa programs in the EU. With an investment starting at only 256 000 EUR, one can qualify for an immediate permanent residence permit and full citizenship after five years.
While five years may seem quite long for many, in reality it isn’t. Getting EU citizenship is not easy, but definitely worth any effort. Following the termination of Malta’s citizenship by investment program by the ECJ, Bulgaria’s Golden Visa stands out as one of the few remaining attractive options.
Alternative options
Foreigners with substantial financial resources may also become eligible for Bulgarian citizenship for special merits in different areas. Please keep reading for more about this pathway to acquiring Bulgarian citizenship.
See also:
- EU citizenship for Americans
- Genuine link with the country – essential for Bulgarian Citizenship
- Important for foreigners holding a permanent residence permit for investment
Exceptionalism
People with exceptional qualities or those who can be of benefit to Bulgaria, have the possibility to obtain Bulgarian citizenship virtually immediately. These are mainly athletes, researchers, scientists, renowned businessmen, philanthropists and others. The Bulgarian citizenship-by-merit program is flexible and provides numerous opportunities for individuals in various situations.
See also:
- EU citizenship for Americans
- Genuine link with the country – essential for Bulgarian Citizenship
- Bulgarian special merits citizenship for the “citizenship collectors”
Patience
And finally, if no other option is available, standard naturalisation remains the last resort. Depending on many factors, such as if the foreigner is married to a Bulgarian citizen or if he has Bulgarian children, Bulgarian citizenship eligibility comes after 6 to 10 years. This is of course too long for many, but in the meantime, the foreigner can hold a Bulgarian residence permit. This means that he will enjoy EU-wide visa-free travel due to the Bulgaria’s Schengen membership. Not bad after all and definitely worth waiting for the Bulgarian passport.
See also:
- Bulgarian citizenship for refugees
- Bulgarian citizenship application not moving forward
- Required documents to get Bulgarian citizenship by origin
Bulgarian citizenship is definitely one of the most desired in the world. Getting it is not as easy as many may want it to be. Still, with our support, nothing is impossible. For any information you might require, please contact our offices.