Obtaining Bulgarian citizenship requires a genuine link
Bulgarian authorities on alert after EU Court ruling
After extensive work by our lawyers in dealings with governmental officials, we can now state this with certainty. Following the EU Court of Justice decision on Malta, a genuine link with Bulgaria will be required to obtain Bulgarian citizenship.
In its judgement of 29 April 2025, the Court of Justice of the EU stressed that for Union citizenship, it is essential that a person acquiring the nationality of a Member State has a genuine link with that state at the time of naturalisation. If such a link is missing – for example through “golden passport” schemes granting nationality without real residence or integration – it undermines mutual trust and solidarity between Member States, which are fundamental to EU citizenship.
As we explain below, nearly all paths to Bulgarian naturalisation have a genuine link with the country built in. The only exception is citizenship for special merits, which will now require careful scrutiny.
What counts as a genuine link with Bulgaria and how to ensure you have one
A genuine link with a country means a real, meaningful connection with the state. It is more than just a strong wish to obtain citizenship. Factors include long-term residence, family ties, cultural integration, education, or work in the country. It shows the person has responsibilities and certain rights in the society. In citizenship procedures, a genuine link prevents nationality from being bought or treated as a commodity. It ensures citizenship reflects real attachment. Evidence can include living in the country, owning a home, working, or participating in civic life.
Different citizenship paths have already genuine links with Bulgaria built in themselves. For example a person obtaining Bulgarian citizenship by origin has a genuine link with Bulgarian, as he is of Bulgarian origin. A person who acquires citizenship through standard naturalisation also has a genuine link with Bulgaria. This is because he must have lived in the country long enough to obtain permanent residence, the prerequisite for citizenship. A foreigner, married to Bulgarian, can shorten the waiting time to citizenship. He also has a genuine link – his or her Bulgarian spouse.
Bulgarian citizenship for special merits has no genuine link built in it
Citizenship for special merits is a special beast of its own. Basically, citizenship for special merits can be granted to anyone, no administrative or legal prerequisites. After the court decision on Malta however, authorities in Bulgaria will require applicants to demonstrate at least a certain degree of genuine link.
Failing to prove a genuine link with Bulgaria will not block the special merits citizenship process. However, demonstrating a connection gives officials peace of mind that granting citizenship will not raise concerns in Brussels.
Residence permit – the easiest solution to ensure a genuine link with the country
Foreigners eligible for Bulgarian citizenship for special merits often lack prior ties to the country. As already discussed above, Bulgarian authorities will now prioritise candidates with some connection to Bulgaria, following the EU Court’s decision on Malta. This means candidates should, where possible, establish a genuine link with Bulgaria to ease approval for citizenship.
The easiest way1 to swiftly establish a genuine link is to obtain Bulgarian permanent residence permit by investment. This is the so called “Bulgarian Golden Visa”. Getting a permanent residence permit before initiating the special merits citizenship process can be highly beneficial.
1 We are not addressing the other, more “romantic” way to establish a genuine link: marriage to a Bulgarian citizen.
For further assistance
We are providing full service to assist candidates to obtain Bulgarian citizenship. Please contact our offices for any information you might require.